The journey of a midwifery clinic that supports the story of life: Yuko Negishi's challenge
Yuko Negishi, who runs the midwifery clinic "Nemunemu" in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture, is a veteran midwife who has been supporting the birth of newborns for 32 years. Negishi's experience, which began supporting home births 17 years ago, is supported by her own unique perspective on the nature of medical care.
Nemunemu Midwifery Clinic
My journey as a midwife and the transition to home birth
Negishi's career began 32 years ago. She was involved in over 1,000 births a year at a large hospital. However, she became tired of the routine of childbirth at the hospital and wanted to face the birth of life from a new perspective, so she took on the challenge of working overseas as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.
Having been exposed to a culture that values natural childbirth, she decided to open a midwifery clinic upon returning to Japan and devote herself to supporting families in the way they wish to give birth.
Starting a midwifery clinic and building a support system
When opening a midwifery clinic, a major issue was securing a support system for obstetricians. In the past, any doctor, whether an internist or otolaryngologist, could enter into a contract with a midwifery clinic, but now it is mandatory to have a contract with an obstetrician, which has led many midwifery clinics to give up on operating.
However, with the help of other doctors around him, Negishi successfully opened his clinic, and he continues to run it today, preparing medical equipment and working in cooperation with obstetricians.
A 9-month journey with my family
What Negishi values is spending the "nine-month journey" together with the family from pregnancy to birth. As a midwife who builds trusting relationships with families and supports the major event of childbirth, she is more than just a medical provider.
With the spread of the Internet, more people are searching for midwifery clinics online, but Negishi's clinic receives many referrals through word of mouth and is supported by the trust of the local community.
Conclusion
As a midwife who supports home births, Negishi respects the birth of a life as a special "story." She continues to support many families today through her connections with the local community and by helping them realize the natural birth they desire.
