noun
maternity hospital; birthing center
A facility where midwives provide prenatal care, childbirth assistance, and postnatal care, typically smaller and more homelike than a general hospital.
彼女は助産院で出産することを選んだ。
She chose to give birth at a maternity home.
A midwife, the professional who works at a 助産院.
Compound of 助産 (josan, 'midwifery') + 院 (in, 'institution'). The term reflects a facility dedicated to midwifery services.