Utilize Postpartum Childcare Services

1. Postpartum Care Facilities

Postpartum care facilities provide support for mothers by assisting with childcare and offering mental and physical care. These services are available at municipal postpartum care centers, maternity clinics, hospitals, and private postpartum care facilities. The staff often includes professionals such as nurses, midwives, clinical psychologists, childcare workers, and nutritionists.

Services may include breastfeeding consultations, childcare advice, and baby bathing guidance. The fees, duration of stay, service content, meal availability, and eligibility periods vary depending on the facility, so be sure to confirm the details.Facilities partnered with local municipalities may offer subsidy programs.

2. Outreach Services

Some municipalities provide services where midwives visit your home to offer breastfeeding massages, childcare consultations, baby bathing guidance, and more.

3. Postpartum Helpers

Municipalities may provide postpartum helpers to assist mothers.In some cases, this service can be used during pregnancy, and the terms of use may vary depending on the municipality.

4. Postpartum Doulas

You can also hire a doula through the Postpartum Doula Association. Some municipalities offer subsidy programs for doula services. Check with your local health center for details.

General Incorporated Association Postpartum Doula AssociationFind a Doula

5. Babysitters

There are private and corporate babysitting services available. Some municipalities offer subsidy programs for these services.

Tokyo Babysitter Support Program (Babysitter Partner Type) – List of Approved Providers

View Approved Providers

6. Family Support Centers

These centers provide services such as pick-up and drop-off or temporary childcare for children from infancy up to about 10 years old. Volunteers registered with your municipality can pick up children from daycare, kindergarten, or temporary care facilities and bring them home, or provide temporary care. Registration is done at your municipality's Family Support Center.

7. Temporary Childcare

This service allows you to temporarily leave your child at a facility for any reason. Facilities are available in your area, so inquire at your local health center. The age of children, fees, hours of care, and other details vary by facility, so please contact them directly for specifics.

8. Home-Start

If you feel uneasy going to parks, health checkups, or shopping alone, this service can provide companionship. You can also use this service when you need someone to talk to or play with your child. The service is generally free but has time limitations.

Home-Start Japan