Crowdfunding Launches in Hachioji to Provide Postnatal Care for Fathers

Postnatal Care: Not Just for Moms

In Japan, a new approach to postnatal care is making waves, especially for fathers. Traditionally, support has centered around mothers and their newborns, leaving fathers often sidelined in the process. However, a midwifery practice in Hachioji, named "Tomoko San's House," is embarking on a transformative journey starting July 1, 2026, with a crowdfunding project titled "We Won't Leave Dads Alone - Comprehensive Family Postnatal Care in Hachioji."

This initiative aims to raise 1 million yen over the course of July. The funds will specifically reduce the out-of-pocket expenses that fathers incur when seeking postnatal care, which is largely unsupported by existing public assistance programs. As part of this effort, Tomoko San's House will also be relocating to Myojincho in Hachioji, where they plan to expand their services, including long-term postnatal care, future overnight care options, family events, and parenting consultations. The goal? To create a welcoming environment where fathers feel comfortable participating in postnatal care alongside mothers.

A Shift in Perspective on Male Participation

The practice has been successfully integrating fathers into postnatal care for over seven years. They've offered programs like postnatal care at hot spring facilities, allowing both parents to participate in nurturing their newborns together. A remarkable change has been observed: in December 2024, the participation rate of fathers was an abysmal 0%. Fast forward to April 2026, and that figure skyrocketed to an impressive 64.3%.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Fathers report enjoying quality time with their partners, resolving common parenting concerns, and appreciating the rarity of services that promote couple relaxation. As one father put it, "It’s rare to have services that let us both rest, so I always look forward to it."

This shift demonstrates a vital need for postnatal care that involves the entire family, not just the mother and baby. Having fathers present allows mothers to take a breather and discuss their future together, ultimately contributing to a healthier familial environment.

Current Gaps in Support Systems

Despite progress, it's important to note that current postnatal care systems primarily focus on mothers and newborns. While mothers benefit from significant government subsidies, fathers continue to fall through the cracks of the support structure. The training and encouragement for fathers to learn about childcare and parenting responsibilities remain largely outside the current framework. Consequently, fathers who wish to participate often must bear those costs themselves.

Many families hope for equal participation in postnatal care, but financial burdens can create barriers for fathers wishing to join. The crowdfunding initiative aims to lower those hurdles, ensuring that fathers are not excluded from invaluable postnatal experiences.

Finding Balance: Support Beyond Education

It’s crucial to understand that the objective of this project is not to demand perfection from fathers in their parenting roles. Instead, it aims for a space where fathers can openly discuss their uncertainties, practice baby care, and support their partners through their transition into parenthood. This supportive environment can even allow tired parents to pause and gather their bearings.

When fathers are educated about baby care, mothers gain a much-needed respite. When fathers are aware of the challenges of postnatal life, it fosters a collaborative environment for both parents. Supporting fathers ultimately means supporting mothers, and thus protecting their child.

Utilization of Funds

The crowdfunding funds will be allocated primarily for the support of fathers, covering costs related to postnatal care that aren't eligible for governmental assistance. There are two key support areas envisioned:

1. Father Participation Support: Allowing fathers to join their partners in postnatal care sessions, where they can collaborate with midwives on infant care, breastfeeding guidance, division of parental duties, and the logistics of home life after birth. The estimated cost per session is around 6,000 yen, which the crowdfunding can partially or wholly subsidize.

2. Individual Father Support: For cases such as maternal health issues, father’s parental leave, or single-parent families, where fathers are required to step up, this support allows them to consult with midwives, practice infant care, and take some time for themselves. The projected costs are around 13,000 yen for short sessions and 30,000 yen for longer ones. Essential funding will assist families facing significant challenges.

Crowdfunding Overview

- Project Name: We Won't Leave Dads Alone - Comprehensive Family Postnatal Care in Hachioji
- Duration: July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026
- Goal Amount: 1 million yen
- Organizer: Tomoko Aoki / Tomoko San's House (midwifery)
- Purpose of Funds: Financial support for fathers' postnatal care utility costs
- Crowdfunding Page: READYFOR Project

Representative Comment

Tomoko Aoki, the head of Tomoko San's House, emphasizes the importance of collective family support postpartum. “It’s not only a time for mothers to bear the burden; it's a moment for all family members to adapt to their new lives together. We've witnessed how fathers’ participation brings relief to mothers repeatedly. By ensuring fathers understand baby care and have access to midwives, we can create a more balanced and supportive environment for everyone.” She continues, “Our goal is to transform the new Tomoko San's House into a sanctuary not just for moms and babies but for fathers and families. We hope you’ll join us in spreading the message of inclusive postnatal care from Hachioji.”

About Tomoko San's House

Tomoko San's House is a midwifery practice located in Hachioji, Tokyo, dedicated to supporting families from pregnancy through postpartum and into parenting. Established by Tomoko Aoki in 2018, following extensive hospital experience and a focus on community midwifery, the practice received a commission from the city of Hachioji to assist with postnatal care. Beginning July 1, 2026, they will relocate to Myojincho, expanding services to provide reliable resources for families.