Matcha Mum's

Matcha Mum's

by Tamara
Kids & FamilySociety & Culture
Season 1

Postpartum Care in Japan: The First Months for Mum, Baby & Family

Postpartum Care in Japan: The First Months for Mum, Baby & Family What happens after you leave the hospital with your newborn in Japan? In this episode, I’m looking at the first months postpartum from three perspectives: Mum, Baby and Family. Using Yokohama as an example, we’ll talk about postpartum and baby health checks, home visits, vaccinations, and the support available for new families — from professional Mother & Baby Care to practical help at home. Because one thing I learned while researching this episode is that there is actually a lot of support available. You just need to know where to find it. Please keep in mind that services and procedures vary between cities and wards. For more information about pregnancy, postpartum and family support in Yokohama: https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/child/following_childbirth.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamara_matcha_mum/
S1 · E13
Oct 2, 2026
19:54

From Bassinets to Sticker Books: Flying with Kids

Is flying with a baby really as stressful as everyone says? In my experience, the baby stage might actually be the easy part. We’re back in Japan! And after flying from Germany to Japan with my three-month-old baby, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of flying between the two countries with my children. From bassinets and breastfeeding to sticker books, snacks and screen time — what you need on a 14-hour flight changes completely as your child grows. I’ve flown with my daughter from around 11 months old to four years old, often on my own, and every age has come with its own challenges (and some pretty memorable moments!). In this episode, I talk about why I prefer night flights, when a bassinet can be a lifesaver, whether it’s worth booking an extra seat for a child under two, and why I eventually stopped using priority boarding with a toddler. I also share how I organize my hand luggage when flying alone, what actually kept my daughter entertained at different ages, why snacks are sometimes the best activity on board, and how our latest flight with a three-month-old went. And of course, not everything always goes according to plan. From almost missing a flight because of a diaper change to forgotten pencils and unexpected acts of kindness — flying with kids has definitely given me a few stories to tell. If you’re preparing to fly with a baby, toddler or young child, I hope our experiences give you a few ideas — and maybe make you feel a little more relaxed about your next flight. ☕ What’s your most memorable experience flying with kids? Send me a message on Instagram @tamara_matcha_mum. I’d love to hear your stories and share some of them in a future episode.
S1 · E12
Sep 19, 2026
24:22

Born Abroad & Returning to Japan with a Newborn: Passports, Paperwork & Citizenship

Returning to Japan with a Newborn: Passports, Paperwork & Citizenship What does it actually take to move to Japan with a newborn who was born abroad? ☕ Welcome back to Matcha Mum’s — a podcast about raising kids and navigating family life in Japan as an international family. In this episode, I’m sharing our experience of returning to Japan with our three-month-old son after giving birth in Germany. From getting his German birth certificate and passport to registering his birth in Japan and Japanese citizenship including what didn’t go according to plan and why I recommend starting the process as early as possible. I’ll also share how we prepared his health checks and vaccination records for Japan and what we needed before travelling to Japan with our baby. Topics: moving to Japan with a baby, newborn in Japan, baby born abroad, Japanese citizenship, birth registration in Japan, German-Japanese family, passport for a newborn, vaccinations in Japan, international parenting in Japan.
S1 · E11
Sep 5, 2026
15:09

Interview with Katheryn Gronauer: Between Motherhood and Entrepreneurship - The Hidden Reality

My guest of of this episode is with Katheryn Gronauer: executive coach, corporate trainer, and founder of the Tokyo-based networking community Leadership Latte. Her work focuses on supporting professionals through transitions, from career shifts to leadership growth. This conversation explores her personal transition into motherhood while running her own business. Katheryn shares what it really looked like to navigate pregnancy, self-funded maternity leave, and the pressure to maintain business momentum as a solo entrepreneur. She speaks openly about the gap between expectations and reality and how quickly plans can fall apart once a child arrives. Listeners can expect honest insights into: The challenges of balancing client work, income stability, and early motherhood Why “doing it all” often comes at a hidden cost How redefining work structure from full-day trainings to more flexible formats created a better long-term fit The role of community, and how her initiative Leadership Latte grew out of a personal need for connection This episode offers a grounded look at ambition, identity, and how priorities — and definitions of success — can shift in a new life phase. Link to Katheryn's Homepage: https://www.katheryngronauer.com Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E10
Jul 18, 2026
36:03

Interview with Tracy Northcott: A Mother's Journey - Hospitals, Paperwork & Life with a Newborn

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
S1 · E9
Jul 4, 2026
42:48

The Japanese Birth Experience: What Surprised International Parents Most

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
S1 · E8
Jun 20, 2026
23:22

Pregnant in Japan: My Experience with Check-Ups, Paperwork, and Cultural Surprises

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
S1 · E7
Jun 6, 2026
24:10

Interview with Katie Hurd: Building a Business During Maternity Leave in Japan

In this episode of Matcha Moms, I’m speaking with Katie Hurd — coach, entrepreneur, and mother of two — about the realities of building a business while raising children in Japan. Katie shares her journey from corporate life into entrepreneurship, what it was like to grow a business during maternity leave, and how her life and work changed after becoming a single mother of two sons. We talk openly about the challenges behind the scenes: navigating the Japanese childcare system as a self-employed mother, balancing financial pressure and family life, creating structure in everyday chaos, and learning when to ask for support. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, self-organization, motherhood, and the emotional and practical realities of building a career while raising a family abroad. In this episode, we cover: Building a business during maternity leave Entrepreneurship and motherhood in Japan Life as a single mother of two Outsourcing, support systems, and self-organization Advice for mothers considering entrepreneurship The importance of resilience, mindfulness, and self-care Link to Katie's Homepage: https://neurofitglobal.com Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E6
May 23, 2026
44:38

Are We Doing This Right? Raising Bilingual/ Multilingual Children in Japan

In this episode, I explore what research really says about raising bilingual and multilingual children and how it compares to our own experience raising a German-Japanese child in Japan. We talk about common myths, language dominance, daycare, a third language, and why language development is often less about exposure and more about relationships, interaction, and everyday life. Key learnings in this episode: Why children are fully capable of learning multiple languages from an early age The difference between language exposure and real interaction How language dominance can shift depending on environment and input What our experience in Japan taught us about daycare and bilingual development Practical language options for families raising children in Japan Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E5
May 9, 2026
22:10

Interview with Denitsa: The Balance Mothers Actually Need — Lessons from Wabi Tabi Living

In this episode, I’m speaking with Denitsa, founder of Wabi Tabi, a holistic health and wellness practice rooted in the idea of balance. As a certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, she combines principles of Eastern healing, nutrition, and mindful living to support individuals in creating sustainable well-being. Originally from Europe and now based in Tokyo, Denitsa brings a cross-cultural perspective to health, family life, and personal growth. Her work is deeply influenced by the philosophy of finding simplicity and authenticity in everyday life. What we talk about: Why “balance” is often misunderstood, especially for mothers How children can mirror the emotional state of their parents Navigating motherhood and identity across different cultures The role of imperfection and why letting go of perfectionism matters How Denitsa structures her daily life to create a more grounded rhythm Key takeaways for listeners: Balance is not something you achieve once - it’s something you continuously adjust Emotional awareness as a parent directly shapes the family environment Small, consistent lifestyle choices often matter more than big changes Letting go of perfection can create more space for connection and ease Cultural perspectives can influence how we approach parenting, health, and work More Infos of Denitsa: Webside: https://www.wabitabime.com Alongside this episode, Denitsa is hosting an intimate two-day retreat by the ocean on April 25–26 — with more retreats planned in the future. The experience includes a one-night stay in a four-star oceanfront hotel, shared meals, a boat trip to an uninhabited island, a tropical garden picnic, onsen and relaxation time, guided reflection sessions, gentle Do-In exercises by the sea, a temple visit, and a few thoughtfully curated touches throughout. Contact Information: Host: Tamara E-Mail: matchamums@gmail.com
S1 · E4
Apr 24, 2026
44:15
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