Open system
Hello Lara and all,
Well Lara I know I talked to you a bit about my fantastic birth
experience here in Japan but thought I`d post to let everyone know a
bit about it. I used a relatively new system here called `Open
System`. What it mean`t was that I had a private self-employed midwife
who took care of me all through my pregnancy, birth and aftercare. It
was basically the same principal as preparing for a home birth except
this midwife has a special arrangment with the hospital where I
actually went to the hospital and `borrowed` a room to give birth in.
None of the hospital staff were directly involved in my delivery,
though it was a quiet night and a nurse came in to help out a little
from time to time. What was reasurring about it was that in the case
of anything going wrong there were hospital doctors there who would
take over. It was fantastic, she was fantastic and I wouldn`t dream
about using anyone else but...
..big downside is location. She lives out my neck of the woods (Adachi-
Ku) and is based in Katsushika ward. I gave birth in a room at
Katsushika Ninnseki-byoin (Red Cross hospital)..so it might be an idea
to check out Hiroo Ninnseki in case they have a similar arrangment
going on there. I`m going to contact her this weekend to see if she
can recommend anyone over your side of Tokyo.
On the plus sides..
...continuity of care. She used to come to my house on Saturdays so my
hubby was home to help translate. Her fee for a visit was 5000yen but
she would stay as long as I wanted to talk things through, give
advice, and sometimes even massage me!! Sometimes she stayed 2 hours!!
She also attended all my appointments at the hospital..for blood
tests, scans etc..she even went to the hospital early and picked up a
ticket so I never had to wait in line. She doesn`t speak much English
but seemed to understand a lot of what I was saying..but you`d
probably need to speak some Japanese of have a Japanese partner to
help out. It was wonderful to see the same person everytiem and I
really build a bond with her..in short, I love this woman!!!!
...great with birth plan..she forced me to write one and spent a whole
session going through it..a believe me ANYTHIng goes. Right down to
the track lisitings for the CDs... My sister-in-law gave birth two
months after me with her and was allowed and I`d say encouraged to
have her toddler present during the birth..very cute..she was fanning
her Mummy down to help out. I should probably mention now that she
doesn`t do pain relief..when I asked about gas and air she just said I
wouldN`t need it and at first I was sceptical but went with it and her
confidence and was reasured. She also doesn`t cut. When I asked her
she simply said 90 per cent of her mothers don`t tear again I was
sceptical but went with it and came out unscathed. Don`t know how much
this was down to my lucky fluke with an easy birth or with her
expertise but she did apply counter pressure to my prenieum (forgot
how to spell that!) the whole time with her fingers...she`s very hands
on by the way..a lot of massage, aroma and even breast massage to get
the milk flowing..a bit weird for us gaijin but supposedly standard
practise here in Japan.
..she`s also a qualified breast-feeding consultant like Iona and put
babs to me tummy immediately without cutting the cord and let her
crawl up to my breast to latch on..babies CAN do it themselves..it
toook about 40 mins. She`s also relly flexy with who does what..hubbys
are welcome to be as involved as they wish..
...it was cheap...I think we paid about 280000 but her fee for the
birth and afteracre visiting me at home was about 110000 and the rest
went to the hospital ..so with the 350000 back from the gov we cut it
about even..but I didn`t stay in the hospital at all..I came home the
same morning (crazyfool!) Of course a stay would have bumped up the
price a bit. The hospital was lovely and I gave birth on a futon bed
in a tatami room with shoji and a sofa..very nice.
Anyway, enough of my gushing...I let you know what she says when I
speak to her this weekend
and if anyone is interested in her details just get in touch. Her name
is Mika Yanagisawa.
Cheers, Helenxx
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Heather`s review of Seibo Hospital - giving birth
Hi Lara,
I gave birth at Seibo Byoin with Dr. Sakamoto. He's expensive so if cost is
an issue - this may prevent you from using him. However, I heard from a
friend that he recently opened a clinic in Omotesando and that he takes
Japanese health insurance at that clinic. You'd probably still need to pay
for the birth, but at least the check ups would be covered.
Dr. Sakamoto has a reputation for cutting - but I managed to have a totally
natural birth with no episiotomy. He offered but I was determined and had
coached my husband on how to keep me going. Seibo totally respected my birth
plan even to circumvent hospital rules in administering the Vit K supplement
by syringe instead of in a bottle.
I doubt that Dr. Sakamoto will be your first choice, but thought it was at
least worth sharing a different perspective. That being said, we are hoping
to deliver at one of the birth houses next time around. The trouble with
most hospitals is that you can't bring in your toddler except during
visiting hours. For this reason we hope to get into the Aqua Birth House or
similar next time.
Good luck,
Heather
I gave birth at Seibo Byoin with Dr. Sakamoto. He's expensive so if cost is
an issue - this may prevent you from using him. However, I heard from a
friend that he recently opened a clinic in Omotesando and that he takes
Japanese health insurance at that clinic. You'd probably still need to pay
for the birth, but at least the check ups would be covered.
Dr. Sakamoto has a reputation for cutting - but I managed to have a totally
natural birth with no episiotomy. He offered but I was determined and had
coached my husband on how to keep me going. Seibo totally respected my birth
plan even to circumvent hospital rules in administering the Vit K supplement
by syringe instead of in a bottle.
I doubt that Dr. Sakamoto will be your first choice, but thought it was at
least worth sharing a different perspective. That being said, we are hoping
to deliver at one of the birth houses next time around. The trouble with
most hospitals is that you can't bring in your toddler except during
visiting hours. For this reason we hope to get into the Aqua Birth House or
similar next time.
Good luck,
Heather
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Seibo Hospital - what to expect when going into labor
Congratulations! You are almost there! It is very
exciting. I hope this helps!
If you want to keep track of your contraction, there
is a cool website, called Contraction Master.
If you can, get in a bath or shower, it REALLy helps
with the pain. The TENS machine might help also. It
really made a difference for me. You will not feel
anything when you use it but if you turn it off, you
will feel the pain.
Regarding Seibo
1. They will give your child a robe like outfit to
wear. So no need to bring clothes for your baby except
going home clothes.
2. They will give you a robe and you will have to
bring your own PJ. I would bring several pairs so you
dont have to wash them.
3. They will also provide you with industrial size
sanitary pads and you should have enough to take home.
You might want to buy an extra box when you go home if
you bleed alot. They are a lot softer than normal
sanitary pads. You will bleed on and off for a while.
4. Things to bring to the hospital
a plastic cup for drinking
slippers
a clock
a pen
baby themometer ( need to check their temp. every
morning)
CDs, DVDS,...anything to entertain yourself.
Dont think they have an internet connection
5. There will a be heaps of people coming in and out
of the room during your stay. They all just walk in
unannounced. Dont be surprised.
Think at 6 am - a nurse brings a clean robe and
reminds you to weigh your baby. Remember to calculate
their weight with diapers and robe. You will write
down the gross and net weight on the sheet next to the
scale.
Then breaskfast lady with breakfast. She will bring
breakfast for husband if you request it. Fill out the
form they bring with your meal.
Your choice is Japanese style or Western style.
She will pick up the tray an hour later.
Then the cleaning lady will come to vaccum and clean
the bathroom (I am assuming that you will have a
private room )
The nurses come around in the morning to check
jaundice and they will tell you a number and if it is
in the safe zone. Most babies have jaundice so dont
worry about it.
Then the nurses will come and collect your baby for a
check up with the in house pediatrician. Since they
collect all the babies, it will take at least an hour
or two.
....etc.
I think on the 4th night at midnight, they will come
to collect your baby to give him/her Vit K. If you
want them to take your baby at a later time, pls tell
them to come back later. Some mothers ask them to come
later when their baby wakes up.
You will have to record the number of times your baby
pees or poos everyday. They will give you diapers and
wipes at the hospital.
Midwives are helpful during labor. They are great.
If you have problems latching on, pls call Iona with
Le Leche League. Some of the midwives will tell you
differnt things at Seibo and they have their own rules.
ie. they will not let you use a cup to feed your baby.
only a bottle for legal purposes.
exciting. I hope this helps!
If you want to keep track of your contraction, there
is a cool website, called Contraction Master.
If you can, get in a bath or shower, it REALLy helps
with the pain. The TENS machine might help also. It
really made a difference for me. You will not feel
anything when you use it but if you turn it off, you
will feel the pain.
Regarding Seibo
1. They will give your child a robe like outfit to
wear. So no need to bring clothes for your baby except
going home clothes.
2. They will give you a robe and you will have to
bring your own PJ. I would bring several pairs so you
dont have to wash them.
3. They will also provide you with industrial size
sanitary pads and you should have enough to take home.
You might want to buy an extra box when you go home if
you bleed alot. They are a lot softer than normal
sanitary pads. You will bleed on and off for a while.
4. Things to bring to the hospital
a plastic cup for drinking
slippers
a clock
a pen
baby themometer ( need to check their temp. every
morning)
CDs, DVDS,...anything to entertain yourself.
Dont think they have an internet connection
5. There will a be heaps of people coming in and out
of the room during your stay. They all just walk in
unannounced. Dont be surprised.
Think at 6 am - a nurse brings a clean robe and
reminds you to weigh your baby. Remember to calculate
their weight with diapers and robe. You will write
down the gross and net weight on the sheet next to the
scale.
Then breaskfast lady with breakfast. She will bring
breakfast for husband if you request it. Fill out the
form they bring with your meal.
Your choice is Japanese style or Western style.
She will pick up the tray an hour later.
Then the cleaning lady will come to vaccum and clean
the bathroom (I am assuming that you will have a
private room )
The nurses come around in the morning to check
jaundice and they will tell you a number and if it is
in the safe zone. Most babies have jaundice so dont
worry about it.
Then the nurses will come and collect your baby for a
check up with the in house pediatrician. Since they
collect all the babies, it will take at least an hour
or two.
....etc.
I think on the 4th night at midnight, they will come
to collect your baby to give him/her Vit K. If you
want them to take your baby at a later time, pls tell
them to come back later. Some mothers ask them to come
later when their baby wakes up.
You will have to record the number of times your baby
pees or poos everyday. They will give you diapers and
wipes at the hospital.
Midwives are helpful during labor. They are great.
If you have problems latching on, pls call Iona with
Le Leche League. Some of the midwives will tell you
differnt things at Seibo and they have their own rules.
ie. they will not let you use a cup to feed your baby.
only a bottle for legal purposes.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Dr. Kusakawa review, St Luke`s
I've taken Patrick to Dr Kusakawa at St Luke's for all his check-ups since
his first one as a tiny baby and I've found him to be very nice, speaks good
English, is pretty sensible and down to earth about general care and
medicine. He also seems happy to take time to go through any concerns and I
never feel like I'm being rushed out of the room or asking something
stupid! :)
I've only seen him for check-ups though, not for illnesses. The two times
I've needed a doctor for Patrick between check-ups I've gone to the Tokyo
Medical and Surgical Clinic and seen Dr Marshall, who is a GP.
Cheers,
Allison
his first one as a tiny baby and I've found him to be very nice, speaks good
English, is pretty sensible and down to earth about general care and
medicine. He also seems happy to take time to go through any concerns and I
never feel like I'm being rushed out of the room or asking something
stupid! :)
I've only seen him for check-ups though, not for illnesses. The two times
I've needed a doctor for Patrick between check-ups I've gone to the Tokyo
Medical and Surgical Clinic and seen Dr Marshall, who is a GP.
Cheers,
Allison
Dr. Yoboah, Dr. Suwa review
Following up....
Hello there,
Dr. Suwa's phone number is 03-3444-7070
and the address is
#103Nikko Royal Palace
5-16-4 Hirroo
Shibuya-ku 150-0012
I actually went to see her for my son's first month check up.
Yes she seems to be very competent, spoke English very well but I have to say she was a bit "cold" and the place depressed the hell out of me. It was not really child friendly (I could not dispose the nappies in their bins?!).
I now go to Dr. Nicola Oduro-Yoboah at the Tokyo Medical (yes I know... ). She is not a pediatrician but has experience with small children. I hesitated to go to her, but she has been recommended to me by friends. I have seen her twice and she seemed very competent and comfortable with children. I also find her really easy to talk to and she promptly replies to my emails. A long with the competency I think it is very important to feel comfortable and build a good relationship with your child's care giver. Regarding the fees Dr. Suwa does not seem cheaper but I think she takes Japanese National Insurance, whereas Tokyo Medical doesn't.
Hope this can help,
Bettina
Hello there,
Dr. Suwa's phone number is 03-3444-7070
and the address is
#103Nikko Royal Palace
5-16-4 Hirroo
Shibuya-ku 150-0012
I actually went to see her for my son's first month check up.
Yes she seems to be very competent, spoke English very well but I have to say she was a bit "cold" and the place depressed the hell out of me. It was not really child friendly (I could not dispose the nappies in their bins?!).
I now go to Dr. Nicola Oduro-Yoboah at the Tokyo Medical (yes I know... ). She is not a pediatrician but has experience with small children. I hesitated to go to her, but she has been recommended to me by friends. I have seen her twice and she seemed very competent and comfortable with children. I also find her really easy to talk to and she promptly replies to my emails. A long with the competency I think it is very important to feel comfortable and build a good relationship with your child's care giver. Regarding the fees Dr. Suwa does not seem cheaper but I think she takes Japanese National Insurance, whereas Tokyo Medical doesn't.
Hope this can help,
Bettina
Dr. Yeboah review - Tokyo Surgical & Medical
Dylan and Harper both see Dr Yeboah at Tokyo Surgical & Medical. She is
just fabulous. Really listens and is not quick to hand out antibiotics.
She is British and has a fantastic bedside manner with the girls. Harper
has also seen Dr Martin at the same clinic once when Dr Yeboah was not
available and she seemed like a nice doctor as well.
Cheers
just fabulous. Really listens and is not quick to hand out antibiotics.
She is British and has a fantastic bedside manner with the girls. Harper
has also seen Dr Martin at the same clinic once when Dr Yeboah was not
available and she seemed like a nice doctor as well.
Cheers
Dr. Kawashima, Dr. Che, pediatrician
Hi Christina,
I see both Dr Kawashima and Dr Che.
Dr Che can be reached at any time day and night on his
mobile phone when Dr Kawashima is just a few blocks
from my house, which makes them extremly convenient
for me.
Both Doctors agree on following the vaccins as they
are indicated on the french medical notebooks of my
kids.
And fill the notebooks each time wich makes it easy
for the follow up when I am in France.
Also, Dr Kawashima is giving herb medicines when an
antibiotic is not necessary.
The thing is, Dr Kawashima is not getting any younger
and although he is ok for the light problems and
monthly check up for babies, when I am really worried
I go to see Dr Che...
Did you have a problem with Dr Che (medical mistake)
or is it just a personality problem?
Dr Kawashima has a smooth way with mums when Dr Che
can be more sarcastic...
Hope this helps, Asia
I see both Dr Kawashima and Dr Che.
Dr Che can be reached at any time day and night on his
mobile phone when Dr Kawashima is just a few blocks
from my house, which makes them extremly convenient
for me.
Both Doctors agree on following the vaccins as they
are indicated on the french medical notebooks of my
kids.
And fill the notebooks each time wich makes it easy
for the follow up when I am in France.
Also, Dr Kawashima is giving herb medicines when an
antibiotic is not necessary.
The thing is, Dr Kawashima is not getting any younger
and although he is ok for the light problems and
monthly check up for babies, when I am really worried
I go to see Dr Che...
Did you have a problem with Dr Che (medical mistake)
or is it just a personality problem?
Dr Kawashima has a smooth way with mums when Dr Che
can be more sarcastic...
Hope this helps, Asia
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