Preparing to Welcome the Baby as a Family

For Future Fathers, Grandfathers, and Grandmothers

For Future Fathers

You may feel happy, but also a bit worried. Raising a child can be hard, but it also brings a lot of joy. Prepare well, feel more relaxed, and enjoy parenting in your own way!

Mindset

1. First Time Parenting for Both Mom and Dad!

It is normal to feel worried.When you are unsure, work with your partner to find answers. Preparing together before the baby is born will make your bond stronger and parenting happier.

2. Communication between partners is important.

Even if Mom and Dad think differently, it is important to understand each other’s situation and be considerate. Even couples who get along well may have different ideas about parenting. From the time when Mom feels more comfortable, make regular time for conversations together.

Preparation and Support During Pregnancy

Period	Changes in Mom	Preparation / Support
Early Stage (4–15 weeks)	Nausea, mild fever, irritability, nervousness, tiredness, and feeling easily depressed.	・Make time for regular talks with your partner ・If you want to change your work style, consult your workplace ・Be careful about smells from cooking, fabric softener, or hair products ・Stop smoking ・Carry heavy things
Middle Stage (16–27 weeks)	Shortness of breath, dizziness, back pain, increased appetite, changes in taste or smell, skin darkening or itching, and stretch marks.	・Accompany Mom to regular checkups / discuss parental leave ・Join a maternity class ・Go shopping for baby items
Late Stage & Birth (28–39 weeks)	Stomach discomfort, heartburn, palpitations, shortness of breath, back pain, frequent urination, nervousness, insomnia, and the need for support in daily activities such as changing clothes.	・Talk in advance about the day of birth (hospital contact, what to bring, transportation, etc.) ・Avoid drinking alcohol (labor may start from around week 36) ・Arrange your work so you can go quickly when needed

Parenting Begins After Birth

●Support Mom’s Recovery

Anemia, uterine contractions, muscle and joint pain, and hormonal changes can cause strong stress on both the body and mind.Fatigue and lack of sleep may also lead to mental instability.
Support from others is needed so that enough rest can be taken.

●Don’t push yourself too hard!

Not only moms but also dads can get sick if they push themselves too hard.
Before both parents become too tired, think about asking for support from family or using services. If things feel difficult, please talk with the Child Future Center (there are public health nurses at the local Health Center).

For Future Grandfathers, and Grandmothers

It is important for a child’s growth that many people, including grandparents, take part in child-rearing. Some people may have work, some may worry about their health or strength, but there are many ways to give support. Why not enjoy helping to raise your grandchild, while also supporting parents who may feel full of worries?

Mindset

1 Changing Common Sense in Parenting

With the progress of medicine and research on child-rearing, and with changes in the environment, the common ideas about parenting have greatly changed.
It is good to check the latest information at medical institutions or health centers.

2 Respect each other!

Parenting is mainly the role of Mom and Dad.
It is important to respect how they want to raise their child and to support them in that way.
At the same time, those who give support should not push themselves too much, but take care of their own health and life.
By keeping this balance, everyone can stay happy.

The New Normal in Parenting

self-weaning	When the baby stops breastfeeding on their own, is now more common than weaning decided by parents.
Cavity	Do not share chopsticks or spoons that adults have used, because cavity-causing bacteria can spread through adult saliva.
Hold	Holding your baby does not cause bad habits. It is emotional nourishment.
Child car seat	The law now requires child safety seats for children under 6.

Reference:Papa’s Childcare Start Book (Tokyo Metropolitan Government),Ibaraki Guide for Supporting Grandparents in Childcare (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Papa’s Childcare Start Book (Tokyo Metropolitan Government)

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