Baby's First Medkit

Posted on 26 Sep 2014 @ 3:44pm by Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen M.D.
Edited on on 26 Sep 2014 @ 4:01pm

1,254 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 06 - Legend of Souls
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 2, T'Vanna's Quarters
Timeline: MD9 - 1800 hrs

[ON]

With a black bag and a gift basket on her lap, Tuula carefully made her way to T'Vanna's quarters. She had intended to visit her earlier, but between surgeries, research on tribble birth control methods, and flag officers pointing phasers at her, she just didn't have the time. It was probably for the best anyways, she reasoned. T'vanna probably had enough excitement over the past couple days without having to deal with her company.

"Hello?" she called out as she pressed the chime. "Emmaline, are you home?"

"I doubt she will be saying much of anything for several months doctor," T'Vanna answered as the door slid open. "Come in doctor." The Vulcan woman was sat on the couch, cradling her newborn to her chest. "I assume you are coming to check up on us and make sure we are taking things calmly?"

"Yes, also I come bearing gifts." Tuula maneuvered herself up to the coffee table. "One for you," she said, as she placed the gift basket, weighed down with such motherly necessities as a bottle of wine and many chocolates, on the coffee table, "and one for Emmaline." She held aloft a little black bag with the words "Baby's first medkit" written on it in a cutesy red font. "How have the two of you been holding up so far?"

Chuckling at the gifts, T'Vanna shifted slightly. "Other than my roommate being absolutely terrified of her, I think we've been doing great. I think. I haven't done much other than feed her and myself, and sleep, really."

"That's great," replied Tuula, staring at the little bundle of joy that she helped bring into the world, not wanting to wake her up. Though she was sure that even if Emmaline did wake up, the soothing sounds of dozens of tribbles cooing would put her back to sleep in no time. "She's so cute and peaceful, like a little angel."

"A little angel with quite the voice if she's hungry or just wants attention," T'Vanna countered. "Do you want to see her?"

"I actually wanted to check on both of you," replied Tuula as she reached into her bag for a medical tricorder. "You can never be too careful when it comes to hybrid babies and their mothers."

"Technically, I'm the hybrid and she's a tribrid," T'Vanna chuckled, shifting to lay the baby on the couch next to her. "I'm just a little sore when I have to walk, that's all. And residual bleeding but that's normal isn't it?"

"Yes, that's perfectly normal," replied Tuula as she waved the tricorder over the baby. "Though you never know for sure with hybrids what is and isn't normal." Tuula carefully scanned the baby, furrowing her brow as she stared at the readings. ", but Vulcan-Betazoid-Human hybrids are very rare. Their distinct body chemistry and anatomy means that little Emmaline here is quite the miracle. I'd like her to come into sickbay every couple of weeks, just so I can keep track of her development in these critical phases."

"Whatever you think is best for her, medically speaking," T'Vanna agreed, without hesitation. Her pregnancy might not've been exactly planned nor really welcome, but she'd be damned if she would let her child suffer for her own stupidity.

"One other thing," added Tuula. She bit her lip for a moment, a little "tell" that she was about to give the bad news. "There is not a lot of data out there because such a combination is very rare, but statistically, Vulcan-Betazoid hybrids are more likely to struggle with developmental disorders and mental health issues. I can't speak for Vulcan-Betazoid-Human hybrids as very little research has been done, but it's something that we will have to watch out for as she grows up."

"Surely, there's teachers here? I mean, telepaths that could guide her along?" She sighed, shaking her head. "I'm referring to full blood Betazoids or Vulcans..."

"There are plenty of resources out there," started Tuula, "just not a lot of specialists with expertise with telepathic hybrids." She looked down at Emmaline and let out a smile. As a doctor, she had changed a lot of lives, but helping bring Emmaline into the world was by far the most precious moment in her career to date. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," she added, looking back at T'Vanna. "She'll probably be fine, and most of these conditions can be managed with medication and--"

"WAAAAAAAH!" Tuula was interrupted by Emmeline's cry. She froze for a moment and locked eyes with T'Vanna, a helpless expression on her face.

"Pick her up and hold her," T'Vanna suggested, "she can't be hungry, she's just fed."

"Okay," said Tuula as she carefully reached for Emmaline and cradled the crying baby in her arms. "Don't cry, Emma, Tuula is here." Not being a mother, she didn't quite know how to deal with it. She held Emma against her chest and rocked her to and fro, trying to get her to calm down. After a few moments of this, Emma stopped crying. Tuula was relieved for a split second, until she felt the wetness on her uniform. Emma's vomit soaked the shoulder of her uniform and ran down onto her chest. "Awwww, baby had to burp?" she said in a cutesy voice before adjusting Emma's position to cradle her in her arms. Looking down, she could see Emma smiling -- a good sign. "Do you have a towel?" Tuula asked T'Vanna.

"Of course..." Gingerly, T'Vanna got up and waded through the tribbles that were scattered all around. Seconds later she came back with a small towel. "She's very quiet, doesn't overly cry much, and she drinks well. I just...I'm concerned about her diapers...I mean...there's very little...secretions?"

"Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding?" asked Tuula as she dabbed up the baby's spit, and placed the towel over her shoulder, holding Emma in her lap.

"Breastfeeding." The Vulcan woman asked without seeming embarrassed about it. "Whenever I can, and I don't care if it's in private or in public. I cover her up if it's not at home, like I did in sickbay."

"Hmmmm," thought Tuula as she placed the baby up against her chest, the towel on her shoulder to protect herself from any more burping incidents. "It's common for newborn babies to not release any excrement for a few days, once they've passed their meconium. If she's still not going after a couple days, bring her in to sickbay."

"I will," T'Vanna promised. "Is she still healthy though? I know she's only hours old but still... I know nothing about babies, Tuula, I'm doing all this on what feels right."

"She's perfectly healthy." Tuula glanced over at Emma, her head resting on her shoulder, and smiled. "And cute too." Tuula looked back at T'Vanna. "A mother's instinct is an amazing thing, but I can send you some reading material to supplement that. If there's anything you need, or if you're ever worried, don't hesitate to contact me or bring little Emmaline down to sickbay."

"I think I would like that reading material, and maybe get in touch with other parents on this ship?" She arched an eyebrow at the doctor, awaiting her response.

"That's a great idea!" Tuula smiled at T'Vanna. "They'll know better than anyone how to raise a child on a small starship."

[OFF]

Ensign T'Vanna Murray
Asst Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (J.G.) Tuula Voutilainen, M.D.
Medical Officer
USS Galileo

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