maternity
Breastfeeding
母乳育児 (bonyū ikuji)
Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant with milk produced by the mother. In Japan, breastfeeding is widely encouraged by medical professionals and government health policy. Many hospitals provide lactation consultants to support new mothers from the first day. Baby-friendly hospital designations indicate facilities committed to breastfeeding promotion. Nursing rooms (junyūshitsu) are available in shopping centers, train stations, and many public spaces, making breastfeeding relatively manageable while out in public.
Japan's Baby-Friendly Hospital initiative promotes exclusive breastfeeding initiation at birth, though formula feeding is accepted and infant formula is readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Breastfeeding |
| Japanese (日本語) | 母乳育児 |
| Chinese (中文) | 母乳喂养 |
| Korean (한국어) | 모유 수유 |
| Portuguese | Amamentação |
| Spanish | Lactancia materna |
| Filipino | Pagpapasuso |
| Thai | การให้นมบุตร |
| Vietnamese | Nuôi con bằng sữa mẹ |
| Romanization | bonyū ikuji |
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Read the guide →Last reviewed: September 2026