Are We Becoming Too Soft?
When my wife and I lived in Japan we were expecting our second child. But we had a hard time finding a hospital that offered anesthesia during labor. Eventually, though, we found a place but the anesthesia doses were kept to the absolute minimum. It was as if Japanese doctors felt that experiencing some pain was necessary or even good for you.
The word I remember hearing most often from medical staff in Japan during that time was “Gambarimasu.” It means to persevere; to persist; to keep at it; to do one’s best.” (more…)