Advertise on podcast: Pregnant in Japan

In todays episode I have Sandra from Switzerland.  She is now the second time pregnant. We will discuss why she decided to give birth at Ikuryo Hospital in Meguro and why she didn’t go back Kyorin University Hospital. We also talk about her marriage with her Japanese husbund and how Japanese often confuse Switzerland with Sweden. :)  Have fun!    Sandra ‘n Yusuke  Tiktok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSePm8fRP/   Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCdusvKVSAzNnATFb-V9GyNw  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_n_yusuke/  Sandra's choice for the first pregnancy: Kyorin University Hospital  Sandra’s choice for the second pregnancy! Ikuryo clinic meguro: https://www.ikuryo.or.jp/

I was very surprised when some ladies told their doctor mentioned to avoid sex or that this information was provided on hospital leaflets. I personally I haven’t heard something similar form any doctor, even though I was in four different facilities during my pregnancy. Also there are no scientific studies about this topic. So why would the doctors suggest something like that? Here are some assumptions. Let me know what you think what the reason is? What is your experience?

In today’s episode Alice from Australia talks about her Japanese Mother-in-Law: How did she react to her pregnancy? What were her advices during pregnancy? Why does her husband sometimes need to double check the messages before sending it? What is the best way to understand and to communicate with a Japanese Mother-in-Law? I hope this will be helpful for you!  What are your stories with your Japanese Mother-in-Law? Enjoy!

In this episode I had the pleasure to welcome two guests: Stephanie and Cat! Stephanie Kawai is originally from the UK and is now living for over 20 years in Japan. She is the woman behind Tokyo Pregnancy Group, Tokyo Mothers Group and also works as a doula. Cat and her husband are from California, and they have been living in Tokyo since the summer of 2019. In January 2022 she gave birth to her first child at the "birth and ladies clinic Sola".  In this episode Cat will share her birth story and how Stephanie supported her in person as a doula. For further information on Stephanie's services please check her webpage: https://tokyodoulasupport.wordpress.com  Please also see my blog for Cat’s personal story and her recommendation for other moms: https://www.pregnantinjapan.com/blog  I am currently researching how to further support foreign pregnant women in Japan, please check my online survey - it only takes about 5-10 minutes. Thank you very much, your help is highly appreciated:https://forms.gle/o9t2eGKm26TfciEL9  Enjoy,  Vicky

You want to bond with your baby BUT you have feelings of inadequacy in singing? You lack of confidence in your singing voice? Misa helps mamas to realize the beauty of their singing voice so they can confidently nourish themselves and their babies with lullabies. She shared detailed tips to get the most out of singing to your child *and most importantly* she offers hand-held guidance and support to overcome feelings of inadequacy in singing. Listen to my new episode to learn more about a super easy way to bon with your (unborn) baby! Limited special offer: Misa’s new „Loving her Loving Your Voice Program“! Jump in while this two-week program now! Loving Your Voice program:   http://www.misachristina.com/group/ Main Site:   http://www.misachristina.com Love, Vicky

During Covid19 pandemic nearly all hospitals in Tokyo prohibit your husband or partner to stay during giving birth wut hthe wifes. Having experienced the same situation during my pregrnancy, I would like to share some ideas hhow to cope with that situation. Enjoy! Vicky 

I got a an urgent message from Caroline last week! „ Vicky, we have to do our interview now! I have been reading the crazy messages about Aiiku not allowing husbands for labor.“ I have been in touch from Caroline for some months for a podcast interview. Caroline transferred from Aikku hospital to the Matsugoaka birth center also because they didn’t allow birth partners to attend labor when she was giving birth in December 2020. Now, when the same situation repeats itself, she wants other moms to know: Aiiku is not the only option. I hope this can be inspiration for other moms who are in the same situation as we were in 2020. Love, Vicky

In todays episode I have my first male guest! Eric Hora, from the USA, lives with his German wife since several years in Japan. Last year their son was born. At that point Eric noticed that there is no network group for Dads in Japan.That’s why he created the Facebook group ‚dads in Japan’.   In this episode we discuss about the challenges of foreign dads in Japan, cultural differences regarding Japanese and non-Japanese dads, paternity leave habits in Japan, how dads can support their wives and last but not least, Eric gives us his insights as a consultant about work-life balance of expat families.  Enjoy!   Love Vicky   links from Eric:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dadsinjapan  https://www.hora-coaching.com/

In this podcast I would like to give you a very basic overview of the Japanese nurseries. Usually, Japanese nursery school starts from 0 years until the age of 3. There are both public and private nurseries available for each. The public ones are supported by Japanese government therefor usually more affordable. Learn more about licensed and unlicensed nurseries in Japan! An example of temporary childcare: https://mominoki-yoyaku.site/ I hope this is helpful for you!

In this episode I would like to present three rituals for the end of year. When the year turns to an end, it’s a great opportunity to let things go and welcome new things like the new year, also like new challenges and new family members like a new born. By the way, rituals of letting old things go and welcoming new things used to be practiced a lot of cultures. Here is my selection of three rituals: 1. -> go back through the year 2021, what was positive? What was negative? Go through each month! 2. -> clean your house like the Japanese - known as ‘osouji’ 3. -> fumigate your room with incense / sage Have a lovely end of the year!

Today, I would like to introduce you into the world of affirmations or let’s see it, as a love letter to you and your baby.   You might experience some fear - fear of giving birth or fear of the postpartum period. To experience a calm and empowering birth it’s  important to overcoming fear. Preparing yourself by learning more about a positive birth process, exercising, practicing breathing, asking for advice from professionals like doulas and so on is very helpful!   A very easy and effective way to start this whole process is a positiv mindset for example by using pregnancy affirmations!  I recommend to write down your own affirmations and take over the control of your body and mind. These affirmation can also be used during labor to cope with the waves / contractions.     Let me know what you think!    My website: https://www.pregnantinjapan.com/  My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/pregnantinjapan/

In today’s video Alice, from Australia, describes her personal IVF story in Japan: the process of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where a woman's eggs are fertilised outside her body. Afterwards it’s placed inside her body to help her get pregnant.  Infertility affects around 1 in 7 couples worldwide. In 1978 the first baby conceived by IVF was born and since then millions of babies have been born using in vitro fertilisation.  How does it work and how does it effect mentally a couple?  Check out the story from Alice.   Sangenjaya Womens Clinic: https://www.sangenjaya-wcl.com/