An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Chitose, Japan

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Chitose

How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?

1968

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

I had a beautiful baby boy in an Army Medical Center on an Army base on the northern island of Japan. I was late arriving at the hospital, so only local anesthesia! It was so fast, I didn't have time to hurt! The care was wonderful. I went home the next day, feeling fine, and so happy!

Expat Health Insurance in Japan

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

There was only one doctor at the base, so he was it by default!

If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?

No. Having a baby in Japan was and is still a wonderful experience.

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting, what advice would you give her?

Make lots of jokes later on about having a baby that was "made in Japan!"