Giving birth at Seiku Iriyo Center - National Children`s Development Center Hospital, Setagaya

HI Lara,

I had my first baby in Australia and my second the following year 2006 in Tokyo at The National Centre for Child Health and Development ( Seiku Iriyo Centre. aka Seiku Byoin) in Seijo, Setegaya Ku. I know its not in your area of preference but its really worth a look at as ita meets all your other criteria and is an excellent hospital.

The best thing about this hospital is that specailise in babies/children so if anything goes wrong they can handle it and the baby stays in the same hospital as you. They take complicated pregnancies and unlike some other hospitals they are fully staffed all the time so thats a real bonus in a worst case senario.






- pain relief: you can have an epidural. It was much better than my first one in Australia and I could still feel enough to push and I could walk almost right after.


- birth plan: yes! followed to the letter! no cutting!


- language: English is spoken by most of the Doctors and some midwives/nurses. They went out of thier way to make sure I understood and was comfortable before they did anything to me or baby. The Anesthitist ( did I spell it right?) was fluent and I had to meet with him about a month prior to my due date so he could explain all the risks and the proceedure so I was sure I wanted one.


- cost: if you get a private room the cost is more but its around ¥500,000 - ¥600,000. They had to do some extra stuff on me so mine was up around ¥700,000 for a week stay and delivery.



Another good thing is that as its a kids hospital there are plenty of play areas / books/ toys for your older one while you wait, even an outside play area. There is a good bakery/cafe in the basement and a good restaurant on the top floor. They have a pager system so after you check in with your card you can wander around in or outside till your appointment.


I cant tell you how happy I was that I had my baby there, it was better than my experience back home and pre natal care at Seibo ( Mejiro). If you have any other Q,s Id be happy to help.
Good luck!


Simonne.