Disclaimer: these information are cited from panphlet issued by Volunteer group in Kawasaki-City.
Those information stated may not be applied to your residential area.

I. From Pregnancy to Childbirth

Childbirth in Japan can be the case of a lot of anxiety, especially with the differences in language and customs from your
own country. We advise you to attend the "Mother's to be class" at the Health Center in each ward or ask other mothers
about their childbirth experiences in Japan. Let's get prepared for a comfortable and satisfying childbirth.

* "Mother-Child Health Handbook"
This is a very important document which records pregnancy, birth, and your child's growth.
So, please look after it carefully throughout the period your child grows up.

If you become pregnant...
1. You can receive this Handbook without any medical statement if you fill in an application form provided by the
health center(free of charge). At the health center, you will not be asked about your nationality, foreign
registration or status of residence.

2. English, Chinese, and Korean versions are available of the Mother-Child Health Handbook issued in Kawasaki-City's case.

3. You can also receive a Handbook for children who were not born in Japan. This Handbook is very useful for
obtaining more information about health services for your child. We encourage you to get a Handbook for each
child.

4. You are entitled to two free checkups before giving birth.

For more information, please contact to the health center in your ward.


*What is "Haraobi"(a maternity belt) ?
From olden times in Japan, pregnant woman put a white cloth called "Haraobi" around the abdomen wishing for
an easy delivery. It is quite useful to keep you balanced as well as warm. Nowadays, some people wear a maternity girdle
instead of a Haraobi. But a Haraobi is easier to adjust to your size. Many Japanese visit shrines and pray a God for an
easy delivery, and buy Haraobi there. SUITENGU shrine is one of the famous shrine in Tokyo for easy delivery.
After delivery, you can use your Haraobi again to regain your shape, and cut it in small pieces and use it for your
baby's nappies. However, these days most people seem to be using handy disposable diapers.



II. After your childbirth

(chart)

1. You are required to notify your office of your child's birth within 14 days of delivery. You must bring the birth
certificate and Mother-Child Health Handbook.

2. The Birth Certificate is obtained from your physician at the hospital or clinic, or from the maternity nurse.

3. If you have no birth certificate, you must keep evidence which proves your child's birth such as photos, etc.

4. Within one month after childbirth, an official from the Health Center will visit you and your new baby just
to make sure everything is OK. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to ask the
public health nurse. If you do not understand Japanese, ask for an interpreter at the local Health Center,
and they will bring one along.

5. Please have a checkup for yourself and your baby a month after childbirth. At that time, you and your
baby's height, weight and health condition will be checked and written in your Mother-Child Health Handbook.

6. You can also get a health checkup with free-charge at 3 months, 18 months and 3 years at the Health Center.
For the health checkups at 7 months, 10 months, 4 years and 5 years, please see your family doctor or clinic(you'll be charged).

7. If you are officially registered as a foreigner in Japan, information about medical check-ups and vaccinations
will be forwarded to you by mail.

8. While you are in a hospital, you can feel free and relaxed, but you must do the house keeping and care of your
child after coming home. Please ask your husband for help in making your new life style gradually.




*OMIYAMAIRI (Baby visiting shrine)
In Japan, there are many local gods that bless people who live in the area. These gods are called UJIGAMI-SAMA.
Since old times, families used to take babies to a shrine where UJIGAMI-SAMA existed, about 30 days after birth.
These days, people do not believe in UJIGAMI-SAMA strongly, however, they take babies to the shrine just to pray
for their health.
While OMIYAMAIRI the grandmother on the father's side holds the baby in her arms and the mother follows
her. The baby wears a special celebrating dress and the grandmother and mother wear kimonos stitched with their
family crest on the back. Just visiting a shrine is enough, but in a more formal situation, a Shinto priest sweeps away
evil and recites a prayer. Then the family offers a TAMAGUSHI(a sprig of the sacred tree) to the god.
Today, young people do OMIYAMAIRI in their own style. It is also OK not to go, but if you visit a shrine, you'll see
families who are keeping the tradition.

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