What is it really like to give birth in Japan as an international parent?

In this episode of Matcha Mum's, I'm joined by Tracey Northcott, who has called Japan home for more than 25 years. Together, we look back on her journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and the first weeks of motherhood in Japan.

Tracey shares her personal experience of navigating the Japanese healthcare system, the moments that surprised her, and the practical realities that came after her son was born. From the importance of finding a supportive community to handling paperwork for a two-week-old baby, this conversation is filled with honest reflections and valuable insights for anyone expecting a child in Japan or simply curious about what the experience is like.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Tracey's experience with pregnancy and prenatal care in Japan
• Giving birth in a Japanese hospital
• The surprises and challenges she encountered along the way
• Why building a support network is so important
• The administrative process after birth, including applying for a newborn's visa
• What she wishes she had known before becoming a mother in Japan
• Her advice for expectant parents navigating the Japanese system

Whether you're currently pregnant, planning to start a family in Japan, or simply interested in life between cultures, this episode offers a thoughtful, personal perspective on one family's journey.

🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following Matcha Mum's, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com

In this episode of Matcha Mum's, we explore what childbirth in Japan is really like: from choosing the right hospital or maternity clinic to creating a birth plan, understanding the role of midwives and doulas, and navigating the postpartum period.

In this episode, we cover:

• The different birth options in Japan: private clinics, public hospitals, university hospitals, and international hospitals

• How to choose the right facility for your pregnancy and priorities

• The role of midwives and doulas in Japan

• What a birth plan is and how Japanese hospitals approach birth preferences

• Epidurals, natural birth, and pain management options

• Partner involvement during labor and hospital policies

• The famous Japanese maternity hospital stay, recovery support, and postpartum care

Whether you're expecting a baby in Japan, planning a future pregnancy, or simply curious about how childbirth differs across cultures, this episode offers practical insights and real stories from international families navigating the Japanese system.

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com

What is it really like to navigate pregnancy in Japan?

In this first episode of my Japan pregnancy series, I share my personal experience with the Japanese prenatal care system—from the first positive pregnancy test to completing my check-ups at 35 weeks.

Along the way, I explain how the system works, what surprised me, and some of the cultural differences I noticed.

In this episode, we cover:

• Registering your pregnancy and receiving the Boshi Techo (Maternal & Child Health Handbook)

• The maternity mark and public transport culture

• Financial support, coupons, and birth allowances

• How prenatal check-ups are structured in Japan

• Frequent ultrasounds and routine screenings

• Weight management and nutrition advice

• Language barriers and navigating appointments as a foreigner

• Why I changed hospitals during my pregnancy

• What I appreciated about the Japanese system—and what I found challenging

This episode combines practical information with my own experience as a foreign mother navigating pregnancy in Japan.

Whether you're expecting a baby in Japan, planning a move, or simply curious about how pregnancy care differs around the world, I hope this episode gives you a helpful and honest insight into the journey.

Contact Information:

Host: Tamara

E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com