Key Points for Choosing a Hospital

1.Cost

The cost of childbirth in Japan typically ranges from ¥550,000 to ¥750,000. This amount can vary depending on:

• The delivery style (natural delivery, scheduled painless delivery, painless delivery,

  or cesarean section)

• The time of hospitalization (weekday daytime, nighttime, or holidays)

• The type of room (shared room or private room)

Childbirth Lump-Sum Allowance (Shussan Ikuji Ichijikin)

Insured individuals under health insurance or national health insurance are entitled to a childbirth lump-sum allowance of ¥500,000.

By using the direct payment system(Chokusetsu Shiharai Seido), the insurance provider pays ¥500,000 directly to the hospital, and the patient only needs to cover the remaining balance at discharge. Confirm whether the hospital offers this system.

If the direct payment system is not available, you must submit documents to your insurance provider after delivery. In this case, you will need to pay the full amount at discharge and receive the ¥500,000 reimbursement later.

Cesarean Sections

Cesarean sections are considered medical procedures and are covered by public health insurance and medical insurance. As a result, the out-of-pocket cost for surgery, medication, injections, anesthesia, tests, and hospitalization is limited to 30%.

2.Partner-Attended Childbirth

Some hospitals allow partner-attended childbirth, while others do not. Additionally, policies vary; for instance, some hospitals permit attendance only during delivery, but not during labor. Look for a hospital that aligns with your preferences.

3.Planned Epidural Delivery and Epidural Delivery

Some hospitals do not offer scheduled painless delivery or painless delivery. Additionally, there are cases where these options are unavailable during holidays or nighttime due to the absence of anesthesiologists, but they may be available on weekdays.

Restrictions such as requiring reservations or prioritizing high-risk pregnancies may also apply. Hospitals that provide painless delivery typically hold painless delivery classes to explain its benefits and risks.

4.Hospital Stay Duration

The average hospital stay is 6 days for a normal delivery or painless delivery (discharge on the 5th day after delivery), and 8 days for a cesarean section (discharge on the 7th day after delivery). However, this can vary by hospital, so it's important to confirm with the hospital.

5.Mother and Baby Rooming-in or Separate Rooms,

Shared Room or Private Room

Mother and Baby Rooming-in

"Rooming-in" refers to the mother and baby staying in the same room. The arrangements can vary by hospital, such as "together all day," "together only during the day," or "the baby can be placed in the nursery upon request." The timing of rooming-in can also differ—some hospitals start immediately after moving to the hospital room post-delivery, while others begin the day after birth, depending on the hospital's policies.

Mother and Baby Separate Rooms

In this arrangement, the baby typically stays in the newborn nursery, where midwives or nurses take care of them. Mothers visit the nursery for feedings and diaper changes. Some hospitals allow switching to rooming-in upon request, and others offer rooming-in for the last day of the stay as practice for life after discharge. Policies vary by hospital.

Shared Room

A shared room accommodates two or more people, usually separated by curtains. It is more affordable than a private room and allows mothers to interact with other moms, which can be reassuring. However, it may require being mindful of your baby crying and adjusting to the crying of other babies.

Private Room

A private room ensures privacy, so there is no need to worry about others. Many private rooms include amenities like a toilet and shower. However, the cost is higher than shared rooms, and there may be fewer opportunities to interact with other mothers.

6.Distance from Home

It is best to choose a birthing facility that is conveniently located near your home. Considering the frequency of prenatal checkups and the need to travel when labor begins, a facility within a 30-minute drive is ideal.