So it’s official, with a little under 6 weeks to go…I am finally packing my hospital bag!
So before I begin this post I just want to let you in on a little known secret about hospitals in Japan: you stay for a long time! I think the average length of stay in the US is 1-2 days if you have a vaginal delivery, and in Japan it’s a whopping 3-5 days! That being said, I received a list from my doctor telling me what to pack. Let’s take a look at it:
In case it’s difficult to read, here’s the checklist (minus my written additions):
- Insurance card
- Hospital Registration Card
- 2-3 open front nightwear and 2-3 underwear
- Toiletries + several bath towels and face towels
- Pregnancy vouchers
- Oral medication if you are taking it
- Cell phone and charger
For in the delivery room:
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook
- Slippers
- 2 face towels
- 1 open front nightwear and 1 underwear
- Cup and toothbrush
For baby:
- Set of going home clothes
- Swaddling blanket
- Breastfeeding items such as a pillow, handkerchiefs (burpcloths?), and nursing bra and pads
Now I will ask you, does this seem like a sufficient list for someone who is going to be living at the hospital for 3-5 DAYS after delivery?!
In my opinion, NO WAY!
To find out what else I am packing in my hospital bag for my delivery at Aiiku Hospital next month, check out my latest Youtube video here!
My Motherhood Tokyo 