Search

Examined opinions of diverse parents, teachers, and academics regarding Japanese society, its infant/toddler care system, labor force, and family. Found evidence of a difficult transition in the culture of child rearing, including increased caregiver responsibility for child rearing and increased anxiety about parenting among young mothers. Suggested ways to meet challenges of rearing infants and toddlers in Japan today. (KB)

The article discusses the issue of low fertility rates in Asian countries, particularly in Japan. It highlights gender inequity as a contributing factor to low fertility, as men's involvement in childcare and housework has been limited despite women's increased labor-force participation. The Japanese government has been promoting paternal involvement in childcare as a strategy to reverse the declining birth rate, implementing laws to encourage male employees to take parental leave. However, the change in men's behavior in the private sphere has been slow, with many fathers dedicating most of their time to work and commuting. Despite this, studies have shown the benefits of active paternal involvement in childcare, including promoting parity progression and reducing developmental delays and poor psychological well-being in children. The article also mentions that the amount of time fathers spend on childcare has been increasing in Japan, particularly among highly educated parents. However, it emphasizes the need to monitor any unintended consequences and ensure that the change benefits families across different socio-economic backgrounds. [Extracted from the article]

How primate mothers interact with their dead infants has attracted much attention from primatologists. In particular, the care given to infant corpses has been well documented, and some researchers have employed quantitative analyses to explore the underlying mechanisms of this behavior. In contrast, instances of maternal cannibalism, another striking response to dead infants, are relatively uncommon and the factors contributing to this phenomenon remain unclear among primates. Here, we report a new case of stillbirth and subsequent maternal cannibalism that occurred in a free-ranging group of Japanese macaques residing on Awajishima Island, Japan. In the observed case, a multiparous female gave a stillbirth in the winter of 2022. The newborn appeared premature due to the lack of hair and unformed limbs, and the unseasonal birth. Initially, the mother cared for the newborn by licking and holding the body, but she suddenly began consuming the entire corpse, except for the parts around the head. This is the first case of maternal cannibalism by a multiparous mother of free-ranging Japanese macaque. We compared this case with those previously reported in Old World monkeys, and discussed the possible link between stillbirth, maternal care, and cannibalization towards deceased infants. In order to understand how primates comprehend the concepts of "death" and how their maternal relationships have evolved, it would be important to focus not only on maternal care toward dead infants but also cannibalism that could occur at the end of the caregiving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some studies conducted in the United Kingdom have shown long-term associations between paternal involvement in childcare and adolescents' mental health issues. However, findings were inconsistent, and similar epidemiologic studies have not been conducted in other countries in Europe or Asia. Thus, we aimed to examine this association using Japanese population-based cohort study data. The Japanese Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century commenced in 2001. Data from 18,568 16-year-olds enrolled in the survey were analyzed. Poor psychological well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-being Index. Paternal involvement in childcare—in tasks such as changing diapers—was assessed at the children's 6 months of age. We created four groups from least involvement to most active involvement based on the frequency of fathers' performing the tasks. The risk of poor psychological well-being was lower among more active involvement groups compared with the least involvement group, after adjusting for potential confounders (risk ratios = 0.90 [95 % confidence intervals: 0.85, 0.95] for the most active group). Due to 16 years of follow-up, loss to follow-up may have caused a selection bias. Our study is the first in Asian countries to show that fathers' active involvement in childcare is associated with poor psychological well-being in adolescence. Encouraging fathers' involvement in childcare may ameliorate prevalent issues of school refusals and withdrawals in the long term in Japan. • Fathers' childcare involvement is associated with adolescents' mental well-being. • Active childcare involvement is protective against poor psychological well-being. • Active childcare involvement may ameliorate children's mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This nationwide survey aimed to determine the status of jaundice management in Japan. Methods: A questionnaire about bilirubin level measurements and neonatal jaundice treatment was sent to 330 institutions providing neonatal care. The responses were analyzed according to institution level. Results: Of 330 institutions, 172 responded (52.1% response rate). Total bilirubin levels were measured in the central laboratory using spectrophotometry at 134 institutions and a blood gas analyzer at 81 institutions. Unbound bilirubin (UB) levels were measured by 79 institutions, while transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were taken at 63 institutions. There was no association between institution level and UB or transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. For phototherapy criteria, the Murata‐Imura criteria were adopted by 67 institutions, Nakamura criteria by 36, and Morioka criteria by 39. Light‐emitting diodes (LED) were used by 160 institutions versus fluorescent lights by 31. When a blue LED was used, 119 institutions used the high mode. There is no standard for increasing light intensity. No association was found between institution level and phototherapy criteria. UB was measured in 14 of 63 institutions using the Murata‐Imura criteria. Conclusions: There is a large variation in the management and treatment of neonatal jaundice among institutes in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Japan, 44.3% of neonates are delivered in private clinics without an attending pediatrician. Obstetricians in the clinics must resuscitate asphyxiated neonates in unstable condition, such as respiratory failure, and they are frequently transferred to tertiary perinatal medical centers. There has been no study comparing the physiological status and prognosis of neonates transported by ambulance with those transported by helicopter. Methods: Medical and transport records were used to compare the physiological status of neonates transported to Kagoshima City Hospital by land and those transported by air between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Results : Data from 425 neonates transferred by land and 143 by air were analyzed. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean gestational age, mean birthweight, fetal blood pH, Apgar score, or the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension‐II (SNAPPE‐II) on arrival to the tertiary center (16.3 ± 15.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.2–17.7] vs 16.4 ± 15.4 [95% CI: 13.9–19.0], respectively; P = 0.999); both groups had SNAPPE‐II score 10–19, indicating no difference in mortality risk. The times to starting first aid and to admission to the intensive care unit were significantly reduced in neonates transported by air than by land. In subgroup analysis of patients of a gestational age ≤28 weeks, all cases of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were observed in the land transportation group. Conclusions: Neonatal transportation by air is as safe as land transportation, and time to first aid and intensive care are significantly reduced by transportation by air than by land. Air transport could also contribute to the prevention of IVH in neonatal transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Resuscitation Council joined the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) as a member of the Resuscitation Council of Asia in 2006. In 2007, the Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine (JSPNM), which is a member of an affiliated body, launched the Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (NCPR) program as an authorized project to ensure that all staff involved in perinatal and neonatal medicine can learn and practice neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation based on the Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations developed by ILCOR. The content of courses in the NCPR program is based on the NCPR guidelines. These guidelines are revised by the Japan Resuscitation Council according to the Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations, which is updated by ILCOR every 5 years. The latest updated edition in Japanese was published in 2016 and we translated these Japanese guidelines to English in 2018. Here, we introduce a summary of the NCPR guidelines 2015 in Japan. The NCPR 2015 algorithm has two flows, "lifesaving flow" and "stabilization of breathing flow" at the first branching point after the initial step of resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In developed countries, the time fathers spend on childcare has increased steadily in recent decades. However, studies on the relationship between paternal care and child outcomes remain scarce. Thus, we examined the association between paternal involvement in childcare and children's developmental outcomes., Methods: We used Japan's largest birth cohort data, the Japan Environment and Children's Study, to examine the relationship between paternal involvement in childcare at the child's age of 6 months and developmental milestone outcomes at the child's age of 3 years (n = 28,050). Developmental delays were assessed with Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Potential mediation by maternal parenting stress at the child's age of 1.5 years was also examined. We used log-binomial regression analyses to estimate risk ratios., Results: Fathers' high involvement in childcare was associated with a lower risk of developmental delay in gross-motor, fine-motor, problem solving, and personal-social domains compared with low involvement, adjusting for potential confounders. For example, the risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals was 0.76 [0.67, 0.86] for the gross-motor domain. We also observed that the associations were partially mediated by maternal parenting stress., Conclusions: Fathers' active involvement in childcare during infancy may promote young children's development, partially by reducing maternal parenting stress., Impact: Using Japan's largest birth cohort data (Japan Environment and Children's Study), we showed that paternal involvement in infant care might benefit young children's development. Fathers' active involvement in infant care was associated with a lower risk of developmental delays in gross-motor, fine-motor, problem solving, and personal-social domains. Maternal parenting stress may mediate the association between paternal involvement in infant care and child development outcomes at 3 years., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Abstract: Objectives: This study was designed to describe grandmothers' intentions regarding providing satisfactory infant care support for new mothers. Design and Sample: Qualitative inductive analysis was performed using semistructured interviews conducted with 19 pairs of grandmothers and new mothers with one child aged 3–4 months old. Results: Support that satisfied the new mothers was categorized into five concepts, which included support activities such as “minding the grandchild” and “supporting family life”. Six reasons were attributed by the new mothers for their satisfaction such as “reduced anxiety toward infant care” and “lifestyle stability including infant care”. The grandmothers' intentions in providing satisfactory infant care support for new mothers were categorized into seven concepts that included “sympathizing with the hardships of motherhood upon seeing the mother's situation” and “balancing the desire to provide support and maintain their own lifestyle”. Conclusions: Grandmothers wanted to help new mothers by supporting and empowering them. Data also showed that grandmothers could potentially benefit from research‐based information on modern infant care practices as well as reliable and up‐to‐date infant care information obtained from within the community. Supporting grandmothers in their role will ultimately benefit infants and new mothers and contribute to grandmothers' personal fulfillment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaking and smothering in response to infant crying are life-threatening child abuse. Parental childhood abuse history is known to be one of the most robust risk factors for abusing their offspring. In addition to childhood abuse history, other adverse childhood exposures (ACEs) need to be considered due to co-occurrence. However, few studies have investigated the impact of ACEs on caregivers shaking and smothering their infant. This study aims to investigate the association of ACEs with shaking and smothering among caregivers of infants in Japan. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers participating in a four-month health checkup between September 2013 and August 2014 in Chiba City, Japan, to assess their ACEs (parental death, parental divorce, mentally ill parents, witness of intimate partner violence, physical abuse, neglect, psychological abuse and economic hardship), and shaking and smothering toward their infants ( N = 4297). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the cumulative and individual impacts of ACEs on shaking and smothering. Analyses were conducted in 2015. A total of 28.3% reported having experienced at least one ACE during their childhood. We found that only witness of IPV had a significant association with shaking of infant (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.03–3.61). The total number of ACEs was not associated with either shaking or smothering. Our findings suggest that shaking and smothering in response to crying can occur regardless of ACEs. Population-based strategies that target all caregivers to prevent shaking and smothering of infants are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Post‐partum fatigue is a serious concern for mothers worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify age‐specific determinants of self‐perceived fatigue after childbirth among Japanese primiparous women. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan. The degree of fatigue was assessed using the Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale during the hospital stay after childbirth. Associated factors were stratified into two age groups (<35 or ≥35 years old); data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. Results: In the younger group, significant determinants of post‐partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child‐rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; dissatisfaction with childbirth; shorter sleep and meal times; longer duration between feeding and infant bedtime; unemployment; and having hyperemesis gravidarum. In the older group, significant determinants of post‐partum fatigue included: anticipated difficulties in child‐rearing after discharge; perception of inadequate sleep conditions; shorter meal times; formula feeding; and dissatisfaction with childbirth. Conclusion: Primiparous mothers who anticipated new life with their infants to be difficult and who had an irregular lifestyle tended to report higher levels of fatigue during the post‐partum hospital stay. Nurses and midwives should assess maternal sleep and eating conditions, providing support to ensure adequate maternal rest. Special efforts should be made to reduce anxiety about new life with infants among younger primiparous women who had experienced hyperemesis gravidarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Older maternal age has become more common in Japan. Studies suggest that older maternal age and primiparity are associated with post‐partum depression. The present study aimed to identify predictors of post‐partum depression in older Japanese primiparas at 1 month post‐partum. Methods: Participants were 479 primiparas aged 35 years and over, drawn from a prospective cohort study. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Depression was measured with the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted on binary outcome variables of depression at 1 month post‐partum, along with a stratified analysis based on the risk status of depression. Results: Five predictors were identified: (i) the depression score during hospital stay; (ii) financial burden; (iii) dissatisfaction with appraisal support; (iv) physical burden in daily life; and (v) concerns about infant caretaking. Stratified analysis identified dissatisfaction with instrumental support in the low‐risk group, and the Child‐care Value Scale score as unique predictors in the high‐risk group. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of early assessment of depressive symptoms and the provision of continuous care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The number of older primiparas is increasing in Japan. These women have been shown to be more vulnerable to post‐partum depression. This study aimed to identify factors for predicting post‐partum depressive symptoms during hospitalization after childbirth in Japanese primiparas aged 35 years and over. Methods: The present authors used the data of 479 primiparas aged 35 years and over from a prospective cohort study. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires on the day before hospital discharge. The questionnaire consisted of: demographics and background information; depressive symptoms; fatigue; maternal confidence and maternal satisfaction; child‐care values; physical symptoms; perceptions of daily life during hospitalization; concerns about child care and daily life; and infant feeding. Additionally, vital records data were obtained from the hospitals. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed on the binary outcome variable of depressive symptoms, measured by the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Women who scored 9 or more were considered to be at high risk for post‐partum depression. The authors obtained informed consent from all participants and institutional ethics approvals before initiating the study. Results: The following six variables reliably predicted the risk of post‐partum depression: emergency cesarean section, lower satisfaction with birth experience, higher physical burden in daily life, long‐term complications with the newborn, more concerns about newborn caretaking after discharge, and more concerns about one's own life after discharge. Conclusion: Recognition of women with these factors will help nurses to identify those at risk for developing post‐partum depression and to provide appropriate care during hospitalization after childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Japan Academy of Midwifery is the property of Japan Academy of Midwifery and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a single session intervention designed to reduce emotional distress in first-time mothers. We held a parenting class for first-time mothers who had given birth at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. The program of the class consists of lectures on infant care and group discussion, which is a common form of intervention in Japan. The effectiveness of intervention is assessed according to differences in emotional distress experienced by class participants and nonparticipants, and analyzed by the use of a propensity score method to avoid self-selection bias. In order to be more confident about our results, we employ several variations of this method. Results from statistical analysis show that although the effectiveness of the intervention was limited, it was able to alleviate subjects' loss of self-confidence as mothers. Because this outcome shows a good degree of consistency across methods, it can be considered robust. Moreover, it is roughly consistent with previous studies. Effectiveness can probably be increased by developing a program that improves upon the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current status of replacement therapy for haemophilia and the role played by nurses in Japan were investigated at 16 facilities (17 specialties) each providing care to 20 or more haemophilia A or B patients without inhibitor. The questionnaire was mailed to the nurse or physician in charge of haemophilia at each facility in August 2006, asking the nurse to fill in the questionnaire. Responses were collected on 1318 patients (haemophilia A: 1078 patients; haemophilia B: 240 patients). About 70% of these patients were reported to be severe haemophilia A or B. Overall, 26% were receiving regular prophylaxis while 74% received on-demand therapy with or without temporary prophylaxis before special events. The percentage of patients receiving primary prophylaxis was only 2%. The percentage of adherence to prophylaxis decreased with age (lowest at age 19–29) but this percentage for each age group in Japan was higher than that in the western countries. Of the nurses working at the facilities surveyed, 88% considered prophylaxis as an optimal therapy for severe haemophilia patients, although the percentage of patients receiving prophylaxis for the entire population surveyed was lower than that in the western countries. The main factor precluding introduction of prophylaxis was ‘difficulty in venous access’ for infants and small children. On the other hand, ‘unwillingness of family members’ and ‘poor adherence’ were the main factors precluding introduction of this therapy for those aged over 6 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly aging population in Japan, has given rise to a shortage of caregiver availability. By the year 2025, it is projected that there will be a need for 380,000 caregivers. One of Caregivers' compulsory tasks consists in checking diapers every 2 hours both during the day and at night. It becomes even more burdensome when they must also do this around or after midnight, depriving them of quality sleep. The use of excretion detector devices may provide a solution to this problem. However, there are sanitary limitations to the recovery and reuse of such devices. Additionally, there is obvious discomfort that comes with attaching a large device to a diaper. To address this challenge, the disposability, and ultra-thinness of the device presented in this study are paramount. We developed and evaluated disposable film-based urine detector devices for caregivers use.

Presents the reflections of the World Association for Infant Mental Health Organization. Significant factor in the formation of the Conference; Inclusion of the presentations and workshop; Panel discussion and summing up of the conference themes.

The impact of sources of information about breast-feeding used by Japanese and American primiparous women during pregnancy is examined in relation to subsequent maternal behaviour and success in breast-feeding infants during the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month after birth. Culture differences were found in the sources of information used. Japanese mothers used more sources reflecting a formal, impersonal, group-oriented ‘learning context’, while American mothers used a greater variety of sources, reflecting both an informal, private, personalized approach and a formal approach. Hospital classes taught by nurses were significantly negatively correlated with success in breast-feeding in both cultures (r = −0.78, P < 0·01). Private consultations with health professionals and reading materials (books, magazines, pamphlets) were found to have little or no correlation with success in breast-feeding. The findings indicate that present sources of information on breast-feeding are not achieving the desired result—assisting women in learning to breast-feed their infants successfully. Sources of information need to be re-evaluated in terms of content, tenor, and the culture learning context in which information is being disseminated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To investigate the association between night waking frequency in 3- to 4-month-old infants and mothers' response to them., Design: Cross-sectional survey., Sample: We examined 663 mothers of infants aged 3-5 months who attended regular health checks for 4 months at 7 public health centres in Japan between September 2006 and March 2007., Measurements: Mother-reported questionnaires were used, measuring the frequency of infants' night waking and four types of responses by mothers. Using multiple regression, the association between number of wakings and each response was evaluated adjusting for covariates, that is mother's (e.g. feelings of worry and bed-sharing) and infant's (e.g. age and sex) demographic variables., Results: The number of wakings was related to "immediately feeding and/or checking diapers" (β = 0.16, p = .002).This response to infants' night waking may be associated with night waking frequency., Conclusion: Modifying caregiver responses to infants' night waking by reducing immediate feeding or diaper checks could improve infants' night waking frequency., (© 2020 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The article discusses a research study about neonatal nursing in Japan, with reference to a study by Wakako Eklund published in an issue of the "Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing."

Background: One qualitative study has reported that more paternal infant care and housework contributed to the maintenance of breastfeeding. However, few studies have quantitatively investigated these relationships., Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of paternal involvement in infant care and housework with exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life., Methods: Data from a population-based birth cohort study in Japan, the Longitudinal Survey of Babies in the 21st Century, were analyzed. We extracted information on infants who were singletons, term, normal birth weight, and living with both parents (n = 39 742). The associations between degree of paternal involvement in infant care and housework (high, middle, low) and breastfeeding patterns (exclusive, partial, formula only) were analyzed using ordered logistic regression adjusted for covariates. Maternal anxiety about childrearing was considered as a mediator., Results: Compared with the low level of paternal infant care group, infants in the middle and high level groups were significantly less likely to have been breastfed (adjusted odds ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.97; and 0.73, 95% CI, 0.67-0.79, respectively). In contrast, the amount of housework carried out by fathers was not associated with breastfeeding pattern. Maternal anxiety about childrearing did not attenuate the association between paternal infant care and breastfeeding., Conclusion: Paternal infant care was inversely associated with breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life. An additional intervention study about the importance of breastfeeding that aims to educate fathers who tend to involve themselves in infant care is needed.

Background: A baby hatch called the "Stork's Cradle" has been in place at Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto City, Japan, since May 10, 2007. Babyklappes were first established in Germany in 2000, and there are currently more than 90 locations. Attitudes regarding baby hatches are divided in Japan and neither opinions for nor against baby hatches have thus far been overwhelming. To consider the appropriateness of baby hatches, we present and examine the validity of each major objection to establishing baby hatches., Discussion: There are various objections to baby hatches as follows: It violates a child's right to know the identity of his or her biological parents by allowing anonymous birth; it neglects fulfillment of the biological parents' basic obligation to raise their child and its very availability induces abandonment of infants; some people abuse it for very selfish reasons; it cannot save babies' lives; the rights of one parent can be ignored if the other surrenders a child without his or her consent; it puts a baby in medical jeopardy; and it has no clear legal basis. The authors would argue that there are many plausible refutations for each objection mainly based on priority of child's right to life, pregnant women's vulnerability and necessity of anonymity, social responsibility to protect and raise children, differences between dropping a child off at a baby hatch and child neglect, limited function of social childcare center, inevitability of abuse by a minority of people, necessary distinction between outcomes that occur only because baby hatches exist and those that occur regardless of their existence, important local direct and upmost measures for women in trouble, and difference between ambiguous legality and illegality., Summary: We argue that a certain number of baby hatches should continue to be established as a last resort, in a form that can maintain anonymity if the parent dropping the child off so desires. It should be supported if it is initiated with good intentions; if the maximum possible effort is made at said facility to protect the interests, rights, and safety of the child; and if no clear evidence of harm exists.

We retrospectively investigated the incidence, neuroimaging findings, and motor and intellectual disability of infants with cerebral palsy (CP) who were born between 1983 and 1997. The incidence of CP was found to have increased gradually and the major cause was periventricular leukomalacia. The prognosis of preterm infants was better than that of term infants. These findings suggest that the increase in the incidence of CP has been due mainly to changes in medical care for neonates.

Japan's infant mortality rate in 1991 was four per 1,000, the lowest in the world. Contributing factors are the universal use of the Boshi Kenko Techo (maternal-child health handbook) and universal access to care. Most births occur to women aged 25-29 years and there are few unmarried mothers. Ninety-nine and seven-tenths percent of births are attended by qualified professionals either in hospitals or private clinics, with an average stay of one week postpartum. Abortion is available when contraceptives fail. There are government subsidies for medical, obstetric, and pediatric complications. Japanese citizens are highly literate and seek out medical advice, and their society is organized to support children. Efficient systems of community support, public health education, and excellent medical care encompass events from conception to school age.

Seeing the changes in breast-feeding and the sources of advice on that knowledge, I make reference to the necessity of breast-feeding education and point out the problems that we must take into account, in the case of carrying forward breast-feeding education.