Baby Hanna born 20-Jul 2007

Baby Hanna was born at 3:23 pm today at the Red Cross Medical Centre in Hiroo.

This being Japan, cameras were not just allowed in the operating theatre but actually compulsory - even the nurses took photos. Although we had to leave the 2nd unit, the lighting crew and Rikas mum at the door.

I sat next to Rikas head holding her hand during the operation. I could see the operation over the screen but I wasn't brave enough to watch very much of it.

But I did watch Hanna being unfolded and lifted out of Rikas tummy.

This is the first ever photo of Hanna!




Hanna weighed in at 3776 grams, which is about 8 shillings and tuppence in old money. 3776 is a special number as it is the height of Mt Fuji in meters.



We were hoping that Hannas birthday would be 07-07-07. But 20-07-2007 is pretty good as well. Hanna's birth time of 3:23 is also a special number as it can be pronounced in japanese as 'mini-mi'.



Being measured up. Head is a 10! Rika was told that with such a big noggin a normal delivery would have been very difficult.





Body length 52cm




After Hanna was cleaned, checked and measured, she was given to me to hold until Rika was able to hold her. It was a very special experience to look into Hannas eyes

As soon as Rika was ready, Hanna was placed on Rikas chest, and they enjoyed a long cuddle together, while the surgeons sewed Rika up.

Thanks to everyone mother and baby are fine.

Jun17-20 Red Cross Medical Centre

Hanna was due on 4-July but wasn't in any hurry to come out.

On Thursday last week, Rika was admitted to the Red Cross hospital to for observation.

Through the week, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Rika was taken to a delivery suite where they tried to induce the baby by giving Rika a drip and playing the same CD of soothing music over and over again.

Rika's Mum came up on Tuesday to help us wait.


The drips did induce Rika to have strongish contractions but after a bit Hanna refused to budge.



This week we got to use 4 different delivery suites. Rika's signed-up for the Red Cross Medical Centre loyalty card, and now has 4 stamps so the next baby is half-price.

The hospital is in central Tokyo suburb of Hiroo and is surrounded by a building site for a complex of new apartment blocks called Hiroo Garden Forest.

The building housing the maternity wards will be demoolished and rebuilt soon.

Because of the rebuilding there is a clear view north to the Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Midtown developments. I think these are currently the tallest buildings in Japan.