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[Voices of Japanese Parents Abroad_ France Vol. 1] Four Cesarean Sections in Brittany: Childbirth and the Reality Behind France’s Healthcare System
In this series, we speak with Maria, a mother of four raising her children in Brittany, northwestern France, about childbirth, parenting, and education in France. In this first installment, she shares her experiences of giving birth by cesarean section four times and offers insights into the French healthcare system.
A Life-Threatening Beginning to Motherhood in France
— To begin, could you tell us about your experiences giving birth in France?
I have been living in Brittany for eight and a half years, and all four of my children were born here. Many people are surprised to hear this, but all four were delivered by cesarean section.
— What was your first childbirth experience like?
My first baby was in a breech position, and labor began before the baby could turn, so I had to undergo an emergency C-section. Unfortunately, after the delivery, I suffered severe postpartum hemorrhaging that would not stop. The doctors told me that if the bleeding continued, they might have to remove my uterus. It was an enormous shock.
— That must have been a very difficult situation.
It was. In the end, I was transferred to a larger hospital in a neighboring town that was equipped to provide more advanced treatment. The trip took about an hour, but I received the care I needed there and made a full recovery. Looking back, you could say that my journey of raising children in France began with a life-or-death experience.
*Photo for illustrative purposes only
Comprehensive and Practical Support for Mothers and Babies
— What are your impressions of France’s childbirth and childcare support system?
One of the biggest differences from Japan is the extensive support available and the practical way the system is organized. For example, if you give birth in a public hospital, there are very few out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalization or delivery. Postpartum support is also remarkably comprehensive.
— What kind of support is available?
What helped me most was the support of sage-femmes—midwives. In France, midwives play a major role throughout pregnancy and after childbirth, from prenatal checkups to home visits after delivery. For example, after my fourth child was born, there was a period when the baby was not gaining weight as expected. During that time, my assigned midwife visited our home every few days to monitor the baby's weight and provide breastfeeding guidance.
— So the support continues even after the birth?
Exactly. They tailor their support to the needs of each mother and baby. The length of hospital stay is also quite flexible. With my first child, I stayed in the hospital for about a week because I was anxious and wanted additional support. By the time my fourth child was born, everything was going smoothly, so I chose to leave the hospital on the fourth day.
— How about the healthcare system itself?
I find it very rational and well-designed. Personal medical records are stored on a card with an integrated chip, allowing healthcare providers to access medical histories and test results quickly. Even when changing hospitals or doctors, information is shared seamlessly, which makes the process very convenient.
The Central Square of a Small Town in Brittany (Photo courtesy of Maria)
The Serious Rural Healthcare Challenges Behind a Generous System
— Are there any challenges as well?
Yes. Rural healthcare faces a serious problem: a shortage of doctors. In the town where I live, several physicians who had supported the community for many years retired, and at one point there was not a single doctor practicing in town.
— That sounds difficult.
It is. Even when trying to find a new family doctor, it is common to be told that no new patients are being accepted. If a child develops a fever, it may take three or four days before an appointment becomes available.
— That is quite different from Japan.
It is. As a result, going to the doctor immediately is not always an option. Parents need to manage many health issues at home and develop the judgment to know when it is appropriate to wait and allow a condition to improve naturally. Compared with when I lived in Japan, I feel that I have had to become much more confident in monitoring my children’s health myself.
— Are there any other aspects you find puzzling?
France’s healthcare system is extremely generous in terms of benefits and support. At the same time, however, there is a real shortage of medical professionals and healthcare resources on the ground. In that sense, the system operates while balancing two seemingly contradictory realities: comprehensive public support and chronic workforce shortages.
Maria's Children Playing by the Sea (Photo courtesy of Maria)
[Voices of Japanese Parents Abroad_ France ]
Vol. 1: Four Cesarean Sections in Brittany: Childbirth and the Reality Behind France’s Healthcare System
Vol. 2: Schools Without Cleaning Time: French Individualism in Education: French Schools and Their Individualistic Approach to Education
Vol. 3: Brittany’s Natural Beauty, Healthy Family Boundaries, and Social Security
