Giving Birth at Toho Fujinka, Koto-ku

Hi Lara,

Perhaps this clinic is too far for you but it's worth considering...

Toho Fujinka nr Kiba Station in Koto-ku. I had my second baby there and it was a much more positive experience than the one I had at Aiiku. Their philosophy probably doesn't match your criteria, however, I think you (and others) should know about it.

It's a private clinic so more expensive than the norm though pretty much all the private clinics I checked were around 500,000 yen whereas the local hospital nr me was much less though spaces were limited due to the usual medical downsizing of departments

They offer no pain relief but after having an epidural for my first delivery, I opted for no pain relief. Epidurals are not all they are cracked up to be! Longer delivery, more medical intervention is usually required (fetal heart monitoring, oxytocin drip and of course an episiotomy!) My recovery was long and painful. I seemed to be the only new mum who was still walking like John Wayne the day I was released from hospital. I also had a week long headache. Though not everybody has a bad reaction from an epidural. Second time round I had no episiotomy and was up and about immediately!

They accept Japanese health insurance which I'm guessing you and your husband have. Check ups can be expensive but you'll get some free with your mother and baby book. Check out your ward office as I know Koto-ku now offer free antenatal check ups for residents of that ward (as of April this yr - bad timing on mine and my husband's part!)

You'll be expected to write a birth plan and have several opportunities to meet the midwives at your check ups. No English spoken by the midwives - my delivery was at night just me and a midwife. The owner of the clinic speaks pretty much fluent English but you'll only get to meet her when you are discharged. She 's more hands on with the fertility side of the clinic. I'm guessing other Drs speak some English but if you have a Japanese surname Japanese people usually speak to you in Japanese.

Very friendly and personal feeling to the clinic not like at some other bigger hospitals. My son was with me and my husband at the hospital though he did not witness the birth! Both he and my husband were asleep in my suite whilst me and the midwife got on with the delivery. No need to worry about last minute babysitters! Rather a luxurious stay aswell - great food which can be eaten in the lounge area with other mums so you're not confined to your room all day. Free aromatherapy massage during your stay too. Several gifts of baby clothes, baby towel blanket, baby care bks etc... all part of the 500,000yen 5day package! You'll need the chance to relax as once you get home with a toddler to look after aswell, you won't be having meals cooked for you or have any chance for a massage!!

Rather long..... There must be other places that offer high level of service. Some of the midwife birth houses I've heard are good. Perhaps there is one near you?

Hope this helps

Gina Sawamura