Helping Mothers and Children at the Beginning of Childrearing: Continuous Support for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Childrearing

• Part 1 (This paper)
• Part 2
• Part 3

The "Third Policy Guidelines For a Low Birth Rate Society" approved by the Japanese Cabinet in March 2015 point out the need for enhancement of postnatal care and the establishment of a "Comprehensive Support Center for Families with Small Children" as a measure to support families during pregnancy and childbirth. In this report, therefore, we will take a look at the support for mothers before and after childbirth. First, the survey introduces the current conditions and importance of support for mothers after childbirth. Next, Professor Fujiko Fukushima (Faculty of Nursing, Toho University) explains the significance of continuous support for mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing. Finally, Mr. Daichi Watanabe (Representative of Ainaloha Co., Ltd.), who provides a postnatal care business in Tokorozawa-city, Saitama prefecture, addresses the needs and issues of mothers after childbirth.

1. [Survey Report] Current Conditions of Postnatal Care and the Importance of Support for Mothers (Seiko Mochida, Benesse Educational and Development Institution)

The first few months after childbirth are a critical period for women as mothers to assume the role of "parent" along with their partners. It is important for new mothers to have enough rest and to physically recover from pregnancy and childbirth, especially during the puerperium (6-8 weeks after childbirth). The Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute conducted a "Survey on Prenatal/Postnatal Life and Support." It targeted 1,500 mothers with infants under 1 year of age in Japan, examining the current conditions of postnatal support and its relationship with childrearing afterwards. The survey showed that the support for housework and baby care as well as the physical recovery of mothers is mainly provided by family members such as spouses and parents. Friends, acquaintances and professionals such as public health nurses also help with breastfeeding care and childrearing consultations (Figure 1). This reveals the fact that in Japan, postnatal life support is not widely available in society, and families bear the role of providing it.

Figure 1. Support providers for mothers after childbirth

It also indicated that the satisfaction level of the mothers who prepared for postnatal support before childbirth was significantly higher than those who did not prepare in advance (Figure 2), and that this led to the mothers' confidence in childrearing (Figure 3). A previous study also reveals that the more positive mothers feel toward childrearing, the better parenting environment it creates for children.¹⁾ Approximately 60% of the mothers cited "Time to rest and feel refreshed" as the postnatal support which they wished would be enhanced (Figure 4).

1) "'First Time Parenting' Survey in Japan II (Chapter 6)" by the Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, 2011

Figure 2. Preparation for postnatal support before childbirth and the satisfaction level of postnatal support

Figure 3. Satisfaction level for support and confidence as a parent: "Basically doing a good job as a parent."

Figure 4. Support that mothers wish would be enhanced

These days more women give birth late, and the number of nuclear families is increasing. Not every mother can receive sufficient support from family members. The research suggests that society as a whole needs to support mothers before and after childbirth by establishing a parenting environment where mothers can receive enough physical and mental rest.