Preparing for childbirth can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. When I was getting ready for my delivery in Japan, I packed two separate bags: one for labor and one for my hospital stay after giving birth. This system helped me stay organized and reduced stress on the big day.
Below is my complete checklist, including what the hospital provided and what I brought myself. I hope this helps other expecting moms prepare with confidence.
👜 Labor Bag
• Wallet
• Maternity record book (Mother–Child Health Handbook)
• Hospital admission documents, personal seal, pens
• Phone charger
• Pajamas (front-opening, one-piece)
• One pair of postpartum underwear
• Postpartum pads
• Bath towel (1)
• Face towel (1)
• Slippers
• Hair ties
• Wet wipes
• Plastic bags
• Drinks
• Straw cap for PET bottles (from the 100-yen shop)
• Lozenges and snacks
• Tennis ball or golf ball (for applying pressure to the lower back during contractions)
• Handy fan
👜 Hospital Stay Bag
• Face towels (3)
• Bath towels (2)
• Nursing bras (3)
• Breast pads
• Postpartum underwear (4)
• Pajamas (2 front-opening, one-piece style)
• Eco-bag
• Socks (5 pairs)
• Skincare set, shampoo, and body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Going-home outfit
• Makeup
• Disposable steam eye mask
• Pelvic support belt
• S-shaped hook (hung a small bag on the hospital bed to grab items easily)
• Phone charger
👶 For Baby
• Baby’s going-home outfit
• Undershirt
• Swaddle or blanket
• Nursing pillow (At a private clinic, I was able to borrow one. At the general hospital, I had to bring my own.)
🏥 What My Hospital Provided
• Labor gown (1)
• Postpartum underwear (1)
• Maternity pads (15)
• Cotton wipes (1 box)
• Baby wipes (1 pack)
• Baby gauze cloth (1)
• Diapers (1 pack)
• Nipple cream
My hospital supplied the basics, but during my first delivery I ran out of maternity pads. For my second delivery, I brought extra pads and postpartum underwear—and this time, everything was sufficient.
Depending on your hospital room, an extension cord for charging your phone can also be extremely helpful.
💡 Additional Helpful Items
• Lip balm
• Small cushion for back support
• Cooling gel sheets (冷えピタ)
• Extra drinks (2–3 bottles recommended)
• Notebook for tracking baby’s feeding or questions for nurses
🔚 Conclusion
Packing your hospital bags in advance can make your labor and postpartum experience much smoother. Every hospital provides different items, so it’s helpful to check in advance and prepare what you personally need. I hope my checklist helps other moms feel more prepared and relaxed for their upcoming delivery.
