Mom compares her experience of childbirth in Japan versus America — says the US needs to 'catch up'

The whole pregnancy period can be exhausting to women given the many symptoms, changes and more that take place. During such a time of rest, people around can only help by providing support or making the journey more comfortable with their resources. Japan is doing exactly that and it is a wholesome and unique experience that the world needs to learn from. American mom Nicole Patrice, who had been super excited to be pregnant and give birth in Japan, shared the calm and authentic experience she had during and after childbirth. 

In her previous videos, Nicole had mentioned that Japan’s amenities for pregnancy checkups and whatnot had been top-notch. However, Japan outdid themselves when it came to the time to deliver the baby. Nicole shared her amazing experience of childbirth in Japan in a clip that she captioned: "It’s the moment that we’ve all been waiting for, giving birth in Japan. I’ve been really curious to compare and contrast my experience of giving birth in the United States versus my experience in Japan. And boy, there is some catching up that needs to happen. Giving birth here in Japan has been seamless and thoughtful, deliberate, kind, and beautiful."

Nicole began the clip by mentioning that her birth center offered the option of aromatherapy to relax and soothe the birth process. “I chose child support,” Nicole said, revealing the various fragrant options given to her. She also added that she would be doing a C-section and that she “enjoyed the slow pace” and how everything was relaxed and not anxiety-causing. “My birth center was amazing. They let me have a birth plan, then let me choose the music,” Nicole said.  The hospital’s interiors and detailed equipment were all soothing and everything was given to the new mom in bed.

She had a labor and delivery room with everything arranged to help with pregnancy and postpartum needs. The mom then revealed a scrumptious platter which she was given for lunch. The meal consisted of several items neatly plated as if it were a five-star meal. “I devoured it, it was so delicious and easy to digest,” Nicole said. Nicole then moved to a healing or recovery suite which was designed for the mom to spend time with the baby while recovering simultaneously. With a cradle, clean sheets, a spacious room, a place for family members to lounge and more, the suite was a luxurious touch to the whole experience. In a follow-up video, Nicole revealed what her days looked like postpartum.

She mentioned that there was a nursery where her baby was kept for a good amount of time so that moms could have time to themselves and rest as much as they needed to. The nursery was filled with necessary treatments, equipment and everything a newborn may need and Nicole had nothing to worry about except for looking after herself. Nicole also had a written schedule handed to her which would guide her with her meals, treatments and other necessities and amenities for her and her son. The mom further mentioned that there was a restaurant she could go to for lunch. “All of the meals at the Nagoya birth clinic are made to promote healing and also to encourage lactation,” she explained.

This doesn’t stop here, it just gets better. The mom further mentioned that along with laundry, restrooms and other facilities, there was also a salon for moms to get necessary facials and other services to pamper themselves. “On our floor is also a reading area,” the mom said, revealing a stack of books for moms. The room also had encouraging notes and signs, a team area, heating bags and much more to offer moms and their new babies the exquisite joy and refreshing feeling it is to give birth and be born.

People went head over heels for the exemplary services. @dianaoverby8 said, “I just love how soothing, healing and considerate the Japanese view and approach towards childbirth is.” @1stofall4 said, “I wouldn’t want to leave…good food, baby nursery, facials!” @amazingwords4u added: "Wow! That’s much nicer than in the US. I watched all your videos. The US needs to take notes. This is 5-star and much calmer and healthier."

You can follow @nicole_does_japan on TikTok for more insightful content. 

This article originally appeared 9 months ago.