#Japan #Tokyo #Postpartum Care #Tokyo Symposium #Parental Support

Empowering Parents: A Call to Action

On April 29, 2023, a significant symposium titled "Empowering Parents: Preventing Postpartum Depression and Creating a Supportive Childcare Environment" will take place both in Tokyo and online. This event, organized by the Pre and Postnatal Care Network in Chūō, Tokyo, aims to draw attention to the voices of 4,400 parents who are currently raising children.

Background of the Symposium

The initiative stems from a unique survey conducted by the Pre and Postnatal Care Network, which gathered insights from parents actively engaged in childcare. The results revealed that the mental burden faced by mothers remains unchanged from four years ago. Furthermore, a significant disconnect exists in the perceived emotional burdens between mothers and fathers. The analysis indicated that there is a considerable disparity between the supports that parents utilize and those they do not, highlighting the necessity to enhance accessible support tailored for these individuals.

In light of this information, the Pre and Postnatal Care Network strives to bolster the available resources and support for new parents. It recognizes that while utilizing human and financial resources for unused assistance is vital, the immediate priority should be on making childcare support more user-friendly and accessible.

The Symposium's Agenda

The symposium will commence at 10:00 AM, with registration starting at 9:30 AM. The program includes reports on the survey's findings, followed by a keynote speech from Dr. Yoshiyuki Tachibana, a specialist in postpartum depression and the representative director of the General Incorporated Association for Community Building. His talk will focus on what society can do to prevent postpartum depression.

The detailed schedule is as follows:

• - 10:00 AM: Report on the survey findings regarding parental support.
• - 10:30 AM: Keynote address by Dr. Tachibana on societal measures to prevent postpartum depression.
• - 11:20 AM: Question and answer session.
• - 11:30 AM: Announcements regarding future initiatives and study groups.
• - 12:00 PM: Open discussion.

Participation Options

Participants can join the event either in person at the TKP Tokyo Conference Center, located just a minute's walk from Tokyo Station, or online via ZOOM. The participation fee is 3,000 yen, and refunds are not available. Parties interested in attending can register through the provided link: Register Here.

About the Organizer

The Pre and Postnatal Care Network, established by Mitsuko Yukimoto, aims to create an environment where parents can raise their children without the burdens of isolation and anxiety. The organization recognizes the challenges faced by parents who are navigating childcare with limited support networks, especially if they find themselves in unfamiliar locations away from family and friends.

Mitsuko Yukimoto's personal narrative reflects the struggles of many parents. As she relocated from the Kanto region to Kansai due to marriage, she found herself in a profoundly solitary raising experience with a newborn. This motivated her to create a community where parents could connect, leading to the foundation of the network designed to offer solidarity and support to others in similar situations.

The overarching goal of the symposium is not only to address the pressing issue of postpartum depression but also to foster a community where parents can share their experiences, fears, and strategies in a nurturing environment. It seeks to engage all stakeholders in the conversation about how we can collectively improve the society in which we raise our children.

Let’s join forces to analyze where the burdens lie and work towards creating a society where parents can confidently raise their children without the shadow of postpartum depression looming over them. This symposium is a pivotal step towards understanding and actionable change. Through collaboration and discussion, we can pave the way for a brighter future for families in Japan.