Preparation for Hospitalization and Childbirth

Items Needed for Procedures

• Maternal and Child Health Handbook

• Seal (Hanko)

• Health Insurance Card

• Money

• Maternity Clinic Appointment Card

• Mobile Phone/Smartphone & Charger

• Required Documents

Items Necessary for Hospital Stay

Hospitals are not hotels, so in most cases, they only provide the bare minimum. You will need to prepare and bring your own everyday essentials.

Some birthing facilities may provide items like postpartum shorts or maternity pads as part of a "Maternity Kit" or offer rentals for items like nightgowns and towels. Be sure to confirm with the facility beforehand to avoid unnecessary items and pack only the essentials for your hospital stay.

Item	Description	Quantity
Pajamas	Front-opening pajamas are convenient for breastfeeding.	2–3 pieces
Cardigan	For adjusting body temperature.	1 piece
Postpartum Shorts	These have Velcro openings at the crotch, making it easy to attach and remove maternity pads.	2–3 pieces
Nursing Bra	Choose a loose and comfortable design for easier breastfeeding.	2–3 pieces
Breast Pads	Available in disposable and washable types.	1 box or 1–2 pieces
Maternity Pads	Available in various sizes for different amounts of postpartum bleeding.	1 pack
Cleansing Cotton	Used after using the toilet postpartum.	1 box
Toiletries	Toothbrush, towel, shampoo, body soap, etc.
Skincare Products	Bring familiar products to prevent skin issues.
Socks	For keeping warm.	2–3 pairs
Smartphone & Charger	For staying in touch with family and friends, and as a camera. If linked to IC cards or credit cards, can be used for payments at the hospital shop or vending machines.
Watch	A second hand is useful for timing contractions.
Towels & Gauze	Bring some for both yourself and the baby.
Writing Supplies	Useful for filling out documents or keeping a baby journal.
Slippers	Choose comfortable ones for hospital use.
Tissues & Wet Wipes	For personal hygiene and cleaning the bedside table.
Medication	If you are on regular medication, bring it with you and inform the hospital.
Face Masks	Since the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become essential. Bring enough for your hospital stay.

Things Needed for Discharge

You don’t need to have these items ready immediately; it’s fine to prepare them in advance and have your family bring them to the hospital during your stay.

Item	Description	Quantity
Baby’s Undergarments/Dress	Choose items that are gentle on the baby's skin.	1–2 pieces
Swaddle	Adjust the thickness according to the season.	1 piece
Diapers and Baby Wipes	Prepare enough to last until you arrive home. Typically, the hospital provides these during the stay.
Mom’s Discharge Outfit	Since the abdomen does not return to its original size immediately after delivery, prepare larger-sized clothes.
Baby Carrier or Car Seat	For transportation from the hospital to home, use something suitable for newborns. A car seat is mandatory if traveling by car.
Hospital Fees	As this involves a large amount of money, it’s better to have your husband or partner bring it on discharge day. If the hospital uses the lump-sum childbirth allowance system, you will need to settle the difference.

Maternity and baby products can mainly be purchased at the following stores in Japan.

Akachan Honpo

https://www.akachan.jp/

Nishimatsuya

https://www.24028.jp/

Baby Zarasu

https://www.babiesrus.co.jp/ja-jp/