What advice do you have for expats having a baby in kobe?

"Firstly, it's important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in Japan. Prenatal care and childbirth services are of high quality in Kobe, but they may be different from what you're used to in your home country. Secondly, consider hiring a doula or a birth coach who can help you navigate the system and provide emotional support. They can also help with language barriers if you're not fluent in Japanese. Thirdly, make sure to register your pregnancy at the local ward office as soon as you find out. You will receive a Mother and Child Health Handbook, which is used to record the progress of your pregnancy and your child's growth. Fourthly, it's important to choose a hospital or birthing center that suits your needs and preferences. Some hospitals in Kobe offer services in English and other languages, which can be helpful if you're not fluent in Japanese. Fifthly, be aware that the cost of childbirth in Japan can be high, but the government provides subsidies for prenatal care and childbirth. Make sure to apply for these subsidies at your local ward office. Sixthly, it's important to understand the cultural differences around childbirth in Japan. For example, it's common for mothers to stay in the hospital for several days after giving birth, and fathers are often not allowed in the delivery room. Lastly, make sure to register your baby's birth at your local ward office within 14 days of the birth. If you're from a country that grants citizenship by birth, you should also report the birth to your home country's embassy or consulate," said another expat in kobe, Japan.