Message
Please have peace of mind as you give birth. We are committed to "Considering Your and Your Baby's Health After Childbirth, Beginning with Pregnancy."
The Fundamental Law on Childbirth was established to promote a safe, secure, and healthy environment for pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The Children and Families Agency began its operations in April 2023, marking the achievement of "building a society that prioritizes children." The presence of children brightens the world, makes parenting enjoyable, and fosters a loving community. We support the well-being and the development of strong emotional bonds between mothers and their children.
The brain experiences rapid growth from the fetal stage up until about one year of age, reaching about 70% of an adult's brain weight by the first year and surpassing 90% by four years. Childhood, particularly infancy, is a prime time for learning from experiences. Recent neuroscience has shown that children's brain development can be significantly enhanced by looking at them, touching them, smiling at them, and showing them affection during these early years. These actions are known as the three elements of love: 1) making eye contact, 2) touching hand to hand, and 3) sharing smiles. This tactile connection is especially important during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. When a mother smiles at her baby, the baby often smiles back. Similarly, if a mother appears frightened, her baby may mirror that fear. Babies learn and develop through this cycle of action and reaction. So, fathers should also keep up with the good work.
Please take the time to read through this booklet periodically, even before your baby is born.
The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Chairman: Isamu Ishiwatari
CONTENTS
Postpartum Health2~6
❶ Changes in the Mother's Body After Birth2
❷ Postpartum Health Management3
Breastfeeding7~10
❹Techniques for Breastfeeding8
❺Combination of Breast and Formula Feeding9
Managing Mom's Meals11
Family Planning12~19
❶Planning for Subsequent Children12
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)15
IUD・IUS17
Mom's Health Checkup19
Life with Your Baby20~22
Baby's Development23
Vaccination Recommendations26
Starting from page 27, information from the "Maternal and Child Health Handbook Information Support Site" is provided.
For a Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth28
Childbirth and Child-Raising Programs for Working Mothers and Fathers49
Prevention of children's illnesses, injuries, and accidents53
The Children's Charter
We, the people of Japan, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, do adopt this Charter to set forth proper attitudes toward children and thus bring about their well-being.
The child is and shall be respected as a human being.
The child is and shall be given due regard as a member of society.
The child shall be brought up in a good environment.
| 1 | All children shall be assured healthy mind and bodies and shall be guaranteed freedom from want. |
|---|---|
| 2 | All children shall be entitled to be brought up in their own homes with proper love, knowledge and skill. Those children not having homes shall be brought up in an environment offering similar advantages. |
| 3 | All children shall be provided with adequate nourishment, housing and clothing and shall be protected against disease and injury. |
| 4 | All children shall be educated in accordance with their individuality and capacity and so guided that they will honestly and independently discharge their responsibilities as members of society. |
| 5 | All children shall be so guided in developing a love for nature, a respect for science and art, and acceptance of the value of morality. |
| 6 | All children shall be assured access to schooling and be provided with complete educational facilities. |
| 7 | All children shall be provided with the opportunity to receive vocational guidance and training. |
| 8 | All children shall be fully protected against exploitation and labor that their mental and physical development shall not be set back, that their opportunities to receive education not be lost and that their lives as children not be hampered. |
| 9 | All children shall be assured access to wholesome recreational and cultural resources and be protected against harmful environments. |
| 10 | All children shall be protected against abuse, exploitation, neglect and other injurious treatment. Children who have committed wrongful acts shall be provided with adequate protection and guidance. |
| 11 | All children who have mental or physical handicaps shall be provided with appropriate medical care, education and protection. |
| 12 | All children shall be so guided that they may hold in common a spirit of love and sincerity and as good citizens devote themselves to the peace and culture of mankind. |