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あの子の子ども [Ano Ko no Kodomo] #9
My Girlfriend's Child Vol. 9
若年妊婦の友人、ライムちゃんの病院に付き添う予定だった福は、「切迫早産気味」になり、その約束を果たすことができず、彼女からの連絡は途絶えてしまう。いよいよ臨月を迎えたある日、パチンという音とともに、ひんやりと伝う違和感を感じて…!? 高校生の妊娠をめぐる物語、第９巻！
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 10, 2026
"I'm here now because of the decisions I've made but not just mine. Everyone else's decisions have played a part in getting me here."
I realize there is technically one more volume in this series, but since this volume wraps up the final part of the story, I am calling it a ten out of ten ending!
It was moving, inspiring, beautiful, and oh-so emotional. Truly, everything I had been hoping for and not even fully sure of what to say because my heart feels so touched, and I am deeply thankful this series exists!
Maybe one of the most surprising things in this volume is a very minor focus on Kou? I was SO angry with him last volume because of his actions, and have even been very agitated with him before that point, but it was interesting how this volume made him seem less antagonist-like? I confess my heart even hurt for him when he couldn't seem to understand why Sachi was not depending on him the way he thought she would after he had done so many "good things" for her. I think it was important to see him as a brother who really DOES love Sachi and wants the best for her, but unfortunately, made decisions that didn't reflect or seem that way.
The entire birthing process was incredible! I was even shocked that they talked about post-childbirth issues, such as breastfeeding and postpartum depression! I think a part of me really thought we would only get up to the part of Fuku giving birth, and that was all? I feel I should NOT have been surprised because this creator has been so incredible in writing Fuku's story in such a realistic way that it can provide deeper insight about ALL parts involving childbirth than any textbook or handbook can!
And to clarify, I'm not saying those aren't important, because they are! But even as a Mom of three (with one of my kids being a teen), I felt extremely seen in Fuku voicing questions, her struggles of being a new mom, and the constant worry, as I remember those same feelings, thoughts, and worries despite how long its been. It made me wish this were a series I could have read when pregnant with my first child because of how comforting it would be to see someone else's story, even if fictional, and realize I am not alone.
I am definitely very eager to read the next volume since it seems to be made up of several different side stories! I am also very, very curious as to how our little family is doing!
Again, I'm thankful this series exists and look forward to rereading it!
"There's not a single person here who's the same as anyone else. But we were all born from someone and we're all living at the same time."
I realize there is technically one more volume in this series, but since this volume wraps up the final part of the story, I am calling it a ten out of ten ending!
It was moving, inspiring, beautiful, and oh-so emotional. Truly, everything I had been hoping for and not even fully sure of what to say because my heart feels so touched, and I am deeply thankful this series exists!
Maybe one of the most surprising things in this volume is a very minor focus on Kou? I was SO angry with him last volume because of his actions, and have even been very agitated with him before that point, but it was interesting how this volume made him seem less antagonist-like? I confess my heart even hurt for him when he couldn't seem to understand why Sachi was not depending on him the way he thought she would after he had done so many "good things" for her. I think it was important to see him as a brother who really DOES love Sachi and wants the best for her, but unfortunately, made decisions that didn't reflect or seem that way.
The entire birthing process was incredible! I was even shocked that they talked about post-childbirth issues, such as breastfeeding and postpartum depression! I think a part of me really thought we would only get up to the part of Fuku giving birth, and that was all? I feel I should NOT have been surprised because this creator has been so incredible in writing Fuku's story in such a realistic way that it can provide deeper insight about ALL parts involving childbirth than any textbook or handbook can!
And to clarify, I'm not saying those aren't important, because they are! But even as a Mom of three (with one of my kids being a teen), I felt extremely seen in Fuku voicing questions, her struggles of being a new mom, and the constant worry, as I remember those same feelings, thoughts, and worries despite how long its been. It made me wish this were a series I could have read when pregnant with my first child because of how comforting it would be to see someone else's story, even if fictional, and realize I am not alone.
I am definitely very eager to read the next volume since it seems to be made up of several different side stories! I am also very, very curious as to how our little family is doing!
Again, I'm thankful this series exists and look forward to rereading it!
"There's not a single person here who's the same as anyone else. But we were all born from someone and we're all living at the same time."
January 6, 2026
Boy, this pulls no punches for its penultimate volume, which covers the birth of Sachi and Takara’s child. The last volume appears to be some side stories, so this is technically where the train pulls into the station (well, maybe reverse that metaphor).
When we left off, we were amidst the drama with Raimu-chan and her own young pregnancy, capped off by Sachi being unable to meet her and Sachi’s brother, Kou, agreeing to go instead and then leaving the meeting before it even took place.
If I thought the Raimu plotline was a bit much, and I do, the way the rest of the story plays out is very, very good. I mean, the outcome for Raimu seems incredibly grim, but what that means for Kou, who has been kind of an arse this whole series, is very interesting.
Despite some tendencies towards melodrama, I think this series is at its best when it examines the human condition and I loved its acknowledgment that sometimes there are people you simply cannot get along with and, yes, they might be your own family.
It’s more than enough to hang Kou’s story on, but he’s now also left to carry an awful burden that he inflicted upon himself because he was doing what he thought was best for his sister rather than what she wanted from him. I never thought Kou was a good character, but this justifies his presence whole cloth.
Sachi is really the star of this volume though. I love how she comes through the Raimu story and makes a plan in case something like that happens again. Plus, she decides to not blame herself for things she can’t control.
On top of this, I appreciated how all that planning flies out the window the second her water breaks (which is a dead funny moment, if a touch gross). Sachi’s really the best character in the story, full stop, and she absolutely carries these chapters.
The moment where she has the baby and realizes she’s the only one smiling is incredibly strong. Everybody else is feeling all sorts of emotions, for many reasons, but she is experiencing the joy of childbirth and content in it.
That said, the entire sequence of the birth process was almost as onerous as watching open heart surgery. I can only say this as a childless person, but it felt very crazy and I can see why it stresses people out so much.
The rest of the story is sprinkled with little moments of growth and coming to terms with what’s happened. I don’t think this glorified a teenage pregnancy, certainly, but I don’t think it condemned it either. This is just something that happened and we see how a couple has to prepare to live both before and after the baby arrives.
Also, excellent resources at the end. There’s detail in the story, getting the Japanese perspective on healthcare options was fascinating, but then it’s expanded on for those who want more. Exactly as it should be.
I’m not going to say this wasn’t a little wild at times, but my overall impression of it is, and will remain, very positive. It tackled a tough topic, presented a variety of issues around it, and educated without being too preachy. It balanced itself really well.
4.5 stars - great volume, some quotable lines, and very strong narrative work. Add in the resources and it definitely overcomes my small nitpicks that barely warrant mentioning. It’s dramatic, but very solid.
When we left off, we were amidst the drama with Raimu-chan and her own young pregnancy, capped off by Sachi being unable to meet her and Sachi’s brother, Kou, agreeing to go instead and then leaving the meeting before it even took place.
If I thought the Raimu plotline was a bit much, and I do, the way the rest of the story plays out is very, very good. I mean, the outcome for Raimu seems incredibly grim, but what that means for Kou, who has been kind of an arse this whole series, is very interesting.
Despite some tendencies towards melodrama, I think this series is at its best when it examines the human condition and I loved its acknowledgment that sometimes there are people you simply cannot get along with and, yes, they might be your own family.
It’s more than enough to hang Kou’s story on, but he’s now also left to carry an awful burden that he inflicted upon himself because he was doing what he thought was best for his sister rather than what she wanted from him. I never thought Kou was a good character, but this justifies his presence whole cloth.
Sachi is really the star of this volume though. I love how she comes through the Raimu story and makes a plan in case something like that happens again. Plus, she decides to not blame herself for things she can’t control.
On top of this, I appreciated how all that planning flies out the window the second her water breaks (which is a dead funny moment, if a touch gross). Sachi’s really the best character in the story, full stop, and she absolutely carries these chapters.
The moment where she has the baby and realizes she’s the only one smiling is incredibly strong. Everybody else is feeling all sorts of emotions, for many reasons, but she is experiencing the joy of childbirth and content in it.
That said, the entire sequence of the birth process was almost as onerous as watching open heart surgery. I can only say this as a childless person, but it felt very crazy and I can see why it stresses people out so much.
The rest of the story is sprinkled with little moments of growth and coming to terms with what’s happened. I don’t think this glorified a teenage pregnancy, certainly, but I don’t think it condemned it either. This is just something that happened and we see how a couple has to prepare to live both before and after the baby arrives.
Also, excellent resources at the end. There’s detail in the story, getting the Japanese perspective on healthcare options was fascinating, but then it’s expanded on for those who want more. Exactly as it should be.
I’m not going to say this wasn’t a little wild at times, but my overall impression of it is, and will remain, very positive. It tackled a tough topic, presented a variety of issues around it, and educated without being too preachy. It balanced itself really well.
4.5 stars - great volume, some quotable lines, and very strong narrative work. Add in the resources and it definitely overcomes my small nitpicks that barely warrant mentioning. It’s dramatic, but very solid.
January 13, 2026
Baby is here!!!! I cried so hard for these two and their baby!!! They have come such a long way.
December 20, 2025
we finally reach the culminating point of this series. i was so emotional reading this, i felt like i've been going through so many things along with sachi from the very beginning. i love this series and i'm very sad to see it come to an end soon.
March 20, 2026
This wraps up the main story, as Volume 10 appears to focus on side stories and extra content (though I'm still going to get it!).
Goddamn, there were some dark moments, though, especially what happens to the other pregnant friend. Despite that, I really enjoyed how the pregnancy itself was portrayed. As someone who stayed by my wife’s side the whole time, I found it to be very realistic. My wife’s pregnancy went haywire and got pretty scary, but even when things are normal, it's still incredibly stressful, and the book captured that well.
Overall, it was a good ending. Aside from the darker moments, it gives a lot of hope to the new parents. It’s a cute and enjoyable series with some great discussion points.
Goddamn, there were some dark moments, though, especially what happens to the other pregnant friend. Despite that, I really enjoyed how the pregnancy itself was portrayed. As someone who stayed by my wife’s side the whole time, I found it to be very realistic. My wife’s pregnancy went haywire and got pretty scary, but even when things are normal, it's still incredibly stressful, and the book captured that well.
Overall, it was a good ending. Aside from the darker moments, it gives a lot of hope to the new parents. It’s a cute and enjoyable series with some great discussion points.
January 13, 2026
My girlfriends child continues to be one of the if not the most educational manga I have ever read. I highly recommend it just for the knowledge it provides alone. That being said I really loved this volume and seeing just how far Sachi has come and grown from when we first met her. My only gripe was the outcome of Raimus story. I found it to be a distraction and completely unnecessary like I have found the entirety of Raimu and her story. Honestly I would’ve been quite happy if this was the final volume but lucky for me there is one more and I’m excited for it.
December 27, 2025
MAKOTO IS HERE!!! This is an amazing series and so happy about the ending. Well a little happy I hate how what happened to Raimu-Chan she deserves justice and so does her baby. Cant wait for the volume 10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
As I knew very well even before I'd started, I cried while reading this final volume (technically). But despite it, I loved the ending! Even though things ended on an uncertain note, Sachi now has her friends and family all around her to support her and baby Makoto UwU
January 14, 2026
I’m bawling.
February 4, 2026
the way the author drew and detailed sachi’s labor experience was bewildering. it felt like i was in the hospital room with sachi and takara. made me tear up a little. i can’t wait for the next volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
a masterpiece, yup
April 21, 2026
I honest found the final volume a bit disappointing. We build up to so many complex emotional experiences and familial situations but then the baby is born and it just…ends.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews