Giving birth in Japan vs. Giving birth in the UK

[Angelfish]

I am a British woman (British husband) living in Japan and we're currently trying for a baby. If we've got lucky this month, baby would be due around April 26th. My question is, what would you say the pros and cons are of birth in Japan vs. UK? Although the cost of the flights and cost of Japanese hospital probably cancel each other out.

Japan: Pros - No flight, not as much hassle for visa and passport, continuous medical support throughout pregnancy.
Cons - Expensive, long hospital stay for birth (1 week right?), probably no English-speaking staff during delivery (I'm not near a major city).

UK: Pros - Cheap (free), English-speaking staff, more family support
Cons - Getting there, possible hassles with baby's passport and visa and getting back into Japan.

I could probably go back to the UK for 2 weeks (maybe 3 at a push) but babies often don't come on their due date so it could be a bit risky.

Does anyone have any thoughts or anything else I missed?

[kanazawaku]

Doctors usually advise against traveling in the 3 rd trimester, and most airlines prohibit traveling after 35 weeks, If I remember correctly.

I don't think the idea of going to the UK just for the birth is realistic. There's a big window even for babies born full term, anywhere from 36 to 42 weeks. Since doctors advise against taking babies younger than a month on airplanes, you would need to plan on being gone for 2 or 3 months. Things don't always go as well as we plan, especially when children are involved. If you were intent on having he baby in your home country, I would recommend going by week 28.

For what it's worth, I've had 2 babies in Japan, and the care was excellent both times. Pain relief is not usually available, but don't let that scare you too much. If I can do it, anyone can. I liked the long hospital stay. It gives you a chance to rest, which you will not be vale to do at home, and to get support from lactation specialists, which I was so thankful for! I've heard some hospitals are not as good about that, though, so now is the time for you to start researching different options. Good luck!

[wzwzwz]

Check which airlines let you fly when you're two weeks away from giving birth. Probably not many I'd imagine.

[blindbat]

My wife gave birth in a children's hospital that specializes in child care. She is a registered nurse (10 years in a children's hospital) and has a Masters in Midwifery so in effect was higher qualified than most everyone in the hospital save for the doctors yet she received substandard care. She went into labor around 2:30am. they woke up the resident doctor, he poked around for 5 minutes, told my wife gambatte and went back to sleep. For the next 5 hours my wife pushed and pushed but no baby. Around 7am the guy came back, nice and fresh, well he slept for the whole night, saw that there is no progress so out came the ultrasound machine and they determined that Bat junior was face up, he didn't turn as he was supposed to. So I asked for the solution and they said Cesarean section. Naturally I asked the guy why he didn't check the baby's position at 2:30 when my wife went into labor?! All of a sudden he didn't speak English. Then I asked when is the c-section happening? Well, maybe around 10am they said. I blew a fuse! It was a facking hospital specialized in prenatal, birth and after care yet they had no emergency staff, no ability to conduct any kind of surgery before 10am and after 6pm. What the fack??? So she pushed for another 2 and a half hour for absolutely nothing and finally they wheeled her in around 10am. When the baby arrived he looked like the kid from the movie Coneheads as babies' skulls are quite soft and he was stuck in the birth-canal for a long time so his head deformed. I almost got a heart attack and went looking for the night doctor to have a bit of a chat. Luckily (for him and for me in retrospect) he left for the day and my mother-in-law assured me that junior's head will go back to the usual round shape after some time.
Of course I do realize it wasn't the doctor's fault really as the owners/administrators of the hospital decide what level of care they offer and obviously they didn't want to spend money for emergency staff.
But that also shows how much concern they have for their patients.
So if you choose to give birth here make sure you choose the hospital wisely.
I would never ever have any major operation done in Japan. While the technology might be topnotch their skills are marginal at best. As my wife spent about two weeks there when Junior was too eager to come around month 7 I did observe the level of care.
They are programmed machines, no personal service whatsoever.
Also, you will have to have the birth certificate translated, then go to the British Embassy have it registered, apply for citizenship, etc. I am not sure about the British procedures but it would be wise to call your embassy and make some inquires.

[Angelfish]

Thanks for your responses. I thought it'd probably be unrealistic. 2 to 3 months really wouldn't be feasible at all.

I really don't have any idea about the care given in the UK, so I couldn't say if it's any better or worse than in Japan. My sister is due in Sept, so I'm sure she'll be able to tell me the score on that.

I'm not overly attached to going back to the UK or anything, I was just curious if there was anything I should know, but by the sounds of it, staying in Japan seems to be the far better option.

Again, thanks for your info

[well_bicyclically]

Christ!! just pick a rice field and squat!

[Gaijin Samurai]

UK: Pros - English-speaking staff

This is debatable. My wife is Japanese but we live in Japan now. She gave birth to our first child in the UK in a reasonable NHS hospital. However, the English proficiency of the non-English staff was poor. As capable as staff they were, their poor English was quite distressing for my wife (whose English is very good and much better than most of the staff in this particular experience).

Of course, if you go private or will be giving birth outside of Greater London, this shouldnt be an issue!

[cucashopboy]

Also, you will have to have the birth certificate translated, then go to the British Embassy have it registered, apply for citizenship, etc. I am not sure about the British procedures but it would be wise to call your embassy and make some inquires.

That bit's not correct. The birth certificates of our two children, both born in Japan, did not need translating when I registered their births at the British embassy.

[nynapaj]

Pro- If you have the child in Japan it will be able to go to and from Japan until the child is 25 (or was it 20??). You are British, so there is no problem going to and from the UK, but it is always good for a young person to have a second citizenship in their back pocket.

[rich dude kryptonite]

Pro- If you have the child in Japan it will be able to go to and from Japan until the child is 25 (or was it 20??). You are British, so there is no problem going to and from the UK, but it is always good for a young person to have a second citizenship in their back pocket.

This is not correct. Unless one parent has Japanese citizenship, the child will not get Japanese citizenship.

OP- for what it's worth, I think Japanese prenatal care and birth practices are the best in the world. I really recommend a midwife clinic. Please PM me if you would like a list of midwives.

[nynapaj]

This is not correct. Unless one parent has Japanese citizenship, the child will not get Japanese citizenship.

Really!? Being born in Japan gives the kids no rights more than if the kids were born abroad??

[MontanaGriz]

Really!? Being born in Japan gives the kids no rights more than if the kids were born abroad??

Correct. America gives free citizenship to all newborns not japan.

[ballbags]

Indeed. The UK no longer gives citizenship based on place of birth either. Born in the UK does not guarantee British Citizenship. If the father or mother is British born, yes. If the father became British through naturalisation, maybe.

My wife (Japanese) just gave birth to our first child and the hospital in Osaka was great. Staff were friendly even though nobody spoke English. I was present for the whole birth, supporting my wife. Nobody spoke English. We had no problems whatsoever. We arrived at 4am and were taken care of very well by two excellent nurses, with child arriving around 9am. By that time there had already been four births delivered during the early hours.

Being kept in the hospital for 6 days is great also. My wife just couldn't get the breast-feeding right, and she got a lot of expert guidance and comfort from the staff. In those 6 days she went to two or three morning workshops in the maternity block. One on breast-feeding, one on bathing, etc. When she wanted a shower or was feeling a bit overwhelmed she could take the baby to the nurse station for an hour or two, drop him off and get some decent sleep in. She loved it. Also she could chat with the other new-moms in the ward about this and that. All very supportive. Baby got daily check-ups for example jaundice, hearing impairment, fever, toilet frequency. Mother got time to recover from the (natural) birth. She also got three nutritious, large meals each day, free nappies, free breast pads, free baby clothes, free soaps and stuff from sponsors.

The maternity ward was also very secure, with all visitors requiring a magnetic swipe card to gain entry to the ward. No one except the father could enter the bedroom area. Father could stay 24 hours.

Finally, if you have been paying the government health insurance, the birth will cost only about 50,000yen. The government/city will pay the other 400,000yen. After the birth, make sure you register for Child Allowance (currently 13,000yen a month) within 14 days.

[Morton]

Even if you don't live in big city there seems to be loads of private clinics around. Pop in to them, pich up a brochure and explain your concerns. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find one where someone spoke passable English.

I'm a man but my wife had our first two kids in a hospital and our second two in a private clinic. I can't think of any problems, really the care was excellent.

[Angelfish]

Sounds like mostly good news for birth in Japan. Thanks for all sharing your stories.

I've Googled my city for birth clinics and there seems to be a very nice looking one close by, so if I get lucky, I think that's the one I'll be checking out.

From the sounds of it, Japanese maternity is a lot better than UK maternity care, so I think I'll definitely stick with it over here.

[aloevera]

Really!? Being born in Japan gives the kids no rights more than if the kids were born abroad??

problem with you nynapaj is you are moron. you give advise about things you dont know.

shut up man.

[aloevera]

Sounds like mostly good news for birth in Japan. Thanks for all sharing your stories.

I've Googled my city for birth clinics and there seems to be a very nice looking one close by, so if I get lucky, I think that's the one I'll be checking out.

From the sounds of it, Japanese maternity is a lot better than UK maternity care, so I think I'll definitely stick with it over here.

problem is cost.
private clinics will charge you eye and eye.
and if something happens, they send mother or baby to general hospital.
better go to general hospital. cheaper plus you have whole hospi facilities for you.

[rich dude kryptonite]

problem is cost.
private clinics will charge you eye and eye.
and if something happens, they send mother or baby to general hospital.
better go to general hospital. cheaper plus you have whole hospi facilities for you.

Problem is, you don't know what you are talking about.

As soon as you register your pregnancy you will receive a mother-child handbook (boshi-techo) which includes a large number of tickets for free checkups. My municipality provides 15, and with my last birth I had 3 left over. The only money I paid for prenatal care during my last pregnancy was the initial diagnostic ultrasound (about 800 yen because I was already registered there).

As for the birth- your employer or municipality will now make advance payment to your chosen clinic, so you no longer have to pay in advance. With my first baby they demanded a 20man downpayment at the clinic. With my second they had brought in advance payment, so I just signed something in advance to get the money to go from my employer's insurance to the clinic. When I switched to a midwife clinic halfway through my pregnancy there was no problem switching the payment as well. My third was a homebirth and the midwife attending took the previous payment and then I got 10 man back after.

If you do it right, you should make money on the birth. My first birth cost 31man at a clinic (stayed 4 nights, received 33 man from insurance). My second birth cost 29 man at a midwife clinic (stayed 2 nights, so did my husband and child, received 33 man from insurance). My third birth at home cost 23 man (received 33 man from insurance). I expect to have this next one at home as well, and since the payments have increased to 40man I will get a lot back.

[aloevera]

Problem is, you don't know what you are talking about.

As soon as you register your pregnancy you will receive a mother-child handbook (boshi-techo) which includes a large number of tickets for free checkups. My municipality provides 15, and with my last birth I had 3 left over. The only money I paid for prenatal care during my last pregnancy was the initial diagnostic ultrasound (about 800 yen because I was already registered there).

As for the birth- your employer or municipality will now make advance payment to your chosen clinic, so you no longer have to pay in advance. With my first baby they demanded a 20man downpayment at the clinic. With my second they had brought in advance payment, so I just signed something in advance to get the money to go from my employer's insurance to the clinic. When I switched to a midwife clinic halfway through my pregnancy there was no problem switching the payment as well. My third was a homebirth and the midwife attending took the previous payment and then I got 10 man back after.

If you do it right, you should make money on the birth. My first birth cost 31man at a clinic (stayed 4 nights, received 33 man from insurance). My second birth cost 29 man at a midwife clinic (stayed 2 nights, so did my husband and child, received 33 man from insurance). My third birth at home cost 23 man (received 33 man from insurance). I expect to have this next one at home as well, and since the payments have increased to 40man I will get a lot back.

dear rich dude whatever,
I don’t think you will do good at phd because you assume too many things. You assume I don’t know. Wrong.

Since OP was talking about delivery, your tale about prenatal care is peeing in face. No sense. Everybody get it. I don’t talk about it.

If you like popping up baby at home, good for you. It is cheap indeed. But you got problem and rush to hospital will be unforgettable experience.

If you want have baby in GH, you pay what government pays, more or less. If you have kid during night shift, definitely you pay more.

If you have baby in private clinic, you end up paying more than in GH, plus in case something wrong, they will take you or baby to hospital, separately.

Private clinic will never cost less than GH.

Midwife clinic. Yes, cheaper than GH. But again, you put in balance money and risk.

Having baby home, may be cheaper. But saying you make money out of it… you make it, but taking risk. I don’t like taking risk with baby. You like it, good for you.

Any decent hospital will charge plus 40 man per baby minimum in big cities. Inaka different story.

Bye bye oven.

Ps. By the way, when did you have last monkey? I think your data is out of date.

[rich dude kryptonite]

dear rich dude whatever,
Ps. By the way, when did you have last monkey? I think your data is out of date.

When did you have your last monkey???

My youngest is not yet 2 years old. I am currently pregnant, and have made reservations for the next birth. My info is definitely up to date.

Assisted homebirth is just as safe as a hospital birth. Look to the Netherlands for years and years of studies. I know you don't care, but I am close enough to a surgical ob/gyn if I have any emergencies that I could walk, in labour, and still arrive before an operating room would be prepped. No chance of mixing up babies or getting infections from other people in the hospital if you have the baby at home.

General hospitals are the last resort for a pregnant woman in Japan. If you have no complications you (and by you I mean women, obviously not the man who keeps questioning without having any idea) probably will not even be allowed to give birth there. Heard all those stories about hospitals refusing pregnant women in distress? Those aren't midwife clinics or private clinics. General hospitals are no one's first choice. The waits are long, the care is efficient but nothing like the hotel environment of most private clinics. There is no rappore developed with the staff who will be with you during labour, as the doctors and midwives are different each time. I spent almost two months on bed rest in a general hospital with my oldest son, the best in my city (not the inaka, btw), and it wasn't a patch on any of the other places. Not to mention how conservative the doctors were- no swimming or sex during an entire pregnancy? No bloody thank you.

Listen, if a woman wants to give birth in a general hospital, more power to her. But they aren't the safest or best choice unless a woman has a specific issue.

Birth in Japan is a business and doctors are well aware of how to milk women for every yen. Want to save money on the birth? Don't stay a ridiculous amount of time in a hospital. Don't take the marked-up hospital pack (bring your own damn gauze and pads). Share a room. I think the cities have the best deals as they are competitive with other clinics for a ever smaller number of births. But you can lower costs anywhere.

[aloevera]

When did you have your last monkey???

My youngest is not yet 2 years old. I am currently pregnant, and have made reservations for the next birth. My info is definitely up to date.

Assisted homebirth is just as safe as a hospital birth. Look to the Netherlands for years and years of studies. I know you don't care, but I am close enough to a surgical ob/gyn if I have any emergencies that I could walk, in labour, and still arrive before an operating room would be prepped. No chance of mixing up babies or getting infections from other people in the hospital if you have the baby at home.

General hospitals are the last resort for a pregnant woman in Japan. If you have no complications you (and by you I mean women, obviously not the man who keeps questioning without having any idea) probably will not even be allowed to give birth there. Heard all those stories about hospitals refusing pregnant women in distress? Those aren't midwife clinics or private clinics. General hospitals are no one's first choice. The waits are long, the care is efficient but nothing like the hotel environment of most private clinics. There is no rappore developed with the staff who will be with you during labour, as the doctors and midwives are different each time. I spent almost two months on bed rest in a general hospital with my oldest son, the best in my city (not the inaka, btw), and it wasn't a patch on any of the other places. Not to mention how conservative the doctors were- no swimming or sex during an entire pregnancy? No bloody thank you.

Listen, if a woman wants to give birth in a general hospital, more power to her. But they aren't the safest or best choice unless a woman has a specific issue.

Birth in Japan is a business and doctors are well aware of how to milk women for every yen. Want to save money on the birth? Don't stay a ridiculous amount of time in a hospital. Don't take the marked-up hospital pack (bring your own damn gauze and pads). Share a room. I think the cities have the best deals as they are competitive with other clinics for a ever smaller number of births. But you can lower costs anywhere.

hundreds of years of evolution in medical practice and hippies wannabes now prefer having baby home. most unconscious behaviour i can imagine. if something goes wrong, you are basically fack.

by the way, dont take netherlands as example of good medical practice.

i see you are jumpy girl. jump jump.

[cucashopboy]

hundreds of years of evolution in medical practice and hippies wannabes now prefer having baby home. most unconscious behaviour i can imagine. if something goes wrong, you are basically fack.

by the way, dont take netherlands as example of good medical practice.

i see you are jumpy girl. jump jump.

Medical practice is great for illnesses but giving birth is not an illness!

My wife had both kids at home in Japan and I can't think of anyone less 'hippy wannabe' than her.
You are not 'basically fack' if something goes wrong. If the birth is expected to be anything but straightforward it takes place at hospital. There is also an emergency plan just in case something does go wrong during the birth - and things rarely suddenly go wrong.

By the way, if anyone is thinking of having a homebirth in Tokyo, I can recommend an excellent midwife, although she doesn't speak any English.

[rich dude kryptonite]

hundreds of years of evolution in medical practice and hippies wannabes now prefer having baby home. most unconscious behaviour i can imagine. if something goes wrong, you are basically fack.

by the way, dont take netherlands as example of good medical practice.

Why in the world not? Any studies to back up your claims?

Assisted homebirth doesn't exactly discount medical innovations. Midwives come with Dopplers, fetal stethescopes, blood pressure cuffs, sutures, oxytocin, and cell phones with which to call a surgeon (that's what obgyns are) if there are signs of distress. Not to mention that they have everything of theirs sterilized. What they don't come with are attitudes like yours.

Clinics and hospitals treat their patients like cogs on an assembly line. If you were to actually go into an obgyn clinic for an exam you would understand. Your naked crotch is shoved through a curtain along with other women while the doctors and midvies bustle around on the other side. This can be very uncomfortable for western women. I hope that women who are uncomfortable with that will understand that there is an alternative.

If you don't want a midwife birth, don't have one. Just don't try to use scare tactics against people who do want a safe and reduced anxiety birth experience.

[aloevera]

Why in the world not? Any studies to back up your claims?

Assisted homebirth doesn't exactly discount medical innovations. Midwives come with Dopplers, fetal stethescopes, blood pressure cuffs, sutures, oxytocin, and cell phones with which to call a surgeon (that's what obgyns are) if there are signs of distress. Not to mention that they have everything of theirs sterilized. What they don't come with are attitudes like yours.

Clinics and hospitals treat their patients like cogs on an assembly line. If you were to actually go into an obgyn clinic for an exam you would understand. Your naked crotch is shoved through a curtain along with other women while the doctors and midvies bustle around on the other side. This can be very uncomfortable for western women. I hope that women who are uncomfortable with that will understand that there is an alternative.

If you don't want a midwife birth, don't have one. Just don't try to use scare tactics against people who do want a safe and reduced anxiety birth experience.

having baby at home is idiotic. i would not let doctor extirpate apendix at home. i agree pregnancy is not illness. but delivery is not picnic. fooling around with let:s have it at home otherwise i feel stress is example of what is wrong in society.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...mortality_rate

netherlands position 21 in mortality rate. pretty good. 21st. i mean, first 20 countries are better. japan included.

netherlands medical system is pretty bad.


as for cost. from japan times

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-b...0100617a3.html

expected cost averaged 423.000, actually, what government gives. actually, what i said above, few post back.


basically you are midlle age cheese cake starbucks eater self centered and unconscious. god bless you.


Expected costs of childbirth in Japan
A 2009 health ministry-funded survey of 2,886 hospitals and clinics showed that the average cost of delivery was \423,957 nationally, and \459,260 in the Kanto region. The cheapest area in which to give birth was the Kyushu- Okinawa region, where the average cost was \393,671.
The average length of stay was 6.28 days nationally. Prices are higher if you choose a single room, give birth at night or on a weekend and ask for an epidural.
Women covered by the public health insurance scheme can get up to \420,000 of their costs subsidized by the government.
Costs of prenatal visits to doctors and midwives also vary, but many municipal governments issue vouchers for free prenatal screenings at hospitals, clinics and midwife-led birth centers.(T.O.)

[possum]

having baby at home is idiotic. i would not let doctor extirpate apendix at home. i agree pregnancy is not illness. but delivery is not picnic. fooling around with let:s have it at home otherwise i feel stress is example of what is wrong in society.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...mortality_rate

netherlands position 21 in mortality rate. pretty good. 21st. i mean, first 20 countries are better. japan included.

netherlands medical system is pretty bad.


as for cost. from japan times

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-b...0100617a3.html

expected cost averaged 423.000, actually, what government gives. actually, what i said above, few post back.


basically you are midlle age cheese cake starbucks eater self centered and unconscious. god bless you.


Expected costs of childbirth in Japan
A 2009 health ministry-funded survey of 2,886 hospitals and clinics showed that the average cost of delivery was \423,957 nationally, and \459,260 in the Kanto region. The cheapest area in which to give birth was the Kyushu- Okinawa region, where the average cost was \393,671.
The average length of stay was 6.28 days nationally. Prices are higher if you choose a single room, give birth at night or on a weekend and ask for an epidural.
Women covered by the public health insurance scheme can get up to \420,000 of their costs subsidized by the government.
Costs of prenatal visits to doctors and midwives also vary, but many municipal governments issue vouchers for free prenatal screenings at hospitals, clinics and midwife-led birth centers.(T.O.)

Have you (or your partner) actually HAD a baby? Either in Japan or elsewhere?

[society mike]

just ignore aloevera


My wife (Okinawan) and I had our twins (more so my wife than I) in Okinawa last December, we started at a private birthing hospital, the best we could find, but after some complications (that turned into many) she had to be moved to a General Hospital in Naha.
The care, facilities, and comfort level of the private hospital was amazing, like a Hotel, great menu, rooms, etc. as expected. The General hospital was actually surprisingly great as well. While the facilities weren't as classy as the private, we actually ended up liking the care and information we got from the general hospital much better.
My wife was hospitalized for 3 weeks before the birth and a week after, then of course the twins came 2 months early so they were also there for a month. (1300g each)
We got constant updates, options, information, and great care at all times. Our experience was actually great, despite the complications. Our Doctor was on point, she also handled multiple births with a couple other Doctors, 3 other sets of twins and 6 singles THAT week! (it was a rare case)
We maintained her health insurance so everything was covered. Like mentioned above, we actually got money back with minimal out of our pocket ahead of time. With the normal cost of the births, added to her month long stay and procedures, drugs, and the babies month long stay, complications, drugs, etc.. the total cost was astronomical but like I said, insurance covered it all, and what wasn't covered, was taken care of out of the nice chunk of cash we got from the local City office.
There is no doubt that we would do it again in a Japanese Hospital, even a general hospital (in okinawa since they are rated higher than most mainland). We haven't had experience in birthing in the US or UK but my mother is an Obstetrician in the US and after sharing our experience with her, she says birthing here in Japan sounds leaps and bounds better than in the US. (then again the US system is facked)

[aloevera]

Have you (or your partner) actually HAD a baby? Either in Japan or elsewhere?

i wont disclose personal info.
what is your argument if i say yes.
what is your argument if i say no.

?

[aloevera]

just ignore aloevera


My wife (Okinawan) and I had our twins (more so my wife than I) in Okinawa last December, we started at a private birthing hospital, the best we could find, but after some complications (that turned into many) she had to be moved to a General Hospital in Naha.
The care, facilities, and comfort level of the private hospital was amazing, like a Hotel, great menu, rooms, etc. as expected. The General hospital was actually surprisingly great as well. While the facilities weren't as classy as the private, we actually ended up liking the care and information we got from the general hospital much better.
My wife was hospitalized for 3 weeks before the birth and a week after, then of course the twins came 2 months early so they were also there for a month. (1300g each)
We got constant updates, options, information, and great care at all times. Our experience was actually great, despite the complications. Our Doctor was on point, she also handled multiple births with a couple other Doctors, 3 other sets of twins and 6 singles THAT week! (it was a rare case)
We maintained her health insurance so everything was covered. Like mentioned above, we actually got money back with minimal out of our pocket ahead of time. With the normal cost of the births, added to her month long stay and procedures, drugs, and the babies month long stay, complications, drugs, etc.. the total cost was astronomical but like I said, insurance covered it all, and what wasn't covered, was taken care of out of the nice chunk of cash we got from the local City office.
There is no doubt that we would do it again in a Japanese Hospital, even a general hospital (in okinawa since they are rated higher than most mainland). We haven't had experience in birthing in the US or UK but my mother is an Obstetrician in the US and after sharing our experience with her, she says birthing here in Japan sounds leaps and bounds better than in the US. (then again the US system is facked)

so basically you are giving me reason. delivery at GH is ok, but at home risky (in your situation).
and it cost money.

[6810]

more importantly though, don't feed your newborn with formula containing unfermented soy products (anything that isn't soy sauce, miso or natto). As the cactus (Hello Vera) above will let you know via google searches, wikipedia truth and searches of the Japan Times this will turn your baby boy into a girl! Or worse yet, your baby girl into a... wait a minute...

[Effected After]

i wont disclose personal info.
what is your argument if i say yes.
what is your argument if i say no.

?

If you say yes: You're an idiot because you've had a baby and still can't get your facts straight.
If you say no: You're an idiot because not only are you talking about something you have no clue about, you are wrong with what you are saying.

So what it comes down to is that you really don't need to give any personal information - we can all tell you are an idiot regardless of what you would answer.

[aloevera]

If you say yes: You're an idiot because you've had a baby and still can't get your facts straight.
If you say no: You're an idiot because not only are you talking about something you have no clue about, you are wrong with what you are saying.

So what it comes down to is that you really don't need to give any personal information - we can all tell you are an idiot regardless of what you would answer.

ah, same old story.

you guys cant think out of the box at all.

delivery home vs delivery hospital -> common sense says it all.
cheap vs expensive -> check any hospital (even website) and you get price.
health system in netherlands-> good.
health care in netherlands -> bad. any research says so.

plus, all info first hand thanks to extended family disseminated all over world.

of course, i am ignorant. you guys are smart.

effected, is your wife happy lately? remember... the milk man... clock is ticking... she will dump you sooner or later... she is japanese...

[Effected After]

of course, i am ignorant. you guys are smart.

Now you are starting to get it! I guess you are smart enough to realize you are ignorant. Very zen of you.

effected, is your wife happy lately? remember... the milk man... clock is ticking... she will dump you sooner or later... she is japanese...

You are making that same error as so many others do - assuming that because something happened to you, it will happen to everyone.

[ButterScotch]

OP, Congratulations!

Perosnally, I went home to have my baby.

I hear episiotimies are still the norm here if you have a vaginal birth.
If you want a c-section, it is highly unlikely you will be able to choose one in Japan.
I hear they don't like to give painkillers during or after childbirth.
If you aren't nervous about childbirth, kudos to you. I was a bit scarred TBH.
I wanted to be able to understand what was being said, and wanted to be understood.

To each their own...but goodluck whatever choice you make.

[Sira]

OP, Congratulations!

Perosnally, I went home to have my baby.

I hear episiotimies are still the norm here if you have a vaginal birth.
If you want a c-section, it is highly unlikely you will be able to choose one in Japan.
I hear they don't like to give painkillers during or after childbirth.
If you aren't nervous about childbirth, kudos to you. I was a bit scarred TBH.
I wanted to be able to understand what was being said, and wanted to be understood.

To each their own...but goodluck whatever choice you make.

I am pregnant now, and the FAQ on the website of the small hospital I will probably give birth at states that episiotomies are not routine and only given if deemed necessary.

Is being able to choose a c-section really a good thing? I'm kind of astounded that anyone would, and if they did, that the doctors would agree- to me it's something to be done only if it is absolutely necessary. An elective c-section would be like going to a hospital and asking to have your appendix out when there's no need to.

It looks like the hospital I am going to doesn't offer painkillers, but it is an option at the hospital a friend of mine is going to, so if you shop around, you may find a place that will give them. My mother gave birth to us without painkillers, all my Japanese friends with children have managed it, so I assume I can do it as well.

I understand not wanting to have communication problems- luckily my Japanese is at a level where all I need to do is learn a bit of the technical vocab and I should be fine, but I would hate to have a language barrier in that situation.

[RadiantBase]

effected, is your wife happy lately? remember... the milk man... clock is ticking... she will dump you sooner or later... she is japanese...

You are making that same error as so many others do - assuming that because something happened to you, it will happen to everyone.

...a-ha... he got hurt... the clock is ticking for the milk man...

[society mike]

the thing with the painkillers...
At my wife's hospital (and later at the General Hospital she was moved to) she had the option of painkillers if she wanted, before or after. In fact she used quite a bit afterwards especially. I've never heard (from friends) anything about being denied pain killers, however, from what I understand, it's more of an insurance thing. Sometimes most of the painkillers are not covered in their insurance policies, so many people don't opt for them and neither do hospitals "offer" them openly, but my wife's insurance covered everything so we didn't worry about it.

[Seattlegirl]

OP: I did NOT give birth in Japan; I was too skeptical of it back in the day and it's one of the main reasons my J-husband and I moved to the U.S. I heard lots of stories about how births were planned by the doctor around his schedule (including several Japanese mothers who gave birth this way, so I'm not just talking out of my @___ here) and about how painkillers are not used because a woman is supposed to "gaman!". After reading through this thread, now I would probably go ahead and give birth in Japan.

My comments are more general and are applicable to childbirth anywhere.

I have read the comments about painkillers with some concern because if that includes the epidural, then make sure about that before birth. If someone tells you, "I did it without painkillers, my sister did it, my best friend did it, my sister's friend's roommate's best friend from kindergarten did it", your response is "Good for them!" They are not you. You may be prepared to give birth without painkillers but during labor may discover that you really need them. So I would say, make sure that they are available in case you need them.

My own experience: I was almost brain-washed in my childbirth class against epidurals, painkillers and episiotamies. Guess what?? I needed all of them. After several hours of labor (don't even ask!) I was finally told by my doctor that if I didn't take something, she would have to do a C-section. I burst into tears because I felt like a "failure" since I had been told so often "painkillers are unnecessary!!" (Now, of course, I realize that it was just the experience of going through childbirth that made me crazy at the time!) Also, the baby was facing up. So finally after hours of back labor, I got the epidural. One of the sweetest moments of my life, I kid you not. After the epidural, they left us in peace in a darkened room. I was able to relax and finally the baby turned over and I was able to give birth. And since I was tearing, a quick episiotamy was done. The doctor reckoned we'd both been through enough trauma (I'm talking 15 hours of labor here!).

My experience is just that, mine. Of course I know women who gave birth without any of this. I also know quite a few women who, like me, swore they'd never get an epidural or use other pain methods. In the midst of childbirth, you just may need them, and it's better to have them available. Screw "gaman"; I don't see the benefit. I do wish I'd been able to stay longer in the hospital. Sounds like Japan is better for that! My insurance had no problems paying for the drugs but the stay was short.

So good luck on you, OP!! When it happens, I wish for you a speedy birth without drugs. I think that's what every woman would love. Just beware that it doesn't always happen that way.

Let's not even get started about breastfeeding....

[ButterScotch]

Sira- you're a judgemental little ____, aren't you?

So, the hospital you chose says they only do an episiotomy when necessary. Sure they do... I have heard that Japan has one of the highest episiotomy rates, in the developed world.

Well, I'm not going to be a judgemental pratt like you- each woman is different, and can cope with different things. Who are you to judge? I didn't choose to have a c-section- it was medically necessary, but I acknowledge that some people may want to choose. Let's see how pompous you are AFTER you have actually had your baby.

I don't care that previous generations or you japanese friends went through it without painkillers; doesn't mean we have to! Some people have said they'd never use pain relief, but when it came down to the crunch, they had to. Before you judge people for choosing to use pain relief, you should go through childbirth first. Having not gone through childbirth before, clearly, you don't know what you're talking about, so your militant beliefs and arrogant statements are worthless.

[rich dude kryptonite]

I don't care that previous generations or you japanese friends went through it without painkillers; doesn't mean we have to! Some people have said they'd never use pain relief, but when it came down to the crunch, they had to.

There are other people who have gone through childbirth without pain relief and prefer it that way.

I had an epidural with my first birth (it went wrong and I felt everything plus extra stabbing pain in my spine), plus it slowed down labour (39 hours) and I ended up with an episiotomy and two 3rd degree tears.

My second and third children were born naturally and the births were much shorter, less painful because I could use natural methods of pain relief (moving my body rather than being strapped down, and water with my second), and I only tore slightly the second time. The recovery time was almost nil, and I only spent 8 and 11 hours in labour those times.

Women do have many choices, it does no good to assume every person will have the same birth experience as someone else.

I think you are reading more into Sira's post than she wrote. I didn't see anything judgmental about her post at all.

[Opalfruitina]

I am pregnant now, and the FAQ on the website of the small hospital I will probably give birth at states that episiotomies are not routine and only given if deemed necessary.

Is being able to choose a c-section really a good thing? I'm kind of astounded that anyone would, and if they did, that the doctors would agree- to me it's something to be done only if it is absolutely necessary. An elective c-section would be like going to a hospital and asking to have your appendix out when there's no need to.

It looks like the hospital I am going to doesn't offer painkillers, but it is an option at the hospital a friend of mine is going to, so if you shop around, you may find a place that will give them. My mother gave birth to us without painkillers, all my Japanese friends with children have managed it, so I assume I can do it as well.

I understand not wanting to have communication problems- luckily my Japanese is at a level where all I need to do is learn a bit of the technical vocab and I should be fine, but I would hate to have a language barrier in that situation.

Seriously..you know everything about every subject already (anyone ever read Japan Guide zzzzzzzzzzzz) I'm sorry but the way you come across all over the interwebs, butterscotch is right, you are pompous and judgemental. Everyone else is always WRONG. Oh sorry I forget you're the only-woman-married-to-a-japaense-been-here-12-years-japan-is-eutopialalalallala. well grats on knowing all about childbirth and hmm soon no doubt childrearing etc etc.

Anyway OP you sound like you'll be fine having your baby in Japan. Remember that if you're long-term resident in Japan you will not automatically be entitled to NHS treatment (you need to be resident in the UK permanently - ie living at least 3 months at a fixed address and with intention to stay permanently). Your kid will be able to get a Brit passport but not japanese one. Will you be able to get the baby a Japanese visa?
I gave birth in the UK in the end because to be honest I have not had the best experience with JApanes healthcare in general. Didn;t have time for an epidural during my labour as it was so quick but I was literally begging for one, if my labour hd been longer than about an hour I would have wanted the OPTION.