The specialist entered Emma's bedroom, setting down her medical bag. "I'm Dr. Chen, the maternal stress management therapist Mr. Mitchell arranged."
Emma smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry you came all this way, but I didn't request a therapist."
"Your grandfather was quite insistent," Dr. Chen replied, unperturbed. "Something about 'managing Mitchell stubbornness before it affects the baby.'"
Despite her initial resistance, Emma found herself engaging with Dr. Chen's practical approach. The session focused on concrete stress-reduction techniques she could implement from bed rest—breathing exercises, modified meditation, even specialized visualization for high-achieving patients who found traditional relaxation methods frustrating.
"It's not about stopping work," Dr. Chen explained, sensing Emma's primary concern. "It's about creating mental boundaries around stressors you can't eliminate."
By the end of the hour, Emma had to admit she felt calmer. The constant background tension of ma
