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A glimpse into old Japan.....

The photos I took in Japan have finally come back from the lab, so now I can share some glimpses into the birth scene in Tokyo.

The Oldest Midwife House in Tokyo

This birth house was established in 1906 and have been in continuous service ever since. The sign at the front door proudly proclaims its presence in this little shopping area of downtown Tokyo.

The Midwife House is staffed by a team of midwives, some of whom (such as Hatsue Miyake on the left) have home birth practises as well. Teruko Fukuoka (centre) is the owner of this Midwife House and showed me (right) proudly through her domain.

This is the birth room in the annexe, that is available for those who want a more traditional Japanese setting for the birth of their baby.

Nanako Ooba (who sponsored my visit), Hatuse and Teruko showed me how they utilise the bath during the many water births that happen in this house.

Teruko gave me this photo of a new mother and baby in the tub.

Next time, I’ll tell you about the newest Midwife House in Tokyo!

Posted by andrea at December 19, 2005 02:07 PM