There are many moments before, during, and after giving birth, when you feel anxious or confused. There are endless worries, not only about the baby, but also about your own health, balancing work with housework and childcare, and more.
Fukuoka City offers a variety of support services to help those raising children.
1. "Prenatal and postnatal helper dispatch" to support housework and childcare
We dispatch helpers to assist with housework and childcare during pregnancy, after childbirth, and other periods when your health is unstable.
This program is for anyone who feels anxious or burdened by child-rearing. Support for going out is also available for families with multiple children!
Each session is limited to two consecutive hours, and in addition to the usage fee, you will be required to pay the actual transportation costs required to dispatch a helper (up to 500 yen).
Prenatal and postnatal helper dispatch
2. Postpartum care to care for the mother's body and mind
During the most difficult period after giving birth, mothers raising babies under one year old will be cared for by professionals at home or in a facility.
The program includes advice from midwives on breastfeeding and bathing, childcare consultations, health management for mothers, etc. You can choose from overnight stays, day trips, or home visits, and use the service with your baby.
Meals are included in both overnight and day trip packages, so you can spend some relaxing time with your baby without having to worry about housework.
3. Babysitting service: a reliable ally in emergencies and when returning to work
Fukuoka City subsidizes part of the cost of dispatching babysitters.
Parents may also be eligible for subsidies if they are unable to look after their infants until they are enrolled in nursery school due to reasons such as medical visits, relaxation, or special occasions, or if they are returning to work immediately after maternity leave.
4. Get childcare products delivered to your home! "Diaper and Peace of Mind Regular Delivery"
We deliver diapers and other childcare items to families raising children between the ages of 0 and 3 years old.
When you use childcare support facilities and services such as children's plazas and daycare centers, you can receive electronic stamps, which you can exchange for childcare products on a dedicated website, and the products will be delivered to your home.
Childcare support facilities also provide consultation and information on childcare.
Diapers and peace of mind subscription service
5. Public health nurses and midwives visit all households with infants (newborn home visit program)
A public health nurse or midwife will visit your home to check on the health of the baby and mother and provide advice on childcare. This service is available to all families with babies around three months old.
This is a valuable opportunity to talk about any worries or anxieties you may have in the comfort of your own home.
To use this service, simply submit the birth notification form attached to your maternal and child health handbook. It is free of charge, so please feel free to use it.
Home visits to all households with infants (newborn visits)
6. Local health checks: "Mother and child health consultations"
We travel around the community to provide health consultations for pregnant women, infants, and their families.
Professionals such as public health nurses, midwives, nutritionists, dental hygienists, and childcare workers are available to provide advice on a wide range of topics, including development, nutrition, and dental care.
The events are held at school district community centers and meeting halls, places where anyone can easily drop in.
Mother and Child Health Consultation Service
7. Don't worry alone: "LINE Advice for Parents and Children"
When you feel like you want someone to listen to you but don't feel like talking on the phone, LINE Consultation is a convenient option.
You can stay anonymous and talk about anything. Childcare support professionals will respond and introduce you to support organizations if necessary.
We are open every day except for the New Year holidays. We will be there to listen to your concerns.
LINE consultation for parents and children
8. Supporting first-time parents with "Parenting Classes in Each Ward"
Each ward's health and welfare center holds monthly parenting classes where you can get advice on baby development and child-rearing.
Not only can parents learn basic child-rearing knowledge, but it also serves as a place for parents who are raising children at the same time to interact with each other.
| Higashi Ward | Parenting Beginners Class |
|---|---|
| Hakata Ward | New Baby Parenting Class |
| Chuo | Peace of mind child-rearing support seminar |
| South ward | Parent-child seminar for new mothers |
| Jonan Ward | First Smile Parenting Class |
| Sawara Ward | Childrearing Safety Class |
| Nishi-ward | Parenting Class "Hoyahoya" |
9. "Children's Plaza" where parents and children can play freely
The Children's Plaza is a permanent play area where infants and their parents can drop in casually.
There are toys and picture books available, so parents and children can spend time together freely. It also serves as a place for parents to interact with each other, and is open to pregnant women.
You can easily consult with staff who have experience in child-rearing support activities and child-rearing about any concerns you may have, and there are also mini-lectures on child-rearing and specialist consultation sessions on education and childcare services.
Some facilities have child-rearing support concierges on staff who provide information and advice tailored to the needs of each family regarding worries and problems that arise during the child-rearing period.
10. "Childcare Exchange Salon" - a place for casual interaction in the community
This is a place where infants and young children and their parents can spend time freely under the watchful eye of child-rearing supporters, such as at a community center.
There are no set programs, and you can drop in any time during opening hours and play and interact freely (opening hours vary depending on the salon).
Summary
While there are many joys to pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing, there are also many challenges.
In addition to the services introduced here, there are many other child-rearing support services available, so please feel free to use them.
*The content of this article is current as of December 2025.