hi from Japan!!!!!! [Archive] - MotheringDotCommunity Forums

Kam

03-18-2003, 08:29 PM

Sakamoto Ryoma! Of course! I have been to the place where he was killed in Kyoto (we lived there for a year). I will have to pay more attention to his ideas. I always have just associated him with his untimely death and the great story of it all.

You know, I let my AFWJ membership lapse this year. Sometimes I regret having done so, but mostly I was just fed up with the high fees. Now I hear from a friend that they are lower again, so maybe I will re-join. :rolleyes: We move a lot, and it is always nice to have that contact and a way to meet other couples like us. Did you go to the convention this winter? Sounds like it was good fun.

And Jane? I know you from the diapering board! I'll bet you get a good kick out of the kanji dipes at FMBG, too, don't you? DH calls our Meg "Oshime-sama," and I still laugh at out loud when I hear it. Guess my diapering interests are a bit overdone.... :LOL And on forgetting Japanese--Daijobu yo. You can never truly forget a language. Maybe if we just chat here in Japanese, you will pick it back up. :wink

Thanks for the warm welcome, everybody. :love

warmly,
Kam, mama to Meg

Bladestar5

03-18-2003, 08:44 PM

Hi! I am in the US but I have always wanted to go to Japan. Is it as beautiful as I have heard? I have a Japanese-American friend. He was born in the US as far as I know, but his older brother was born in Japan and raised mostly in the US. You may have heard of the actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa? I am friends with his brother, Greg. Anyway, I think it is cool that there are so many mamas in Japan.

Quirky

03-18-2003, 10:54 PM

Kam, I'm very picky about kanji fabrics! I have a beautiful black kanji on red AIO from Bizzy B that I love love love (check out her Asian fabrics page, she has a thing for Japanese themed prints!); a lot of the characters are ancient-looking. Some of the kanji prints I've seen elsewhere look like they were drawn by gaijin without a clue, KWIM? I'll have to post a picture on our website of my Bizzy B, it's one of my faves! (black microfleece on the inside, hemp/cotton snap out soakers....OK, enough hijacking with diaper talk!)

Sometimes I dream I'm speaking Japanese again....sigh. It was such a huge focus of my life for a number of years.

Ryoma-kun

03-18-2003, 11:58 PM

Kam--I have never been a member of AFWJ partly because it is expensive and partly because Kochi is a bit out of the way and I don't think there are any events close enough for me to attend. I am a memberof the Married In Japan mailing list and have my own site for Foreign Wives so I don't feel the need to join another group--especially one that is not free. There are several other foreign wives of japanese in Kochi though that I have seen but not met so I might be wrong about the lack of AFWJ meetings. Anyway, how is it in the North where you are? Are there other foreign women around? How is your Japanese? Is your daughter bilingual? My Japanese has gotten poorer and poorer since I havent studied it since my pregnancy, I speak only English to my dh, and I am, of course, speaking only english to my dd (now 28 months).

And about Sakamoto Ryoma, have you read the book by Romulus Hillsborough? It's called Ryoma, Renaissance Samurai (or somethng like that). It was good. Romulus was kind enough to let me reprint some articles of his about Ryoma and another about Katsu Kaishu (Ryoma's mentor) on my site. You can click the Foreign Wives Club link in my sig line that go to the articles page to read them.

Kam

03-22-2003, 07:34 AM

Boy, I'm just full of misunderstanding these days. Yes, I will check out the Foreign Wives Club site, Jennifer. How funny that you think dues to AFWJ are too high as well.

Tohoku is wonderful. We have lived all over Honshu, and I like it here best. People are friendly, everyone wears jeans and drives Jeeps, there's lots of snow--I feel right at home. There are a few foreign women here, all of whom I've met through a new AFWJ/MIJ friend. ( :wave to you if you're reading this, K) Mostly I just pass my days with Meg, though. I still pinch myself in wonder that she is here, and ours, and mostly don't mind having no social life. :love What's Kochi like?

I have let my Japanese go, too, since being pregnant and now with a baby. I would have to study hard to pass ni-kyu, and used to have such aspirations, but now I'm lucky if I can just hold on to the fluency (or lack thereof) I possess already. :( DH speaks mostly Japanese to Meg, and I use mostly English, but we have ten years of mixed Jinglish under our married belts, and that is a hard habit to break. I really hope Meg doesn't grow up speaking in incomprehensible sentences. Any suggestions for books or websites on raising bilingual children?

Bladestar, yes, Japan has its beautiful areas. It also has Nagoya. :LOL I'm sorry I don't know your friend's brother. I am not very hip on modern Japanese culture, though. I didn't even know who Utada Hikaru (hip Japanese pop singer) was until a few weeks ago. :blush

I will check out Bizzy Bee Hive, Jane. I know what you mean about goofy kanji. I always love seeing T-shirts in the States with upside-down or absolutely meaningless characters, but Meg's only going to have self-respecting kanji on HER bum. :LOL

Great to chat with you all.

warmly,
Kam, mama to ten-month-old Megumi, aka Oshime-sama

Quirky

03-24-2003, 09:36 PM

Hmmm. I will have to post a picture of Evan in his kanji diaper (darn!); I don't see the fabric on her website any more.

I always love seeing T-shirts in the States with upside-down or absolutely meaningless characters, but Meg's only going to have self-respecting kanji on HER bum.

Guess it's payback for all the goofy English on T-shirts etc. in Japan.....my fav, which has become a personal saying of mine, was on this completely weird sculpture over a video arcade near Shibuya that said "Oy gefilte fish." My Jewish friends have never quite understood where I got that one....

And can I just give a big bow of appreciation to all the people who can make a bilingual marriage work....I have enough difficulties communicating with DH in English, which (supposedly) we both speak! :confused:

Bladestar, yes, Japan has its beautiful areas. It also has Nagoya.

And Yokohama, and much of Tokyo..... I loved Hokkaido though. I thought it was gorgeous.

LdyBluNH@aol

05-01-2003, 11:01 PM

i went to a sewing expo today and "discovered" japanese fabrics

she had kimono silk and yukata and wrapping cloths

i am soooo in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!

which is useless from new hampshire, usa ; )

Tracy

04-06-2004, 10:56 AM

are you guys still around?....maybe you can help us....

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=131620

Ekatherina

09-25-2004, 06:18 AM

hi tracy...hello everyone...:( i think this thread is old....is anyone still there???? i live in Hokkaido in Japan...sapporo....and im having my first baby here (homebirth) in october 22....:hola:

pacificmama

09-28-2004, 09:18 AM

Hi Ekatherina and everyone,
I am in Shiga (Kansai area, the prefecture around Lake Biwa). Been here 6+yrs, ds is 14mos, and was homebirthed! I had never pictured myself having a homebirth but thanks to a wonderful mw we did, and now I can't imagine having it any other way. Ekatherina if you have any questions or just want to chat feel free to pm me. And I have to ask, how have you managed to make it this far with no US? I consider myself lucky to have gotten away with only 3 in this wacky place. (though if there is a #2 someday I'll know better...)

kyotosarah

11-16-2004, 11:25 PM

Hi,
I am in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, near Nara, but my husband is from Adogawa, Shiga, and we often go back there on weekends.
Please write!
sarah@intnl.doshisha.ac.jp
Yours,
Sarah
Mom of Koki (girl) born July 2003

Ekatherina

11-16-2004, 11:55 PM

Hello Sarah...:wave..i live in hokkaido...far from you.....kyoto is beautiful but i have never been there. ...i study at hokkaido university and have a baby just born...:love....much much luck to you!!!

yamaguchimama

03-06-2005, 06:40 AM

Hello Jennifer in Shikoku, right? I'm Jennifer in Yamaguchi. I'm married to a great Japanese guy (10 years!) and we have two children, Ellis 7 and Isabel 3. Please let me know about you and your family!

Sincerely,

J. Tamura

thepeach80

03-13-2005, 06:21 PM

Hello everyone! My parents are currently living in Japan (Sagamihara City) and I used to live there oh 13 yrs ago I guess now! Wow, so long ago. Anyways, we are visiting in October hopefully, but it doesn't seem anyone is close. :) I have a sushi print diaper cover that I just adore and am sad my oldest doesn't fit in it anymore. Hope everyone is well.

livnanismama

04-04-2005, 10:28 PM

My friend is moving to Japan soon. Her husband is being stationed at Misawa. She is looking for a midwife to transfer to. She is seriously considering a homebirth to avoid the military hospital. Does anyone have any information they can offer on birth and midwives in Japan? Thanks!

pacificmama

04-05-2005, 07:30 PM

Hi,
It's easy to find a midwife in Japan... in the hospital. Since WWII they have been trained in the medical model and by and large follow typical western hospital protocols. The one exception is that epidurals are less common here. Routine induction, episiotomy and cesarean rates are quite high. The doctor's word is the law and many doctors do not expect that a patient will question standard procedure. The concept of informed consent here is quite novel.
What to do? Find an INDEPENDENT midwife. There IS a network of them in Japan, and many will attend homebirths. The other option is a MW clinic, though you must search carefully to distinguish the ones that embrace truly natural childbirth. I'm not sure where Misawa is but if you give me more details on the location, I can seek out a few names in the area.
If you are interested in more info please post a reply or mail me privately. My son was born at home here in 2003... I negotiated the system, found a wonderful mw who is now a dear friend and mentor, and came away with plenty of new knowledge and Jpn vocabulary, not to mention a beautiful babe!!

Caitlin
Shiga, Japan

MovingMomma

11-30-2005, 11:29 AM

Caitlin, we may be moving to Okinawa soon & I am very interested in more info on negotiating the system to find an independent midwife for homebirth.

pacificmama

12-01-2005, 12:15 AM

Where in Okinawa will you be?
I will contact my mw and get her to look in her handy book... it lists independent mw all over Japan.
Are congratulations in order?

MovingMomma

12-01-2005, 07:25 AM

You know, I am not sure exactly where we would be. At one of the USMC bases, which means either central island south of Nago or south island in the Okinawa City area.

No congrats in order yet...we are planning on TTC after we know when & where we'll be moving.

Are the independent midwives licensed or underground? What do their fees typically run?

Thank you for your help! I am so excited to know that a homebirth may be possible there!

pacificmama

12-02-2005, 05:47 PM

OK, so I know I don't need to run over to her house today!

Independent midwives are definitely licensed in Japan, they just practice independently of a hospital (some even practice both ways). Since midwifery was never outlawed here, unlike in the West, midwives were not forced underground. Fees for birth in Japan are pretty standardized, about 300,000 yen, ranging to 400,000 or higher for cushy private clinics. Independent MW tend to set their fees about the same (as the basic hospital), regardless of where you give birth. There may be exceptions to that, I'm not sure.

When you are on the National Health System here, the local city/town usually gives a "gift" to the parents of around, hey, 300,000 yen. Since birth is not considered an illness, and not covered by national health care, the municipalities fill in the gap. If there are any medical complications then those costs are covered under health care.

Since you are talking about living on a base, I imagine your health coverage is different? It's worth looking into how you may be able to get reimbursed.

Are you in Japan now? Where are you, just out of curiosity?

Caitlin in Shiga-ken

MovingMomma

12-02-2005, 07:05 PM

Yes, I'd be on Tricare (US military health insurance) & I doubt I'd be able to get them to pay for a midwife. We're prepared to pay out of pocket.

I'm in North Carolina now...my husband is due for a transfer we'll most likely either go to Okinawa or stay where we're at.

pacificmama

02-16-2006, 06:41 PM

Hi, sorry for the long delay! Finally managed to get together with my MW and got the name of a MW clinic in Naha (capital city of Okinawa).

Nakamura Nursing
tel. 090-9071-7426

There is likely to be someone there who speaks English... can't guarantee though. This is just a place to start... since you don't know where you are going to be. If you find out you can mail me again and we can try to find another if need be!

Caitlin in Shiga

MovingMomma

02-17-2006, 12:35 PM

Thank you!!!

DH just got his orders at the beginning of the week, & we are staying in NC. But I will keep the info on hand b/c we are likely to end up there & pregnant eventually. ;)

And I just met a gal who is there & looking for a midwife, so I will send her the info.

Thanks again!

Momof2xy

02-23-2006, 10:38 PM

I'm so glad to see you guys' posts!! We are moving to Kadena AB (in Okinawa) in November, and plan to TTC next spring. We want either a home or birth center (not hospital) birth for baby #3, and I've been trying to find out if that was even an option in Okinawa. What kind of info can you guys give me about this (or any other) midwife in the area? What kinds of things are standard there? Do they do home/hospital/or birth center births?

Wow! I'm just SO thrilled! :)

Liv

Rhannie

03-16-2006, 09:55 AM

Hi, I'm living in Sendai and ever since I found out that I'm
pregnant (due in Sept.), I've been interviewing doctors to
decide on where to give birth. I personally would prefer
to have an independent midwife at a home birth or out
of a hospital, but the only midwife run birthing center
I've been able to locate doesn't accept 1st time
pregnancies. All of the hospitals I've looked at
are very doctor centered and not patient friendly (at least that's
what it felt like when I spoke with them). I heard about a couple
of supposedly good hospitals, but when I called/went to them they
were already "booked up for September" (this was in February).

Any help with this and/or finding a pediatrician with a "holistic /
antivaccine" stance will be greatly appreciated.

Rhannie

treemom2

03-16-2006, 11:11 PM

Hello mommas! I'm so happy to see there are other Mothering moms in Japan. My name is Barbara and my DH is a teacher on a Navy base in Sasebo Japan. We've been here since Sept and totally LOVE living here. It looks like we will be here at least 7 years and I am really looking forward to learning more about the culture, traveling around, and taking some Japanese language lessons!

mad cow

03-21-2006, 03:50 PM

treemom2!!!! Hello!!!!! I thought everyone is so far away, and there you are!!!!!! I`m in Nagasaki... just a few short hours away. I have 3 kids and have been here for many years. We are settled here so will be here for many more. My husband is Japanese, he`s a high school teacher.

anyway, hello!!!!!!!!

sunset

03-24-2006, 05:25 PM

Any help with this and/or finding a pediatrician with a "holistic /
antivaccine" stance will be greatly appreciated.

Rhannie

Hi Rhannie,
I am miles away in Nara so have no Sendai specif info, but you mention you visited some places and they wont take first timers, how about calling them again and asking them if they can recommend somewhere that does, they should even have lists of all the independent midwives in the country, they all belong to a huge Midwives of Japan Network.

The hard part with finding a decent doc is the best info comes from other mothers but until you have a child it is difficult to get to know a lot of other mothers, do you have some good Japanese friends you could ask.
My kids are unvaxed and it has never been an issue here, I have never been called upon to defend my decision in any way.

HTH

sunset

03-24-2006, 05:28 PM

Hello there Mad Cow.
Nagasaki is so far away from me but great to have more Japan Mamas on board.
yoroshiku ne

Rhannie

03-24-2006, 10:40 PM

Hi Rhannie,
I am miles away in Nara so have no Sendai specif info, but you mention you visited some places and they wont take first timers, how about calling them again and asking them if they can recommend somewhere that does, they should even have lists of all the independent midwives in the country, they all belong to a huge Midwives of Japan Network.

The hard part with finding a decent doc is the best info comes from other mothers but until you have a child it is difficult to get to know a lot of other mothers, do you have some good Japanese friends you could ask.
My kids are unvaxed and it has never been an issue here, I have never been called upon to defend my decision in any way.

HTH

Sunset,

Thanks for the suggestions, the biggest problem I've been having (besides there only being one independent midwife in the area), is that the hospitals that are supposed to be good have closed (older doctors) or stopped doing deliveries. There are now only 2 mediocre hospitals within a 30 min drive that do deliveries, beyond that about 45-1hr away (depending on traffic) there are bigger hospitals that do deliveries, but they also have a lot of traffic in and out b/c they are the city hospitals where other medical conditions are also treated--I'd rather not run the risk of a random infection from another ward for me or my child.

I've been checking with parents of kids I teach and some other friends with kids regarding pediatricians, but their idea of a good doctor and mine are very different. (EG. I wouldn't put my child on an IV for a minor case of the flu, where it seems to be standard practice with most docs around here.)

BTW, Just curious, but did you have your kids in Japan were your kids born in Japan or did you move here after they were "supposed" to be vaxed?

Rhannie

sunset

03-25-2006, 03:19 PM

After I replied to your post i started thinking the same thing, that quite often the other Mothers' definition of a good doc and mine is different.
I ove the doc we have now but a lot of others don't like him, they feel he takes 'too long', because he really thoroughly examines the kids instead of assuming they have whatever is going round. You can always refuse the drip,
anti biotics etc

My kids were all born in Osaka with a midwife.
My eldest had the BCG because I followed the other sheep, then I got info and decided not to do anymore. When its time for the vax they send you a card from city hall I just chucked the cards away and no one has ever contacted me or asked me about it. When my eldest was in first grade they were doing bcg boosters and there was a form to fill out, I just ticked the
box that said we don't want it. It was that simple. They have stopped doing that one now so it never came up again with my other children.
I don't know if its because it is a given that everyone vaxes or what but it has never been an issue here it just doesn't seem to be such a hot topic .
You don't have to actually declare yourself a non vaxer.

I hope you can find someone in Sendai. I know a lot of my Japanese friends don't know much about midwife clinics because they never considered them an option when they had their babies.
Keep posting.

raks

04-13-2006, 12:06 AM

Well, I just wanted to check in here and say hi. I am in Fukuoka-shi (kyushu). Been here for 2 years. Maybe leaving soon and heading further north somewhere near Tokyo, or maybe moving to the US, or maybe staying in Fukuoka longer. We do love it here, so it will be sad to go.

My first daughter was born August 2004, 2 months after arriving in Japan. I am expecting #2 in a few short weeks - May 5, 2006. I was very happy with my ante- and post-natal care for #1, so we were eager to go for a second child here too. For the first one we didn't even consider a homebirth because we were so fresh off the boat. For the second one, I tried to look around here for some home birth options... but begin that my japanese is very poor (even though I am really making a big effort to study), I stopped the search. It was just easier to settle on a birth clinic where I could find some english speaking docs and staff. I did change clinics from my first birth though. I feel my new clinic is more in tuned with the laboring mother's needs....

Just wanted to say hi! Any of you guys still out there??

treemom2

04-14-2006, 04:52 AM

Welcome Raks! I'm in Sasebo! Nice to hear there is another Mothering mom joining us!!

mad cow

04-14-2006, 05:33 AM

well, hello raks!!! I`m still here in Nagasaki, not very far from you or treemom2. We can start a Kyushu-club!!!!!!!!

I`m very new myself, but welcome anyway.

Rhannie

04-27-2006, 08:51 PM

I miss Kyushu. I lived in Saga for 2 years before ending up here in Sendai.

Rhannie

04-27-2006, 09:03 PM

My first daughter was born August 2004, 2 months after arriving in Japan. I am expecting #2 in a few short weeks - May 5, 2006. I was very happy with my ante- and post-natal care for #1, so we were eager to go for a second child here too. For the first one we didn't even consider a homebirth because we were so fresh off the boat. For the second one, I tried to look around here for some home birth options... but begin that my japanese is very poor (even though I am really making a big effort to study), I stopped the search. It was just easier to settle on a birth clinic where I could find some english speaking docs and staff. I did change clinics from my first birth though. I feel my new clinic is more in tuned with the laboring mother's needs....

I'm glad that you were able to find a clinic that suits you. Unfortunately, the number of clinics here has almost halved in a year and a half, so there aren't many and they are all booked to the gills. Keep your fingers crossed for me--I was pretty much resigned to using a clinic that is supposed to be good (I personally don't like the doctors there much, but they were a better choice than some of the others out there), when information about a home-birth midwife fell into my lap. I've met her once and everything seems good, so . . . let's keep our fingers crossed.

okura

05-24-2006, 01:58 AM

another one in japan here. hello!
i live in nagoya with my japanese hubby and 3month old baby girl (who was born in the water at an awesome local midwifery). we have just decided not to vax.

sunset and mad cow, don't i know you??:hippie

mad cow

05-26-2006, 06:57 AM

yes, I might know who you are. It`s possible that I have a stack of magazines in my genkan for you... they just need to be wrapped up and addressed.... oh, such effort. I hope I can get to it soon!!!!

tell us about your name!!! ???

oh and welcome here. I found out about this place from sunset.

sunset

05-27-2006, 02:15 AM

So glad you found it here.
Welcome, and glad you reached a decision.
Sunset

donnie

05-31-2006, 01:08 AM

abbasdaughter

06-03-2006, 05:06 PM

Where in Japan are you moving next? I have various connections around the country and may be able to help you connect... Deborah Ruth

abbasdaughter

06-03-2006, 05:10 PM

cool that you're interested in Jpn... Have you been looking at ways to go there? I'd be happy to get you some info.
Blessings and shalom,
Deborah Ruth
kaeruth@hotmail.com

abbasdaughter

06-03-2006, 05:23 PM

not sure how often people will be coming on here, but figured I'd come on here for anyone needing kanji files with En. definitions and pronunciations in both hiragana and romaji incl. for the kanji... might be useful for some of the cross-cultural marriages... or even those who just plain want a Jpns. name for their non-Jpns. child...
oh... and I'm a doula too... will be in Fukui for a few months when I go back soon.
Deborah Ruth
PS. personal message me if you want info on what I mentioned.

Rhannie

06-06-2006, 07:46 AM

can somebody translate this exchange for me? no big deal just wondering...

"zannenkedo, kono computer wa nihongo ga dekimasen! Yoroshikattara, ... ni message o dahitte kudasai...

Daijobu yo.....romaji de juubun manzoku wo shiteimasu"

ty

The jist of the exchange is:

Too bad, but this computer can't read Japanese. If you want, please send the message to . . .

That's all right, romaji works well enough...

treemom2

06-07-2006, 06:53 PM

I absolutely love babelfish (http://babelfish.altavista.com/) it translates english to japanese and the other way around--it has saved me many times when I have to write notes to DD's school and the english speaking teacher isn't there that day!

donnie

06-10-2006, 12:42 AM

ok, so what is romaji ? and ty!

treemom2

06-10-2006, 03:10 AM

Romanji is the english way to write words (please correct me if I am wrong), for example: you can write watashiwa like this or in hiragana characters.

donnie

06-10-2006, 11:51 PM

thank you very much.

Kimi

06-18-2006, 10:16 AM

Konnichiwa!!
So glad I found a tribe here in Japan. I live in Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken. We are on the Miura pennisula about 30 minutes south of Yokohama.
My DH works at the Naval base here but we are NOT military. I cosleep with my DD's (Ellie-3, Emi-2) and we dont vax. Of course the military is not happy with us on that. And I still nurse my 2 yr old.
It is so wonderful to read about Breastfeeding, homebirths, midwives, etc here in Japan.
I have been here 2 yrs but still dont know the language (I am renewing my attempts to learn this week. It will be my 3rd attempt!).
Anyhoo, Hi and hope to hear from ya soon.

~Kim

treemom2

06-20-2006, 05:24 AM

Welcome Kimi! I'm not sure if you have read the thread, but we are on base in Sasebo. Like you, my DH works as a teacher on base so we are not military as well. We also don't vax and have had probs on base because of it--especially when my DS got pneumonia and I had to take him to the base clinic. However, since that experience we have vowed to only see docs out in town. Anyway, it's nice to meet you and maybe we can meet in person sometime--it would be nice to get together with someone with some of the same views in the same situation!!

Also, there is a military spouse thread that I have joined here--they are okay with us being civilians and have helped me when I haven't really known what to do in certain situations on base. Here's the link: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=468369&goto=newpost

abbasdaughter

06-25-2006, 01:22 AM

I'm going to Jpn. for a few mo. this summer (lived in Jpn. for 4)... will spend at least parts of a couple weeks in Tokyo... If you want to hang out with someone else of the homebirth mindset some time when I'm there, feel free to email and let me know... My email is kaeruth@hotmail.com
Deborah Ruth Trotter
(doula in training)

treemom2

08-09-2006, 01:26 AM

Hey homebirthing mommas, how did you find your midwife? I live in Kyushu and just found out I'm pg and need to find a midwife--HELP!!!!! Please!!

mad cow

09-01-2006, 05:52 AM

congratulations treemom2!!!!!! I don`t know anything about midwives in the area but I hope that you find something good.

let me know if you ever come around these parts..........

sunset

09-01-2006, 06:07 AM

Treemum2 congrats. Me too don't know anything about Kyyushu, I found my mdwife through a friend, you could try asking at the ward office and see if there is any chance they have a list, or if you have a regular clinic appointment ask them if they can refer you.

Madcow and you must hook up!!

mad cow

09-02-2006, 06:51 AM

how`s it progressing with finding a midwife, treemom2??? Years and years ago I had a friend go all the way to Fukuoka to find a midwife..... hopefully there are more around your area now....

treemom2

09-02-2006, 06:33 PM

mad cow

09-02-2006, 08:28 PM

I had all 3 kids in Japan with a Japanese doctor so I don`t know how it is in the states, but, Japanese doctors do seem to make a big deal out of weight. Especially about the weight gain during the pregnancy. I think they are much stricter than the american guidelines allow. But, I think before you get worried about all the possibilities, you should relax and meet with the midwife and then see what happens. Good luck!!!

DocsNemesis

09-02-2006, 10:03 PM

Oooh! Would any of you be willing to look at the grocery store next time you go for mentos for me?!? lol I am trying to get all of the flavors and some are only available in Asia. Here are some of the flavors I am looking for:
Lime Lemon
Citrus Mango
Currant
Raisin
Licorice (there are two types-regular and salted)
Chlorophyll
Strawberry Yoghurt
Others???
If anyone finds some of these flavors and would be willing to ship them to me (I will pay of course!!), can you please pm me? Thanks!!!

mad cow

09-03-2006, 10:58 PM

I`ll check out what flavors are available next time I go to the store...

Rhannie

09-05-2006, 06:35 AM

I'm going to be meeting a midwife from my DD's school sometime in the next month since they just started school again. I am hoping things go well! My family doc totally scared me about this birth. I am overweight and she told me that most Japanese docs and midwives don't like dealing with overweight women and the docs may just want to c-sec me--ARGH!!! I mean, I know I'm way bigger than Japanese women, but I have had a natural birth and I know my body can do it. What do you all think?

I used to live in Kyushu and depending on the area you are in I can ask some of my friends if they can reccommend a doctor or midwife for you; I know how frustrating it is to try to find someone you can trust with your birth. I was ready to pull my hair out and head back home until I stumbled on a midwife who attends home births in the area.

Where in Kyushu are you located? If you're in Fukuoka there are supposed to be some good doctors/hospitals in the city. But hopefully the midwife you've found will be able to work with you; if not you can check this site (sorry its only in Japanese): http://www.midwife.or.jp/05_midwifery_practices/05_03_midwives_list_06.html for another midwife in the area. Find your prefecture and look for the circles under the first and second column following the phone numbers; the first is birthing clinics the second is for home births. Looks like there are a lot more midwives who attend births in Kyushu than there are up here (2 for the whole prefecture).

The doctors and midwives here ARE very strict about weight gain, but even that isn't consistant from caregiver to caregiver (it ranges from 6 to 12 kilograms of gain during preganacy depending on who you talk to). My midwife was reasonable and said that its not really a problem as long as you're gaining steadily and not all at once or in spurts. She's been very accomodating to the cultural differences as well. When it comes down to the health of the baby though, she won't hedge to tell you to "get serious and take care of yourself/your baby."

A lot of doctors want to schedule as many c-sections as possible because there aren't enough of them (doctors) to deliver the number of babies due in the country. I live in Sendai and in one year the number of doctors who attend births has more than halved--there are literally not enough doctors for the population of pregnant women in this area, so they use ANY reason they can to try to scare you into a c-section. Plus for a lot of caregivers the rule of thumb is if you've had a c-section once you MUST have a c-section from then on, its like they've never heard of a VBAC. Ask for the percentage of repeat c-sections and VBACS before you even have an exam, if they won't tell you or its not good call or go to the next place. There are actually some hospitals that have an overall c-section rate of more than 60%, but some also have a very low c-section rate of under 10% including repeat c-sects.

If you find the right caregiver you more than likely will be able to have a vaginal birth especially since it'll be your second--the important part (if you use a doctor) is to make sure you are informed about your birth and what you want. If the midwife will work with you that's great (a lot don't do VBACs), if not try to find a doctor who is open to a variety of birthing methods with low c-section rates. One good way to start is to find the doctor who does backup for the local midwives; they're usually more willing to work with you as an individual and not a routine--thus if you are informed about your choices there's a better chance of you having the birth you want even in a hospital.

Wish you luck and hope you are able to find a caregiver who you can trust and work with throughout your pregnancy. Let us know how everything goes with the midwife.

Rhannie:
Due in 10 days and been through 5 different doctors before finding a midwife and backup doctor to trust with overseeing my baby's birth.

EmmaJean

10-15-2006, 11:51 PM

treemom2

10-16-2006, 01:18 AM

Hi! I'm looking for info for a friend. She lives in Yokosuka, Japan, near a Navy Base. Anyway, she's pregnant w/ #3 and had 2 awesome natural hospital births w/ mw in Germany. Now she's finding the care in Japan is much more "policy" driven. I'm not sure if she's at a Navy hospital or a Japanese one... Anyway, she's afraid she won't get the birth she wants. Can anyone give me info on finding a mw, doula, someone she can talk to about her other options in Japan? They aren't military but work w/ the military. Any ideas???
Emily

Hello Emily! I am currently pg with my third as well and have had a heck of a time figuring out what I am going to do here in Japan. I have found a Japanese doc I like that has agreed to let me birth with very little intervention--as long as I meet certain requirements (I don't gain more than 20 lbs, the baby doesn't look like it is more than 9 lbs, etc. . .). I also have an interview with a midwife next week. She was very difficult to find, but if your friend keeps asking around she may be able to find one. Also, I have a friend here on base who used to doula at the Yokosuka hospital. . .however, she did tell me the hospital is very medicalized and didn't recommend I try to get transferred up there for my birth. I am actually on a Navy base in Sasebo and would be more than willing to talk with your friend about what I have found living here--in fact, it's a free call if she calls my base phone number. PM me if she is interested.

Rhannie

10-17-2006, 05:00 AM

Have you looked at the midwives on this page?
http://www.midwife.or.jp/05_midwifery_practices/05_03_midwives_list_02.html#14
There may be one that can help you out or suggest something.

kungfumoose

10-18-2006, 09:25 AM

Hello,
just thougth I'd pop in and say hi from Okinawa.
I've been living here for 3 years. Unfortunately I leave next March :bawl

I really don't want to go, but it will be good to be back in the USA.

Just thougth I'd say hello.

~Moose

EmmaJean

10-18-2006, 02:41 PM

Have you looked at the midwives on this page?
http://www.midwife.or.jp/05_midwifery_practices/05_03_midwives_list_02.html#14
There may be one that can help you out or suggest something.

Thanks, I'll pass that along. That page was all in Japanese though so I have no idea what it says! :)

Thanks for the help!

KonanKaren

10-19-2006, 01:00 AM

Hi, Ive had two wonderful natural births here, one at a birth clinic and the other at a midwives clinic. Two resources that helped me tremendously to make sure I had the birth I wanted was:

Japan Health Handbook by Meredith Enman Maruyama, Louise Picon Shimizu, Nancy Smith Tsurumaki (this is often sold at Foreign Book stores in Japan too)

http://www.amazon.com/Health-Handbook-Louise-Picon-Shimizu/dp/4770023561/sr=8-1/qid=1161236472/ref=sr_1_1/002-5406722-3252817?ie=UTF8&s=books

Nagoya Foreign Mothers Group English Booklet. It can be downloaded from

http://www.tcp-ip.or.jp/~lorna/mothers/index.html

Please have her read these, and tell her to make sure she asks her potential doctors and midwives alot of questions about what they do during a typical (and atypical birth) and discuss with them what she wants and doesnt want. Birth in Japan is different than it would be elsewhere, but you can find doctors and midwives who will be happy to work with you to ensure you have the birth experience you want.

AnamCara

12-09-2006, 08:24 PM

Hi, I live on Okinawa and am pregnant with our first child. I appreciate the Japan midwives link. I am looking into that as an alternative to the military hospital here.

Does anyone know the breastfeeding laws for Japan?

Kerensa

treemom2

12-10-2006, 01:28 AM

Does anyone know the breastfeeding laws for Japan?

I don't know about the actual laws, but I do know that here in Sasebo women have been asked to move to an alternate location in restaurants/shops/etc when they are breastfeeding in public. Most large stores have a breastfeeding room that is pretty nice. I actually just read an article that said that many Japanese moms BF at home but formula feed in public. When I have needed to BF my DS I either have asked where to do it (using mostly sign language:lol ) or I have done it before or after going out. A couple of times I have had to do it very discreetly in public, but I always cover up and try to find a location out of the view of others. It's funny, because in the states I am one of those women who always NIP and dare someone to say something to me but here in Japan I try to respect their culture as much as I can so I do what they would do.

pacificmama

12-11-2006, 08:29 AM

Hi, I don't know about the laws here (if any) but I have been quite relaxed about NIP... It is great to seek out your local nursing rooms, often in kids' areas of large department stores, ask for "ju-nyuu-shitsu" (feeding room). Usually well-equipped with comfy chairs, changing tables etc.
Along with restaurants, stores, cafes etc. I have even BFd on busy commuter trains, when I had no choice! Just took a deep breath and did it. I fiind most people VERY accepting and welcoming of BF. Several times I had people approach us and I stiffened in anticipation of a negative comment, and in fact they just wanted to see the cute baby and were all apologetic and warm and fuzzy when they realized we were BFing. Not once did I have a negative comment, nor was I ever asked to move to another location.
DS is now 3 and rarely asks for nursies when we are out and about any more, but even when we do nobody has ever given me flak about nursing a toddler.
Best of luck with your pregnancy and finding a good midwife!
Caitlin in Shiga, oh so far from Okinawa....

pacificmama

12-11-2006, 08:36 AM

A couple of times I have had to do it very discreetly in public, but I always cover up and try to find a location out of the view of others. It's funny, because in the states I am one of those women who always NIP and dare someone to say something to me but here in Japan I try to respect their culture as much as I can so I do what they would do.

That's interesting treemom, I am usually one to behave that way in a foreign country too... maybe I got my gumption from my midwife who is so emphatically supportive of BF... because of her I braced myself for the comments and then when they were actually POSITIVE ones it gave me the guts to just keep on BF whereever I chose. Are you in an urban area? Perhaps it's here in the countryside that people are happy to see this? I've often gotten the feeling that people see me as following a "Japanese tradition" when I BF (an older tradition, seems like formula is still seen as somewhat new). Have you had any discouraging comments yourself? I must say, it was only DH who asked me to cover up once or twice, DS wouldn't stand for it so I just gave up! :lol

treemom2

12-11-2006, 04:24 PM

Honestly, I haven't received any negative comments about BFing here but I have heard many stories from women here (on base) who have NIP'd and been asked to leave. I'm in Sasebo which is the second biggest city in our prefecture. You are right, traditionally all Japanese women BF'd at least 2 years, it was greatly encouraged, but like many things the Americans have brought to this country formula is now "the thing" for the younger women who aren't as likely to BF because they want to be like the Americans and formula feed--it's really sad what we tend to do to countries:o :(

Rhannie

12-18-2006, 07:41 AM

I've yet to get any negative comments about NIP even when there's a nursing room in the store I don't use it unless I want a bit of a rest too. The only comments I've gotten are "oh she's so cute she's sleeping . . . (closer look) OH she's drinking!)" shop keeper and various others around town and "You should be a little more careful when you take it (your breast) out to feed" --DH. I think its more of a personal thing for him than a "don't offend the people around you" thing.

I have a feeling that the comments in like you've heard in Sasebo are related to the large number of US military people there. There seems to be more negativity to "foreigners" in general in places where the military bases are located. I doubt that a Japanese woman in the same situation would've been asked to leave. Now if she were changing her baby's diaper on the resturant table . . .(Actually saw this one happen and the lady was asked to find somewhere more appropriate--out of the resturant--to change the baby. She had BF the baby at the same place and no one thought twice about it.)

I think that a lot of the mothers with infants here feel overly modest about BF their babies though. All of the older people I've met seem to find it refreshing to see someone openly NIP. The "young mothers" feel the need to hide that they are nursing (even among other mothers).

Rhannie

flyingspaghettimama

12-23-2006, 12:53 AM

Hi, sorry for the oh-so-Western intrusion...and thread hijack...

I'm investigating taking a trip to Kyoto with our family (two children - one age 6, the other age 1) for fun, from the States.

A very basic question - has anyone here stayed at a ryokan? Would you recommend it with a toddler? Most of the ryokans seem to accept three people, but not more? Very strange or not? We need less-expensive sleep options, so any other ideas are welcome.

You can PM me or write back here. We basically need assistance with making an affordable trip plan, and tips would be so very helpful.

Also, are we insane for wanting to visit Japan with a toddler? Wait. Don't answer that.

vannienicole

12-23-2006, 06:08 PM

Also, are we insane for wanting to visit Japan with a toddler? Wait. Don't answer that.

Lol! I live in Japan with a toddler. I haven't stayed in home hotels before, but I know they accomodate less people because of lack of space more than usual. There are plenty of hotels that have traditional rooms if that's what you are going for. For Valentine's Day a couple years ago my husband and I stayed at Komaki Resort here in Misawa in a traditional room. It was wonderful. I would say that if you are visiting Japan, definately go to an onsen. We leave in April and I'm pregnant until June, so no more trips down the street for me. It is a wonderful experience if you can handle a bit of nudity. :)

PM me if you have any questions. I have only been to Kyoto once without sightseeing, so I can't give you that information. I can though help out with general Japan questions and culture questions.

Hope your trip goes well. This is an amazing country.

KonanKaren

12-23-2006, 09:49 PM

Everytime we've traveled we have stayed in ryokans with our kids, the first time was when my oldest was 3 months old and just a couple of months ago we stayed in one with my daughter (9 mo) and my son (3 years). The only problem we have had was trying to keep my daughter and son from touching and playing with the decorations in the room, since everything is at ground level. Also keeping my very active and noisy toddlar calm and talking in a "quiet voice" at night since there is no soundproofing or insulation between the rooms. Ryokans and hotels are basicly the same price (when we've looked into them), so I'd try staying in a ryokan. "Three people" probably means 3 adults, or really 3 futons (1 futon per person) so if your one year old can sleep with you on your futon you should be fine. PM me if you want any other info. We have stayed at 2 ryokans in Kyoto with my son before my daughter was born. I second the onsen suggestion! Onsens are one of my favorite things about Japan.

raks

01-10-2007, 04:21 PM

I've yet to get any negative comments about NIP even when there's a nursing room in the store I don't use it unless I want a bit of a rest too. The only comments I've gotten are "oh she's so cute she's sleeping . . . (closer look) OH she's drinking!)"

I have also never received any negative comments about NIP. I usually don't go to the nursing rooms because in order to do that I usually have to get myself and my 2 kids onto an elevator and that's just a PIA! I usually just find a quiet place to sit or go to a coffee shop. I nurse in retaurants all the time. I'm sure they have no idea that I am nursing.

I don't know anyone who has stopped nursing before 12 months (except a friend who had problems at 2 months). And I know lots of women who are still nursing over 24 months.

I love that it is one of the most common questions I get. The first thing they ask is "how old is your kid". The second thing they ask is "oppai?" (are you breast feeding) When my youngest was 2 months old I even had one woman ask me if I was still nursing my 2 year old. I thought it was wonderful that she even considered there was a possibility I would be nursing both at the same time.

My point is, BFing is embraced here in japan. I love that.

raks

01-10-2007, 04:26 PM

I just wanted to jump in again and say HI AGAIN. I posted nearly a year ago, but haven't really been reading much on this board since then.

My name is Rebecca. I have a 2.5 year old and a 8 month old. Right now I live in Fukuoka (kyushu). I've had both kids here. Both fantastic experiences.

We are moving to Kobe (or somewhere between Osaka and Kobe) within the next couple of months. I was wondering if there's anyone near there on this board? I am feeling a bit stressed about moving. I am quite comfortable in fukuoka - have lots of playgroups, friends with kids, and I was all set to get DD into preschool. But in our new home I have NO clue about schools, playcenters, health centers, hospitals (in case we try for #3 while we are still there). I don't really want to move :(

Rebecca

KonanKaren

01-28-2007, 10:28 PM

Hi, Unfortuently I don't live near there, but there is a website that might help you.
www.osakamothers.com
Good Luck with your move!

Rhannie

01-31-2007, 07:10 PM

Right now I live in Fukuoka (kyushu). . .
We are moving to Kobe (or somewhere between Osaka and Kobe) within the next couple of months. I was wondering if there's anyone near there on this board? I am feeling a bit stressed about moving. I am quite comfortable in fukuoka . . . I don't really want to move :(

I miss Fukuoka :( I didn't live there with kids, but I love the city anyway. I hear you though. My husband just got notified that he'll probably be transferred to Tokyo within the next couple of months and I've just gotten aclimated to being in Sendai with a baby. I don't want to move either :( I wish I could help you with Kobe, but I've never been there. Let us know how the move goes.

Rhannie

green mom

02-17-2007, 01:47 AM

Seeking Info...

Sorry to barge in...

My mother-in-law is from Okinawa (Oh the questions I have) and my college Japanese culture class (before meeting DH, oddly enough) did not prepare me for an Okinawan-military wife grandmother to be. Our relationship was good, until I decided on natural childbirth, etc. Also, I'm interested in my EDS's heritage. My father-in-law was AF. DMIL will not even disclose a recipe to me, much less talk of Okinawa or her worries. Ive found some info, just think some to be skewed or too broad. Any leads, sites, or contacts or shedding of light on any of this info would be so appreciated.

Most of my questions concern:

*Okinawan childbirth practices past & present
*Japanese/Okinawan genealogy today or in-the-works.
*Military/Air Force culture and records of WWII era.

flyingspaghettimama

03-07-2007, 11:39 PM

Rhannie

03-08-2007, 07:11 AM

Hey guys, thanks for your help. I have just a few more questions - if we were to come to Japan, would your recommend a ryokan or a hotel? We're a family of four. And (bag-over-head-smilie) I would like a TV in the room for middle of the night not sleeping children. How much do hotels cost., if we were looking budget but not skanky (think, hmm, Holiday Inn)? How would YOU go about finding one?

We are also thinking Tokyo because it's much cheaper to fly there? What do you think?

We are thinking either next year in the Spring or this Fall. We want to take some Japanese language courses first, particularly my daughter.

Both usually have TVs available in the rooms from my experience. I like staying in ryokans personally--I like the traditional aspects and the food, but I've never done it with a child in tow and now that I have my little one, there's no pluses for us, because my daughter has an allergy to soy and I can't eat anything they serve. :(

If you are going to go to Tokyo I'd say go with a hotel, but try to get a deal
at a nicer hotel--we stayed at 2 different hotels in Yokohama this past
weekend and they were the same price, but the second was MUCH nicer and the service was much better than the first. Japanese hotels usually
charge by the person, but I don't think they charge extra for children under
a certain age, so check before you book. (I usually let my husband do the
work of finding and booking hotels ;) but even so its pretty much luck of the draw :( $$ doesn't always equal quality here. I would avoid anything
really close to the bullet train stations though--the hotels are very convenient and a bit costly, but not that nice.) Umm, what else? Oh yeah,
I'm not sure about the costs, but hotels that have names like "XXXX International Hotel" seem to be more upscale than others. Avoid hotels with names like "XXXX Business Hotel"

Depending on where you are flying from, you might be able to get a better
deal to a different city, but again check around--If you want to experience
"traditional" Japan I'd recommend Kyoto over Tokyo though--It all depends on why you want to come to Japan and what you are interested in. Also, remember that Tokyo might be cheaper to fly to, but it is a major metropolis so you will probably spend more on things like transportation, food and hotels. Kyoto is more of a tourist area and easier to get around
--they have city/tourist buses to all the major sites that are very reasonable. Tokyo on the other hand . . . well Chinatown was interesting.
(Can you tell I'm not fond of Tokyo?--totally personal preference though--unfortunately, I'm probably going to be moving there soon :( )

Consider getting a rail or plane pass -- you can ONLY buy these overseas, they are NOT available in Japan. But if you want to travel around to different cities in Japan you'll be able to save a lot of money with these (if you are going to stay in one or two places it may not be worth it though).

Oh and when you come avoid the first week in May (Golden week)
and the week around August 15 -- pretty much everyone in the country has
vacation at that time, so travelling is a pain. All the trains and planes and
stations are packed --definitely NOT somthing you want to do with (or without) kids.

Can't think of anything else right now, but if I do I'll let you know.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me--I'll tell you what I can.

Rhannie

Rhannie

03-09-2007, 09:14 AM

Can anyone recommend a midwife or birthing hospital in the Nagoya area? My SIL is pregnant and debating whether to have a hospital or midwife birth. It'll be her first baby, so . . .

Rhannie

pacificmama

03-09-2007, 08:27 PM

Hi Rhannie,

There is an excellent clinic in Aichi (Okazaki-shi), called Yoshimura-in. The doctor who runs it is called Yoshimura-sensei. He has decades of experience and is totally committed to natural birth. My (independent) midwife had her DD there at age 40, and takes her higher-risk cases there to consult with him (we are 2 prefectures away, in Shiga). NHK did a show on him a couple of years ago, even (might be a way to convince people who are more pro-hospital). If you need more info let me know, though it should be pretty easy to find, I think it's pretty well-known. (is your SIL Japanese or no?)

Good luck!

Rhannie

03-11-2007, 08:36 AM

There is an excellent clinic in Aichi (Okazaki-shi), called Yoshimura-in. The doctor who runs it is called Yoshimura-sensei. He has decades of experience and is totally committed to natural birth. . . . (is your SIL Japanese or no?)

Good luck!
OOOH, My midwife was telling me about this place and told me about some of the techniques he uses (wood choping and scrubbing the floor etc.) As I'm not one to take it easy (like everyone was telling me to) her mentioning the things that doctor said actually got my SILs to back off and let me at least do some of the house&garden work just before my DD was born ;)

I'll forward on the link to the clinic and let her think on it. (Yes my SIL is Japanese and not likely to question what the Drs tell her in any way shape or form--for example my husband spent 20 minutes explaining to her why its not a good idea to get an ultrasound at EVERY visit and after that she said "but the dr wants to do one every visit"--in the end DH told her if the Dr. won't confirm the safety or U/S or acknowledge her concerns she should get a different doctor NOW ;) )

She's already having a tough time with morning sickness, so I suggested that even if she does have a hospital birth, she could do some of the prenatal care with a midwife (relaxation techniques, massages etc.) Hopefully, things start to get easier for her--

Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to pass it on.

Rhannie

KonanKaren

03-12-2007, 08:21 AM

Hi, I gave birth to my daughter at a small independent midwife's clinic in Nagoya's Tempaku. I was 44 when I gave birth to her and my midwife wasn't concerned at all. She was quite reasurring and even wanted to know if I would rather give birth at home. She was a midwife at a hospital for a long time and when she retired opened up her own clinic. If your sister-in-law is interested I'll give you her number. She also runs the Foreign Mothers Group here in Nagoya to help foreigners navigate birth and pregnancy in Japan.
I had severe morning sickness when I was pregnant. I found Kanpo to be helpful, in fact that was the only thing that helped me. If she is interested I can give her a name of a Kanpo doctor as well.

okura

03-27-2007, 03:04 AM

Maeda Josanin in nakamura-ku is also great. that's where i had my daughter. very natural, relaxed and supportive place.
they run good classes explaining why regular hospitals are evil in regards to childbirth. these are open to snyone, even if you aren't planning on having your babe there. might be wortth sending your sil along!

Princessenoire

03-28-2007, 05:28 AM

Hello all! I wonder if I could grab a bit of advice from those who live in Japan. I flew into Narita a couple of days ago on a VERY last-minute trip (as in, planned and executed in 36 hours). I came with my 6 year old and 5 month old children. Just today I found out we'll have tomorrow and Friday pretty much free, and I'm looking for things to do with them. We are staying at a friend's apartment in Tokyo right now, but he's single and about as interested in children and what to do with them as he is in jumping off his 24th story balcony. :) Anything in Tokyo or between there and Yokosuka (where we'll be starting Friday evening) would be great. I'm thinking about leaving for Yokosuka earlier than planned on Friday and heading to Kamakura. Any other suggestions? Also, what is the nursing situation here? My friend seems to think that "no one" does it and so I've been trying not to NIP in order to avoid distressing him. My daughter, however, thinks this is the pits, and both the kids are out of sorts from transitioning so quickly so I'd like to be able to comfort her better.

As a note, we're from the San Diego CA area and I have to say I love it here. It's so nice (from what I've seen) and I'm lusting the transit here. I've been considering doing some graduate work in Asian studies (I'm in international relations/law) and actually being here is cementing my interest. Thanks again!

treemom2

03-28-2007, 07:19 AM

I actually haven't been to Tokyo, so I don't know what the activity situation is there as far as children are concerned. DH has been there and he thinks Tokyo tower is totally fun for kids. Also, if you haven't been to 100 yen store, they are totally fun for kids--sometimes we just give the kids some yen and let them go crazy--plus, these are great places to buy some things for friends back in the states. Now, about NIPping. At first, I was told no one NIPs but since I've been living here for about two years I can tell you that is not true. I see women NIP all the time, they are just discreet--they will turn their bodies away from a crowd, not do it in too obvious of a place, etc. . . Also, most department stores have nursing rooms that are pretty nice, so I think some women also use those. One thing though, I'm not sure in the other areas of Japan, but I've noticed that when NIPping, women don't usually cover up, they are just discreet. If you have time, you might want to read the rest of this thread because we have talked a lot about NIP here.

goodmorning

04-04-2007, 08:43 PM

konbanwa!!! I grew up in tokyo - I'm a halfie - both my parents still live there, so we're going to go in a couple weeks to take my DS for his first trip "home" - he's 7 1/2 mos old. i'm worried about how to take train, etc, with a stroller - i know we'll avoid travelling at rush hour, as much as possible, and we usually wear DS in a baby carrier, but we will have the stroller with us since we'll be on the go most of the entire day... just wondering b/c i dont remember really seeing babies in strollers on the train... we're staying at my mom's house in kokubunji but we're also going to kyoto so that my DH can check it out. i dont know that there is space on the bullet train for strollers?
also, what is the situation with car seats? like in a taxi, etc..

domo!

KonanKaren

04-07-2007, 08:44 AM

Hi, How exciting to bring your son back to see your parents! I don't live in Tokyo but here in Nagoya and the other towns Ive lived in I have always taken my stroller on trains and subways. Ive seen plenty of people with strollers as well so I wouldn't worry. Ive also brought my stroller on the Shinkansen. When we did that we put the stroller behind the car's first seat (there is a large space...I also stored some large suitcases there when I had to take the Shinkansen after landing in Tokyo.) The only suggestion I have is to make sure you have a thin (in terms of width) fairly light weight stroller so that it can fit between the turnstyles as well as manuever easily on narrow sidewalks. Lightweight enough because not all subway stations have elevators (at least in this area) and sometimes they don't have escalators for the exit you need... so you will have to carry your stroller up and down stairs at times.
Re taxis...Ive never seen a car seat in a taxi, I don't think its the law here. It is the law for cars but I see people all the time ignoring that one. Hope that helps

Rhannie

04-16-2007, 01:19 AM

I just went to Tokyo a couple of weeks ago and lots of people had strollers (although most people were carrying the baby in one hand and the stroller in the other ;)--Personally, I think its just extra luggage for the most part.) If you travel on the off hours in the subway and trains there should be no problem with the stroller on the trains themselves. BUT elevators for the platforms in some areas are scarce and be VERY careful when you board or get off the subway/trains--there are gaps that the stroller wheels can easily get caught in and there have been incidents recently (within the last year) of mums/babies being injured because the stroller was caught and no one noticed. Saftey procedures are improving a lot in this regard, but extra caution never hurts. For the week I was in Tokyo (I live in Sendai) I just used my sling and the strollers that were provided in department stores/groceries for the customers--at 7.5 mos your son should be fine with any of the ones in the stores.

The shinkansen you can keep your stroller in the luggage "compartment." I definitely agree with KonanKaren about keeping your stroller as light and compact as possible (and if you can secure it with a shoulder strap all the better), because in Tokyo and Kyoto you'll find it much faster and easier to move if you aren't trying to push/pull it along in a lot of places. I think two versitile carriers (one you can comfortably and easily switch types of carries) --one for your husband and one for you--is preferrable to a stroller--especially if you are using public transport a lot. If you are just going to be in one or two areas and walking in that area then definitely bring your stroller, but make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the trains when you bring the stroller.

Oh and be sure to use the city tourist bus in Kyoto--it goes directly to all the sights and is really easy to get around on. (I forgot what its called, but there are 3 loops and they announce what tourist attractions are at each stop--Much easier than regular public transport. You'll want a collapsable, light stroller or just your carrier for this too.

Taxis do not provide car seats. Even though the law states that infants must be in a car seat, many people ignore it (kinda like talking on your cell phone and driving). But if you are planning on driving (or your parents drive) I suggest having them get a carseat if at all possible--especially in Tokyo, the drivers there scare me.

I hope you enjoy your trip "back home."

Rhannie

WOW that was a long post--hope it helps ;)

Rhannie

04-29-2007, 07:31 AM

Ok. SIL has pretty much decided on a hospital--I don't know the details, but it's supposed to be good (according to her info), so all is good in that regard.

Now she's been doing a lot helping out playing mediator between DH and MIL (Don't ask--I love my husband, but wouldn't mind not being an "oyome-san" ;) --) all while she's not really feeling tops (morning sickness and tired). I think she really could use a massage (or some other kind of pampering) right about now--I know I could and I'm not doing the mediating! So, can anyone recommend someone/somewhere in Nagoya (Higashi-ku) for a massage or something relaxing for a 5 month pregnant woman? ---SIL definitely isn't up for much travelling though, but I think something soothing and relaxing is right in order.

Rhannie

KonanKaren

05-03-2007, 08:41 AM

I live in Higashi-ku but unfortuently don't know of any prenatal massage therapists in this ku or in Nagoya. I bet there are and would have loved to know where to go when I was pregnant. Maybe she can ask at her "hospital" or a midwives organization.
I have seen alot of "massage places" in Higashi-ku that are in various grocery stores and malls. They all do foot massages which feels wonderful when pregnant (and not). Also Ive seen an acupuncturist in Sakae who is great. (depending on where in Higashi-ku she is located Sakae can be close by). Acupuncture is great when youre pregnant, and would help with the stress she is experiencing as well as the nausea. At his clinic he has people who do aromatherapy massages/treatments which she might like as well. He takes National Health insurance so if she gets her doctor to recommend it she can go for about 1,000 yen a treatment.
Some suggestions, wish I knew more but my japanese is pretty poor and this type of stuff is not on my husbands radar.

AmericancatinJapan

05-30-2007, 01:49 AM

Hello! Any other MDC folks in or around Hiroshima? Been living here with my Japanese hubby for the last two years. TTC big time with some difficulties :gloomy:
Would be great to chat with others in similar situation. Loved the foreign wives club site... :D
Freya

goodmorning

06-02-2007, 08:02 PM

hey all ~~~~ we had a great trip home. we didnt get to do as much as i wanted with DS's nap schedule... we pretty much hung around kokubunji where my mother lives - we did take shinkansen to kyoto and also went to my grnadfather;s grave out in odawara. otherthan that, travelling on train too far was just not fun so we stayed close to home. plus, my son had a hard time napping in the stroller with so much going on, so we were home for each of his naps.
ahhhhhhhhhh i'm homesick already - nexty time, i think i will stay longer with DS and let my husband come home alone early.

anyhow, just wanted to say "oi!" :)

wagamama

07-02-2007, 11:56 AM

mad cow

07-07-2007, 09:05 PM

hello wagamama... I cant help you out at all because I live down in Nagasaki. I just wanted to say hello and also that I love your user name. Its very clever!!!! good luck finding a midwife/birthing center.....

KonanKaren

07-10-2007, 06:39 PM

Hi, Don't know of any in the area since I live in Nagoya but try posting and looking through posts at:

http://www.piqniq.jp

and

http://www.tokyowithkids.com/cgi/discus/discus.cgi

at www.tokyowithkids.com there is another email list you can sign up for called Okasan just for pregnant women and mothers. (look at the second to the last paragraph on the main page and it will tell you how to sign up). Im sure you will be able to find some help on those two sites.
Good Luck

wagamama

07-11-2007, 10:49 AM

Thanks mad cow & Konon Karen. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a Japan sub-forum? Then we could have threads on different topics and sticky things like lists of recommended midwives.

wagamama

07-15-2007, 04:24 PM

I'm back with another question. We are expecting baby #2 in December and are starting to think about baby names. Since we've been living out of Japan for the past 3 years, I'm a bit out of touch with Japanese baby names. A couple that I like for girls are Anzu (apricot) and Rio (but dh doesn't like it, because it reminds him of the city).

Does anyone have any names they love, for boys or girls? I'd love to hear them!

merpk

07-17-2007, 03:23 AM

Not in Japan but just wanting to send light and energy your way, mamas, and hoping you and those you love are all okay ...

:hug

Rhannie

07-24-2007, 03:13 AM

Can anyone recommend a midwife and/or birthing center in Yokohama or Tokyo?

My dh is Japanese, but we are living in Nigeria at the moment. I will be returning to Japan in Sept and am due to give birth in Dec. I'll be staying with my in-laws in Aoba-ku, which is not too far from Machida.

I'm worried that if I wait until Sept to find a birthing center, they might all be booked up. I really don't want to give birth at a hospital -- been there, done that, regret that!!

I'm sure I replied to this a couple of weeks ago, but my post isn't on the board . . . wonder what happened. I recently moved to Yokohama, so I
don't know any midwives here (yet), but all the independent midwives in Japan are members of the Association of midwives.

Here's a link for the Japanese association of midwives:
http://www.midwife.or.jp/05_midwifery_practices/05_03_midwives_list.html
and here's the section with Yokohama and Tokyo:
http://www.midwife.or.jp/05_midwifery_practices/05_03_midwives_list_02.html

The lists are only in Japanese, so if you need any help with reading them feel free to PM me. (Some of the midwives are only available for childrearing consultations etc.)

Hope you're able to get someone you can work with through your pregnancy.

On your other question about baby names . . .

Off the top of my head some versitile girls' names are:
Hana, Maya, Anna, Risa, Sara, Akira

Boys' are:
Ken, Ryo, Akira

If you're looking for a typically Japanese name I can think
of a lot more.

Good luck,
Rhannie

wagamama

07-24-2007, 08:42 AM

Rhannie, thanks for the info and ideas. I will check out the list. We actually may have found a place -- it's a birthing center called Birth Aoba, and it's just five minutes from my FIL's place in Aoba-ku. What part of Yokohama are you in?

We probably want a more traditional name, since the middle name will be English. So far we both like Ibuki for a boy, but have no ideas for a girl. I love Ibuki, but am not sure how it sounds to non-Japanese. I'm planning to ask my sister (who's never left North America) what she thinks.

Thanks again!

Rhannie

08-21-2007, 10:33 PM

What part of Yokohama are you in?

We're in Tsuduki-ku not far from Center Kita and Center Minami if that narrows it down at all ;)

Girls names:
Sachi/Sachiko*
Sakura/Sakurako*
Yumi
Yuka
Yuki
Rie
Emi
Tomomi
Hitomi
Hiroko*
Hana
Maya
Michiko*
Noriko*
*names ending in "ko" seem to be out of fashion right now though.

If you need any more I can keep listing them ;) Oh and here's a funny website (in Japanese) on what NOT to name your baby (there are names like Pooh written in Kanji as "yellow bear"), well you can use these names, but be prepared for the embarrassment :-P
http://dqname.jp/

Rhannie

KathinJapan

09-19-2007, 10:00 PM

HI I thought I was subbed to this thread, but guess not.
I am Kathryn living up in Iwate. 2 girls Maya almost 4y.o. and Emma 8 months.
If you are married to a J. man there is a yahoo group MIJ ( married in Japan ) and AFWJ, which you have to pay to join, but worth the yen IMO. Tons of great resources there.

so happy the typhoon has blown by and today is sunny and hot again.
Kathryn

Can Dance

09-20-2007, 09:12 PM

treemom2

09-20-2007, 10:54 PM

my dh has a job interview in Tokyo October 10th. after that it will be about 4 weeks till we find out if he lands the job. I think we will be living in Chiba, not sure.
I have two littles and I think we are going to go for a third, the plan is/was next summer. but I am kind of freaked out about giving birth in a hospital. like really freaked out. is it even possible to homebirth in Japan? seriously its one of my huge concerns.
but I am kind of excited about the prospect of being there! I think it will be a grand adventure just trying not to count my chickens too early!

Hello and welcome! I've been in Japan almost three years now and absolutely love it here. There are a lot of midwives in Japan and as their popularity increases there will be more of them. They are nurses and have somewhat of a medical mindset. They also are required to work hand in hand with an OB who will give the final say on whether you are a candidate for homebirth. They are also a lot more rigid than American doctors/midwives when it comes to weight gain, what you eat during pregnancy, and behavior during pregnancy (like so more than 10 kg weight gain, no sex during pregnancy because of infection:dizzy: , no eating salt, etc. . .). Then again, they are a lot more natural during the actual birthing process, most women do not get epidurals or meds during birth. . .it's kind of a right of passage that women must endure and so most Japanese women will have no drugs. In most Japanese birth books though the women do birth on their backs with feet up. I gave birth at home in April and was required to birth on my back. My baby had severe mec aspiration and then shoulder dystocia. I wanted to roll on all fours and was not allowed. . .instead one midwife pulled on her and the other got on top of me and pushed on my stomach to push the baby out. She died (22 hours later), however I don't blame them for not letting me go to all fours. . .it is their way of doing it in this culture and she probably would have died anyway from the mec aspiration. After she was born she was transported to the hospital where the docs and nurses were wonderful (even though I was not allowed to stay with her). I don't think I could ask for better care in a hospital anyplace than here.

Another thing, most women in Japan do not deliver their babes in a "hospital", they are mostly private women's clinics (birthing centers). The ones where I live are like fancy hotels with steak and lobster meals, daily massages, and the nurses wash your hair everyday (average stay after normal vaginal birth is 4 days).

treemom2

09-20-2007, 11:01 PM

Can Dance

09-22-2007, 08:46 AM

Hello and welcome! I've been in Japan almost three years now and absolutely love it here. There are a lot of midwives in Japan and as their popularity increases there will be more of them. They are nurses and have somewhat of a medical mindset. They also are required to work hand in hand with an OB who will give the final say on whether you are a candidate for homebirth. They are also a lot more rigid than American doctors/midwives when it comes to weight gain, what you eat during pregnancy, and behavior during pregnancy (like so more than 10 kg weight gain, no sex during pregnancy because of infection:dizzy: , no eating salt, etc. . .). Then again, they are a lot more natural during the actual birthing process, most women do not get epidurals or meds during birth. . .it's kind of a right of passage that women must endure and so most Japanese women will have no drugs. In most Japanese birth books though the women do birth on their backs with feet up. I gave birth at home in April and was required to birth on my back. My baby had severe mec aspiration and then shoulder dystocia. I wanted to roll on all fours and was not allowed. . .instead one midwife pulled on her and the other got on top of me and pushed on my stomach to push the baby out. She died (22 hours later), however I don't blame them for not letting me go to all fours. . .it is their way of doing it in this culture and she probably would have died anyway from the mec aspiration. After she was born she was transported to the hospital where the docs and nurses were wonderful (even though I was not allowed to stay with her). I don't think I could ask for better care in a hospital anyplace than here.

Another thing, most women in Japan do not deliver their babes in a "hospital", they are mostly private women's clinics (birthing centers). The ones where I live are like fancy hotels with steak and lobster meals, daily massages, and the nurses wash your hair everyday (average stay after normal vaginal birth is 4 days).

I am deeply sorry for your loss. that would be very difficult, no matter what the circumstance. I know Japan is pretty notorious for having rules and not whether or not the rules would be broken, but whether or not whatever is proposed is IN the rule book. I can't imagine being *told* to birth on my back, I am sure I'd be telling them to UA violation if its not what I wanted to do. I laboured standing up and sitting on a birth stool is ultimately how she came out. maybe a UC is starting to look good.
I really appreciate the info though, no one seems to know much of anything of the people I know there! thanks!

Can Dance

09-22-2007, 08:47 AM

what kind of CD's do you all use? since I know the use of dryers is rare, and its humid, what do you guys do? and is getting a service an option?

treemom2

09-22-2007, 05:36 PM

My mw told me that UC is not "legal" here in Japan, but there are some women who do it anyway. She said that there can be some legal repercussions if you do a UC (this was my original plan) and if the authorities find out about a UC you will be visited by the police.

I'm sorry, I guess I didn't say it correctly, I was allowed to labor in many positions however I was only allowed to push on my back with my feet up.

Cloth diapering can be hard, although many people do it here in Japan. I've recently had to give it up. I can't get the smell out of my dipes no matter how much I sun them and I can't strip them since I don't have hot water at home. I have been told by some at mdc to boil water and put the dipes in the boiling water, but am nervous about doing that to my fuzzi bunz and my bumgenius dipes for fear it might ruin the PUL. Maybe if you washed dipes everyday and then sunned them it might work, but I tend not to wash everyday:o I will tell you though that almost all Japanese women hang all their laundry out on the line and only use their clothes driers to finish the laundry. They bring in the laundry by 2pm so it doesn't get too moist from the humidity.

wallabi

10-09-2007, 01:28 AM

hello all,

just wanted to say hi and wave at Kathryn in Iwate and Freya in Hiroshima. My PIL's just finished moving in to their newly re-built-once-an-old-kura house in Iwate, and (Japanese) dh and I are in Okayama, so kinda close to you, Freya.

At the moment we are approved for the equivelant of foster-adopt through the prefecture and waiting for someone to call and say 'come meet your kid!.'

I'm supposed to be working now, so that'll have to do for an introduction.

Sara

KathinJapan

10-09-2007, 02:35 AM

I Sara, I don`t often post but I *know* you from MIJ. nice to see you on MDC.
Kathryn

KathinJapan

10-09-2007, 04:05 AM

I forgot to add the door is always open if you are up this way! We love to have guests, and now actualy have room for them.:lol
Kathryn

wallabi

10-09-2007, 06:22 AM

ha ha! I thought as I typed it that Kathryn in Iwate sounded familiar! I've not yet been up to Iwate, but we are considering a trip in December. If you see a harassed looking girl walking a big black dog and muttering complaints about her in-laws, that will be me. :) For a while we were considering moving to Iwate ourselves, but, wimpy coastal Californian that I am, I was none too sure about the winters. You must be much tougher than me!

Sara

KathinJapan

10-09-2007, 06:40 PM

Do come to visit! we have central heating:lol I don`t know if I could handle the summers down where you live. We are find up here with no a/c. Tho we are considering installing one as I teach out of the house sometimes and it would be nice for students.

Have you checked out the diggin in the earth forum? There is also a sub forum for adoption. Lots of great info. here on MDC.

Kathryn

Rhannie

10-18-2007, 12:30 AM

I'm sorry, I guess I didn't say it correctly, I was allowed to labor in many positions however I was only allowed to push on my back with my feet up.

Cloth diapering can be hard, although many people do it here in Japan. I've recently had to give it up. I can't get the smell out of my dipes no matter how much I sun them and I can't strip them since I don't have hot water at home. I have been told by some at mdc to boil water and put the dipes in the boiling water, but am nervous about doing that to my fuzzi bunz and my bumgenius dipes for fear it might ruin the PUL. Maybe if you washed dipes everyday and then sunned them it might work, but I tend not to wash everyday:o I will tell you though that almost all Japanese women hang all their laundry out on the line and only use their clothes driers to finish the laundry. They bring in the laundry by 2pm so it doesn't get too moist from the humidity.

I've been wanting to reply to this thread for a while, but haven't been able to post for some reason.

It's not a matter of the culture as to how you were "required" to push on your back--it's your midwife's comfort level (just like if you were in a hospital and the DR isn't comfortable with "alternative positioning. I have heard of many women being held down on their backs by midwives in the hospital setting while delivering the baby. I gave birth squatting, at home, with an older midwife.
The thing is a lot of the midwives in Japan are more "medwives" in that they have learned their practice through a hospital and stick as closely to what they have been taught as possible. Others are traditional midwives focusing on getting the baby out with as little stress as possible. When you choose your midwife you have to find the one that is best for you.

To the OP: I suggest when you look for your midwife, be upfront with her and talk about your previous births. Tell her that you may prefer to push the baby out in a "non-traditional" position, for example standing up or on your hands and knees etc. If she tells you that she will not allow it, look for a different midwife. (Where I was living there was only one midwife in the whole prefecture that would attend first-time births and/or homebirths, so even if I didn't like her it would be that or a hospital :( I'm so glad that she was open to different ideas and would even go out of her way to research something she wasn't familiar with.)

On baby bottoms :-D

I cloth diaper and EC (search for Elimination Communication for more Info). ECing helps a lot with keeping the laundry load down (especially with the poop!).

I started out using Japanese style cloth diapers (the ones that are in a loop) with wraps, but decided I prefer fitteds. Pocket fitteds or plain pockets are the best because they can be washed and dried separately and the drying time is cut down by a lot plus they get cleaner.

It's especially important to use a detergent that is made for diapers (you can pick them up or order online from a store that sells baby goods). Many detergents don't rinse out completely. Also rinse your diapers TWICE. (My washer has a standard setting of one rinse, so I have to adjust it every time I wash diapers and towels.)

I have on occasion boiled my fitted diapers because of smell (the sewn in soakers are hemp and it can be difficult to clean/rinse completely enough with cold water.) I like to use the warm water after a bath to do the first/pre wash (you can get a bathtub/washer pump from any local "home center." To "boil" your diapers: heat the water to about 60 to 70 degrees centigrade and agitate them in a large pot (that's about what a "hot" wash would be.) Change the water and repeat till the suds are gone.
That should not cause any trouble with your snaps/pul.

HTH
Rhannie

wagamama

10-21-2007, 10:13 PM

Hi everyone,

I am in Japan (Yokohama) now, staying at my FIL's house with my two-year-old DS. I am happy to report that I found a wonderful birthing center just a 10-minute walk from my house. Their policy is "freestyle" birthing, which means any position for pushing is OK. The birthing room is a (tiny) tatami room, almost empty except for a very thick rope hanging from the middle of the ceiling down to the floor. I asked what it was for, and was told that some women like to hang onto it and squat while giving birth. I was initially a bit shocked, but am now actually having fantasies of giving birth in that position. :lol

Of course, I did not expect the midwives to be on the same wavelength as me as regards a natural birth. I was not surprised, for instance, to hear that they do a u/s at each visit (which is every two weeks in the last trimester). On my first visit I refused the u/s, and the doppler as well. On my second visit, they brought out a small wooden device for listening to the baby's heartbeat. Since they never use it, all the midwives wanted to have a turn listening!

They are now pretty much insisting that I have a u/s at 36 weeks, to make sure everything is OK with the baby before the birth. I wonder how necessary this really is?

Anyway, FYI, the name of the place is Birth Aoba in Aoba-ku, near Aobadai station. If anyone is looking for a good birth center and happens to live in the area ...

Can Dance

10-21-2007, 10:16 PM

wagamama

10-31-2007, 08:34 PM

That is really exciting news!! That makes me more hopeful. I can somewhat picture doing a birth center :)
my dh interviews for sure on the 12th of November, then we will know whether or not we are coming! I am getting kind of excited about it :)

Yes, from what I gather, there are a lot of birth centers in Japan. If you will be in Tokyo/Yokohama, the city is divided into areas called "wards". Just go to your "ward office" (like city hall) and ask for information about birth centers in your area.

Do you speak Japanese? The only tricky part might be finding a birth center that has English-speaking midwives -- although I'm sure they exist.

wagamama

11-05-2007, 07:41 PM

treemom2

11-05-2007, 08:30 PM

I'm back with another question -- about non-vaxing. We stopped DS's vaccinations at one year, and will not be vaccinating the new baby at all. Will this be a problem for sending the children to preschool and/or elementary school in Japan? We live most of the time in Africa, but will spend 2 months a year in Japan and want to send the children to school to keep up their Japanese.

We also do not vax. The Japanese kindergarten has never asked for any medical information other than allergies or health risks. My DD will also be attending Japanese elementary starting in April. We were asked by the doctor at her registration day if she was current on her vaxes. We told him no that we did not give vaccinations, he just said okay and that was the end of it.

KathinJapan

11-06-2007, 02:34 AM

I DON`T THINK THERE WILL BE ANY PROBS sorry nakking, about not vaxing
Kathryn

Rhannie

11-06-2007, 04:27 AM

I don't think you'll have any problems, but if you send your child to a preschool, make sure you are aware of their "vaxing day" I don't know if all preschools do it or not, but the YMCA preschool where I worked had a doctor come in to give vaccinations. I have no idea how the consent/waiver forms or anything was dealt with though--I was too busy trying to settle down a class of hyperactive and/or crying 3 year olds on a sugar rush (from the candy they got after their shots for being so brave :rolleyes ) to ask.

Rhannie

wagamama

11-06-2007, 07:46 PM

Thank you for the vax info, everyone. The morning-yoichien that DS is currently attending actually asked me for vaccination information when we signed up -- which is odd, because it's a "natural" and "alternative" school. Just between us here :D , I panicked and lied. I told them that I left DS's vaccination papers in Nigeria, and that he was fully up-to-date. :o I was afraid that they might force me to get a measles vax for him.

You never know, in Japan, what the "authorities" will be strict about, and what they will be lenient about -- KWIM??

Rhannie

11-07-2007, 10:49 PM

You never know, in Japan, what the "authorities" will be strict about, and what they will be lenient about -- KWIM??

Very true and the thing they are usually strict about are a bit bizarre. When the Public health nurse from the ward office came for the "home visit" after DD was born and registered, we discussed vaxes and apparently they are given at the complete discretion of the parents, but they will try to talk you into getting them (especially the doctors) :-/ There is no law stating that you must be vaxed and I don't think public elementary schools can ask (private is a different story). BUT she was very strict in stating that "You must start giving soup/juice to your baby at 2 months and solids at 3 or 4, and make sure you attend the baby nutrition classes at the ward office." When I didn't show for the nutrition classes, she called to find out why--I asked her if they were providing any support there for soy allergic kids (DD is SA) and if they aren't I can't see the sense in attending during a flu outbreak. She left it at that and never called back. :wink

Hope all goes well with the "authorities"

Rhannie

Can Dance

11-14-2007, 05:30 PM

it looks like around August, possibly a bit sooner. but I am moving to Japan.
onto freaking out how birthing :P

Rhannie

11-15-2007, 06:15 AM

it looks like around August, possibly a bit sooner. but I am moving to Japan.
onto freaking out how birthing :P

Where are you going to be? Maybe we can get together some info for you.
Rhannie

Can Dance

11-17-2007, 08:28 PM

thanks for the reply :) I have been to Sendai a couple of times actually. I flew in there for a family vacation.
I don't speak Japanese, my dh does though fluently, thank goodness. I am hoping my kiddos will learn to speak and translate for me. :lol obviously I am going to have to make an effort.

Rhannie

11-21-2007, 01:29 AM

thanks for the reply :) I have been to Sendai a couple of times actually.

OOPS! I've gotta update that--I'm in Yokohama now :D

Rhannie

Can Dance

11-26-2007, 07:49 PM

oh good then! I can't remember the name of the town we are moving to, but its nice and complicated :)
a few more questions: this time about food. do you guys all eat Japanese? do you know the source of the food? what do you miss the most? I heard there is a foreign buyers club...know anything?
and what about getting stuff shipped to you from Canada and the US. is is super expensive? am I going to feel completely incompetent because I will essentially be illiterate?
so many questions....

KathinJapan

11-26-2007, 10:29 PM

nakking
we eat J. food.
you do know the source, it is posted next toproduce, or on packages. It is a law.. but you have to know some characters. Basically learn the ones for China, then avoid that food!!!

I order from the foreign buyers club, and Costco and themeatguy and Tengu

www.fbcusa.com
www.theflyingpig.com
www.themeatguy.jp

sorry tengu (natural foods) changed the web addy
maybe www.alshian.com

I live in Morioka, Iwate
Kathryn

treemom2

11-26-2007, 11:33 PM

We buy most of our food from the Japanese markets, but we also still have access to a lot of American foods through the base commissary. We miss having access to a lot of our fav organic foods and toiletries in the states, but find ourselves adapting well to what is available here. When we came back to the states this summer we picked up some spices that we can't get here (like chipotle powder and Aunt Janes Crazy Mixed Up Salt--that we can get here, but it's way expensive), some deodorant (I'm sure there is a good sub here in Japan, but since I can't read ingredients yet I haven't been able to find it), and Tom's toothpaste for my kids (we've tried Japanese brands, but they only like Tom's Silly Strawberry).

KathinJapan

11-28-2007, 02:28 AM

Bring from home
spices, esp. the mixes and blends. Italian is popular here, so easy to find oregano, basil etc.. but not so much other things.

toothpaste and deoderant (tho you can order, I have enough room to bring them)
contact cleaner, I do buy solution here

GSE
flax seeds, for some reason those cannot be sold here:dizzy:

Order from costco
baking soda, the nice 12 lb bags, ,we CD
oats, cheap and we eat tons
vinegar, cheap large bottle

FBC
cali baby
hylands
turkey for Thanksgiving
large blocks of cheese
goat milk
Braggs
Dr.Bronners
Bionaturea

tengu
air filter, replacement charcoal
honey
yummy treats
essential oils
I like this company, so if they carry it I will order from them rather than FBC or costco. Basically Tengu first, FBC second then for those other items Costco
I do order more than this, this is just to give you an idea of what I do. I am a *lifer* so lead a very locally based life, but there are a few things I like..

let us know where you are moving to
Kathryn

Rhannie

12-01-2007, 10:07 AM

a few more questions: this time about food. do you guys all eat Japanese? do you know the source of the food? what do you miss the most? I heard there is a foreign buyers club...know anything?
and what about getting stuff shipped to you from Canada and the US. is is super expensive? am I going to feel completely incompetent because I will essentially be illiterate?

I used to eat Japanese--till DD was about 6 weeks old and we figured out she's allergic to SOY of all things. :( (A real pain in a country where EVERYTHING has soy in it some way or another.) We're mostly on a "package-free" diet because of this, so most things we get locally. I do miss some kinds of fresh veggies that aren't as readily available here--beets, swiss chard, squash (besides Kabocha and zucchini) etc.

When I'm looking for a "taste of home" I usually can get by on something from Yamaya or one of the outrageously expensive import shops--I've been considering getting a membership to Costco, but I've never been inside one, so I don't know if it's worth it for me or not (you don't have to be a member to use Flying Pig AFAIK). Oh and I just got some nice gingerbread cookies from Ikeya =D

Depending on who ships it over to you, the shipping can be annoying or expensive or both =D If you're having friends/family ship things, then it's whatever the PO charges are, but with companies, they have handling or sometimes they only ship by FedEx which usually costs more, and sometimes you get lucky and the shipping actually costs less from some companies who do a lot of international orders. So YMMV.

If you're going to be in/around any place with a significant non-Japanese population then you'll run into a lot of English (signs, menus, people who just want to use you as a practice dummy :P . . . ), but in smaller towns there tends to be less of that. But there usually is someone who can help you out, even if it takes a while and lots of writing (many people I've met have trouble speaking/understanding spoken English even though they can read it to an extent.

Keep the ??s coming.
Rhannie