In summary:
The Spirits of Nichiren Shonin and Ryosetsu Ikemoto’s Deceased Family Members Protected My Unborn Child, and the Clinic We Found Provided Excellent Care, Making My First Childbirth Experience Reassuring
In 2018, during the birth of my first daughter, I experienced various blessings, bringing immense joy and astonishment.
My daughter’s life began in my womb on my husband Ryosetsu Ikemoto’s birthday. We were thrilled, considering it a significant birthday gift from Buddha. Moreover, from the moment I conceived, I had dreams where Nichiren Shonin, Ryosetsu’s deceased grandmother Emiko, his older sister Aiko, and younger sister Sakurako appeared, reassuring me, “We will protect this child.” Their constant support was very comforting.
When searching for an obstetric clinic in Nishinomiya City, where we lived, we chose the one we deemed the best. Coincidentally, the clinic’s director’s wife was the niece of a believer from Nishiomiya Kosen-ji Temple who had been our marriage guarantor. We were astonished when we learned this later. We immediately decided to go to this clinic. The director’s wife constantly showed concern for us, offering advice on everything from pregnancy care to shopping for childbirth and childcare. Despite the clinic’s popularity and busy schedule, the director made accommodations to see us outside regular hours.
The Delayed Expected Date of Birth Allowed My Husband Ryosetsu and My Mother-In-Law to Be Present for the Birth
Regarding the due date, Ryosetsu’s schedule was particularly busy around that time, and my mother-in-law in Kurashiki also had a pilgrimage to Hawaii. We all hoped the birth would be delayed. As the due date passed, the baby remained in the womb, and the days went by, causing concern. The doctor suggested, “To avoid a difficult birth, we might induce labor gradually with a drip. However, given Katarzyna’s condition, the medication may not work. We’ll administer the medication over three days, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll switch to a C-section. Please check in the night before we start the medication.”
Miraculously, during the pre-admission check-up, the baby descended. The doctor said, “It looks like a natural birth is possible.” The following morning, at 6 AM, the induction drip was started. Another blessing occurred; labor began within an hour of starting the drip, and the baby was to be born that day! The delayed due date allowed Ryosetsu, free that day, and my mother-in-law, who had just returned from Hawaii, to be present. Having both of them with me was very reassuring.
With the Support of Numerous Clinic Staff, the Childbirth Was Painless and Smooth
On the day of the birth, the director was on a business trip to Tokyo but returned early by bullet train and appeared in the delivery room at 5 PM. He encouraged me, “Now, Mom, give your best push here. Ready, go!” He promptly delivered the baby. The combination of a Buddhist priest husband and a foreign wife seemed to intrigue all the clinic staff, who came to assist, cheering me on together. Our daughter was born safely.
That day, both adjacent rooms were also occupied with mothers giving birth, who were screaming in pain. In comparison, my labor and delivery were remarkably quiet. To my surprise, I shouted immediately after the birth, “I definitely want a second child!” indicating my strong and energetic feelings. Typically, the pain and exhaustion make mothers swear off future childbirths, but my joy overwhelmingly surpassed the pain. Additionally, despite it being my first childbirth, I was delighted that I could smoothly breastfeed my daughter from the start.
Receiving so many blessings and having an incredibly smooth first childbirth made me realize anew the wonderful faith of Honmon Butsuryu Shu. I am deeply grateful for this experience. Thank you!
