The Clinic

When I first registered with my clinic, they gave me a booklet with all sorts of information. A bit on pregnancy, and a bit on delivery. As it is all in Japanese, and my Kanji reading consists of only a few hundred or so- I was pretty lost. The receptionist pointed out the important pages to me that I needed to know though.

So when I went to my Japanese lesson today, I thought that my teacher would be able to help me. She was great. I really only intended to bother her with a few readings, but we went through the whole book (mind you, it took an hour and a half). This is the useful information I found:

The only things I need to bring are my boshi techo, my clinic card, a leaving outfit for the baby, a waist corset, 5 face towels (which I think are used for burp cloths), 5 gauze handkerchiefs and underwear (that is not surprising). 

They provide a lot of things at my clinic: Slippers, various sorts of towels (hand, face, bath, mini), toiletries, face toiletries, driers, breastpads and even pyjamas. 

There is another list with a whole heap of things like napkins and the like, but my teacher didn't know if it was supplied or not, so maybe I will bring a few of those items, just in case.

Other interesting things were about the life of a baby in Japan. My clinic recommends submitting a birth plan, though they do so that the doctors will always do what is safest at the time, and may not be able to do some things. The booklet also said about shaving and episiotomies, labour drugs (,to induce or speed up) and suture removal. The gist is that they they don't always do them, but in certain cases (like difficulty getting the baby out) they will. 

There was a bit of a section about what Dad's can do. Basically, they are welcomed in the room and can choose from one of three options:

Being there the whole labour

Being there from labour until delivery.

Being their only for the start.

Camera's and videos are welcome, but the midwife will instruct if there are any problems with using them at a certain time.  They had a bit of a thing about C-sections and that they would be performed in a special room (the teacher thinks) but Dad's would not be allowed in for the procedure. 

The booklet also said a bit on jaundice- I know babies back home are put under a UV lamp to help with jaundice, but here they basically just monitor the baby- expecting that it's own liver will eventually catch up and cure itself (I suppose all the babies until recently did that). They did have a section on the UV lamp, but my teacher didn't know if it was offered, she seems to think not, or maybe not unless it is an extreme case. But at least they have heard of it.

They also do a hereditary illness check (or something like that) on Day 5 of the hospital stay, checking for a few things (I assume are either dangerous or curable if treated early). Not sure if a caucasian baby will have all that they are checking for...

They also administer K2 syrup about 6-8hrs after birth, and then three times within their first month of life. 

There was a section on baby weight loss: basically that it is normal and no need to worry about.

Then we got to the fun thing of translating the daily schedule in the hospital:

Day of Birth- 

Mother: use the toilet for the first time within 6-8hrs. (hmmm)

              rest as much as possible

              change your napkin every 3-4 hrs. 

Baby: K2 Syrup given 6-8hrs after birth.

          Baby stays in the nursery (but if you really want, they can stay with you). 

Day 1-

Mother:  Depending on the mother's health, take a shower.

               Lessons on: Breastmilk, how to hold your baby, how to nappy, how to massage boobs.

Baby: Baby starts rooming in.

Day 2- 

Mother: How to bathe the baby

Day 3-

Mother: Doctors visit, stitches removal, blood test, urine test, blood pressure and weight.

Baby: Jaundice check

Day 4- 

Mother: If you have given birth before, you can leave today and they will prepare you for it.

Baby: K2 syrup and the hereditary illness check

Day 5-

Mother and baby leave about/before 10am.

The other interesting thing was a break down of a daily schedule (on top of the classes above).

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: there is a children's clinic that you can go to for information.

Tuesdays, Fridays: lactation specialist (or questions).

Monday-Saturday: nurses and midwives are there (No idea what happens on Sunday)

Monday- Saturday: Aroma treatment room is open.

Also, a further breakdown of your day (The Japanese like their schedules)

6:30-7:30- Your temperature is taken

7:30- breakfast

8:00-8:30- doctors visit.

8:30-10:00- Room cleaning (I assume we don't do this).

12:00- lunch

14:00-14:30- Your temperature is taken

15:00- snack time

17:00-18:00- doctor's visit

18:00- dinner

20:00-20:30- nurse check.

That is about all. Apart from the emergency information which I intend to write out and put on the fridge and in my phone- after all, it is pretty useless if I am trying to search through a book.

9 weeks to go.. Yay!

31 Weeks

We have been buying lots of baby stuff again, and just about have everything now. We purchased our crib on-line (amazon.co.jp), along with the crib mattress (the mattress was so much cheaper than babies-r-us). I am about to look today for sheets at Nishimastuya- which is another baby store over here- and I hear they have cheaper things. I am also about to place a final order on-line from Amazon in the states for a few things that are cheaper (or safer), like breast milk bags, and pacifiers.

Pichan is doing well. Getting much stronger now, so the kicks are really starting to just out. It is really fin to watch. Unfortunately, lower back pain has made a bit of an appearance again, but I will start wearing my brace and using my heat pad again and hopefully that will all end. I am peeing a lot more now, sometimes really annoyingly. I'll go 3 times within 30 minutes, and then other times it might be hours. Standing up has a lot to do with it though, so it is probably just Pi's head. I am starting to realise I have no idea what I am doing about this birth stuff too, but have ordered a few books on-line from the bookdepository.com, and hopefully that will help.

I also have no idea about the clinic- what to bring/what the rooms look like, etc. I am hoping that they ask soon, if not- thankfully- I have a student that goes to the same clinic so I might hit her up this weekend after class.

Week: 31
Baby bump: Getting bigger still
Movement: Hiccups, rolling, kicking, Braxton Hicks.
Complaints: Back pain is back, as are pains if I walk to fast. Now I am one of those slow moving people
Maternity clothes/Baby purchases:  A high crib, baby monitor, mattress, belt to lash the crib to the bed, baby clothes washing detergent, and a nappy bin- all from amazon.co.jp.

30 week appointment.

Another appointment down, with only so many to go. I am lucky that my clinic has a really nice feel about it. The reception staff and nurses are really nice, and even though I haven't been seeing my original doctor, the other one is fine (I figure the first one does the 1-20 weeks, and the second does 20-40 weeks, or something like that). Like most comments you get with Japanese doctors is that they are a bit: in- your done- time to get out, but at least not in a rude way at my clinic. The have changed the rooms a little bit too, and now there is a giant TV at the foot of the bed when the ultrasounds are done so you can see the progress.

Pi chan is 1500gms this week, so about 100gms above average. My weight gain is about bang on track too, at exactly 1kg over the last 2 weeks. Mind you, if I keep gaining at the same rate, it will put me a little over my target gain of 12kgs, but I think it is better to have a healthy baby, rather than diet and deprive Pichan.

The only other difference today was a blood test. Yuck. Thankfully the nurses are very quick, and they really don't take very much at all (not that I look, but it is over and done with very quickly). The cost of today's visit was 2700 (with the 3000yen voucher discount already deducted), so today's blood test must have only been about 1700yen. Not too bad, really. I have no idea what they were for over here. In the west, a blood test around week 28 is "to recheck haemoglobin and iron stores and that you haven't developed any rhesus antibodies". Hopefully all comes back well. I have been taking my prenatals everyday so hopefully my iron should be fine. 

Weeks 29 and 30

Whoops, I missed a week in there. Actually, I had no excuse as I had several days off in which to write. I blame being pregnant and tired.

Exciting things are coming together. I have finished some decorations of Pichan's room. Though, I have only done one wall, because they took so long (and was only going to do one anyway). But, now that my cute little foxes are up, I am seriously tempted to do the other wall. Maybe when I am on maternity leave and have heaps of time (though, I have plenty of time now).

Another exciting thing (or kind of exciting/annoying) is I am having Braxton Hicks. I didn't know what was going on until I was speaking to my sister in law, and she was describing them as like a tightening that is kind of uncomfortable. And suddenly I thought that is exactly what happens to me sometimes. Better than the painful cramps I was expecting, though, they might still turn out that way.

Pi is getting bigger, and so am I. I think I have grown a bit in the last two weeks. I am starting to get a bit of a pregnant shelf under my bump. I am also getting the Linea Nigra. I noticed it from about week 29. It is really quite faint though, and I hope it stays that way. I haven't been eating as well as I should have since my last doctors appointment. I blame lack of healthy food choices, and a giant bag full of chocolates for Valentine's day (not that I am complaining). I will have to exercise more and try and eat a little better. The tiredness is really starting to come back though. I am feeling like I need a nap in the day more and more, though I have been avoiding it in order to sleep at the same time as my husband every night. I am enjoying lying in most mornings though. It is so nice.

Lots of shopping has finally been done too. We drove to Akachan honpo in Ebina (we heard it was a bigger one- and it was, though still tiny compared to most of the baby stores back home). We splurged for the most expensive car seat- figuring they are important for the baby's safety and supposed to last a few years (newborn to 4 years old- though that is probably Japanese baby size...). We got a great deal on an older Combi Dia Class pram too. Down to $294000 because it was the last one and the store model- a hideous colour but a massive saving and what I hope is a fantastic pram.

My amazon order also came, so lots of baby sleeping bags, outfits and a change pad which I have stuck with velcro to the top of the dresser. My electric breastpump also came today from Amazon Japan (So much cheaper than prices in Australia. So far now, the last big purchase is the crib. One of the reasons that we drove all the way out to Ebina (which took 3hrs to get there because the highways were closed due to snow) was so we could look at a bigger selection of cribs. Even this store, which is the biggest baby store that I have seen so far in our area, only had four to look at. I deduce this is because of bed sharing- which we won't be doing. So I will order our crib online through Amazon Japan. It is just easier that way. But at least I know the rough dimensions that I want.



Week: 30
Baby bump: Getting bigger- Now my clothes are getting really tights and uncomfortable. Wish I would have bought more baggy, warm, sack like maternity clothes for winter... Time to steal Husbands...
Movement: Hiccups, rolling, kicking. Braxton Hicks have started... :)
Complaints: Getting slower and more uncomfortable in my skin. I am also getting random blood pressure drops- mainly when I lay down on my side. Random...
Maternity clothes/Baby purchases: one-piece outfits, pyjama sets, socks,  baby clothes hangers, Halo sleeping bags, more wipes (we received a giant box of wipes as a freebie for buying the expensive car seat), changing pad, Diaper rash ointment, Stroller, Car seat,Nursing/feeding pillow, Lanolin ointment, Nursing Pads, Bottles, bottle brush, Play mat, a rattle, receiving blankets, Baby body wash/shampoo, Infant bathing tub.

28 week appointment and Flu shot

There was lots of snow here last night, so I spent a good few minutes brushing the snow/ice off the car before going to today's early morning appointment. All the usual so far, blood pressure, pee, weight...

I am very happy to report that I have only gain 950gms in the last 3 weeks. Yay! All that healthy eating and exercise are paying off. Don't get me wrong. I am not starving myself. I am just cutting out the chocolates and doughnuts, and exercising more (or, at all), so I am doing the right things by Pichan in my mind.

I had the non English speaking doctor- or whether or not he speaks English, I don't know. We just speak in Japanese. Technically, he should speak English as no matter what degree one is studying in Japan (even arts) one still needs to pass an English test- or so I have heard. My Japanese friend (who has had a baby) also told me that Japanese doctors also need to learn the English names for things (organs, etc). But as I am in Japan, and have been doing okay, I figure it is best to speak Japanese where I can. It has made me realise that I might not get the doctor I want for delivery. Though, I am starting to let go of the idea of a perfect birth more and more, and as long as Pichan and I come out safely, that is the most important thing.

Pichan is 1300gms this week. Wow! No wonder Pi is feeling heavier. The average baby weight is a little over a kilo at this time, so still a little heavier, but the doctor said there isn't a problem. I received some more head shots of Pi, but not in 3D. I am starting to think that I might need to book in for the Angel memory thing, I think it is only 1500yen, which is quite reasonable (I think).

I asked the doctor about the physiotherapist.to which he was a shade surprised. He said to buy a belt and the would help. I told him I did and it gradually got better. And he said that was fine. Obviously prenatal physio is not something that they do over here. Good to know, and no wonder I didn't find anything through a Japanese google search.

I also asked about the flu shot, with the epidemic going around in the US, I thought it best to be prepared. I also read that getting a flu shot while pregnant, can protect the baby for 6 months after she/he is born. The do them at the clinic, so all I had to do was speak to the receptionist. It was 4800yen, so a bit pricey, but everything with a baby seems to be, so I can't complain too much. It hurt like buggery when the fluid was going in, but was over and done with in 30seconds. So I had my teaspoon of cement and hardened up. The harder thing was the questionnaire. Luckily, the receptionist came and sat down with me and very patiently read out all the questions, and then waited while I looked up words in the dictionary (like liver, kidney). The strangest question was if I have any reactions of eating chicken or eggs. There was a bit of pantomime for a while too, like when I didn't know the word for asthma. We got there though.

At least now I am vaccinated, not too heavy and got to see little Pi again. :D

3rd trimester baby. 3rd trimester, Baby! (week 28)

Yay. I am in the third trimester- Finally. Though, the classification of which week officially starts the third trimester varies from site to site. Though most agree it is week 27, or 28. Week 28 also puts me at month 8 of pregnancy in Japan. It sounds so impressive, hey.

Little Pi-chan is going well. I have another appointment on Wednesday, and I have a feeling that after this appointment, I will be going to bi-weekly appointments. Lots of hiccups these days, almost more than kicks and movements. It must be starting to be getting a little crowded in there, as there are less jabs, but more turning sensations.

As for the gruelling back pain that I had last week, I am happy to say that it has mostly subsided. I did lots of research on the topic, and read that 8 out of 10 women find immediate relief after wearing a back brace. Needless to say, with the amount of pain I was still in, I high tailed it to the nearest drugstore (which is also only 300mtrs away) and bought a brace. The relief wasn't quite immediate, but after a little bit, it did subside to a dull ache for a day or two, and then for another day or two the pain came back only if I didn't wear it. Which means, that up until 2 days ago, I had the brace on for about 20 hours a day. I was a little worried I might do some damage, so I tried to have times where I didn't use it. But mainly I think the hip joint became badly inflamed, so wearing the brace helped to take the pressure off.

Lately I have been working on some nursery decorations. There is a really cute little fox I have seen on the net, so I am trying to draw something similar to make a border pattern, and then make butterflies to put flying up the wall. Something to make it a little more baby like, instead of just a room with baby stuff in it. I look forward to having little Pichan in there. Not long, now- about 12 weeks. Yay!



Week: 28
Baby bump: I didn't think I have grown that much, but as my coat failed to button up the other day, maybe I have.
Movement: Lots of hiccups (about 3 times a day- that I notice) and a bit of turning.
Complaints: When I walk I get terrible stitch-like pains over my belly. Luckily, I have a little indoor step machine that is almost no impact, and doesn't seem to cause me the same pains.
Maternity clothes/Baby purchases: Nothing new this week.