Where to give birth?

[quietasariot]

So, my husband is in the military. I've heard so many awful stories about the Naval Hospital on Lester that I do NOT want to give birth there if we have another child here. I live in the Southern area of the island (Kinser/Makiminato area) if that helps.

I've heard so many wonderful stories of giving birth out in town. I've heard they are very gentle, don't require you to be hooked up to an IV, don't force you to stay laying down while in labour, etc. All very natural, ALL things I want for our second child.

How much is the cost, for an American? I mean, are we charged more? Will they accept our health insurance if at all? I'm not pregnant, but I would love to have another. I just want to make sure it's going to go *my* way this time, and that I have a great midwife. Are there lactation specialists?

Well, thank you all in advance!

[TheNoNamedOne]

QAAR, you might want to try the 7th Day Adventist Hospital in Nishihara. Most of their doctors and some nurses speak English and I am sure a lot of their literature is in English as well. Other hospitals out in town will not be so smooth in the communication department, and I would expect that you'd want good communication with the staff which would be responsible for bringing your child into the world.

Hope my suggestion helps. Good luck.

[DoctorP]

Chubu is probably the best Hospital on island. It is in Okinawa City, but as TP said the communication would be difficult. Lester is actually quite good. I would be a little hesitant to take military wives word for things...they love to complain a lot!

[socalheart]

I'm due in December and will deliver at Lester. I grew up going to 7th Day Adventist though. They're a great hospital. I've also heard great things about Lester's pre and post natal care.

As a military wife, it is true that we love to complain to each other, but usually only about the little stuff... like no Yoplait at the commissary. heh. A friend of mine nearly died during childbirth, but the Lester doctors pulled her through. That's a plus on my list.

I have a friend who gave birth at a Japanese hospital three times. According to her, they don't like when you make noise during childbirth. They believe a woman should be quiet and endure the pain. I don't know if it was just her doctor and MIL being that way though. It's best to take a poll of sorts.

Good luck!

[TheNoNamedOne]

Originally Posted by socalheart

...they [Jpn hospital staff] don't like when you make noise during childbirth. They believe a woman should be quiet and endure the pain. I don't know if it was just her doctor and MIL being that way though. It's best to take a poll of sorts.

That is true from what I have heard as well. Women are to just bear it and not bother others around her with any pain she may be feeling. Keep quiet and just push.

Perhaps they let out an occassional grunt or uncomfortable moan, but I doubt they do the theatrical screaming U.S. women are portrayed as doing. Perhaps U.S. women are spoiled or just prone to being drama queens when all eyes are on them. Not sure which.

[dk]

Or maybe it just hurts like hell and you should be able to yell if you want to.

Childbirth is brutal.

[TheNoNamedOne]

dk, did your wife scream out, or for the most part did she just push and bear it?

[dk]

She just pushed pretty quietly but if it were me I would have been swearing up a storm. Women should have a right to yell if they want. If it's a problem with the noise reaching others in the building, they should soundproof the room. Easy/cheap solution.

Is this the only culture women aren't allowed to make noise during childbirth?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Originally Posted by dk

She just pushed pretty quietly ...

Good girl.

... but if it were me I would have been swearing up a storm.

Then you wouldn't be a good Japanese if you disregarded your culture of "gaman."

Women should have a right to yell if they want. If it's a problem with the noise reaching others in the building, they should soundproof the room. Easy/cheap solution.

They have the right. It is just that they've been conditioned to not exercise that right. If I were in the room for some reason -- like washing the windows or doing some sweeping, then I'd hope the woman giving birth would be courteous enough to create an environment for me where I can go about doing my job without being distracted.

Is this the only culture women aren't allowed to make noise during childbirth?

I don't know -- but I like it. I shrivel up when women scream and cry when hurt for any reason. I hope they keep within their true stereotype. It is more comfortable for me.

[dk]

Selfish post lol.

If I were in the room for some reason -- like washing the windows or doing some sweeping, then I'd hope the woman giving birth would be courteous enough to create an environment for me where I can go about doing my job without being distracted.

It is more comfortable for me.

The women aren't there for your comfort. They're there to deliver their children.

The only reason I replied to this thread is because you gave a broad generalization about American women. That the reason they yell is because:

• They are spoiled
• They are prone to being drama queens when all eyes are on them

To which I added the additional case that just maybe it actually hurts like hell. Lol, your comfort... I tell you what. When your wife is pregnant, NOTHING is about your comfort. The whole year prior to your baby's delivery, the man of the house is all but invisible in the eyes of friends and relatives. All you'll ever hear is "You poor girl, how are you feeling today?"