Fukushima Midwives Association Mother and Child Support Project
: Soma Midwifery Clinic (Soma city, Fukushima Pref.)
There were many mothers who have not yet had the opportunities to go out much since the disaster. Hence from September last year, in response to the requests from the local mothers such as " would love to make mum friends and to get some fresh air in our lives!" we started to hold workshops two to three times a month to do some activities together such as parent and child exercise, exercises aimed for mothers, and baby massages.
We also incorporate small seminars on common illnesses that babies and children tend to get, as well as to be prepared for an unexpected events that you so often face as a parent (!). Also, we run practical first aid and its practice session in our workshop so we never have enough time!
It is only through "word of mouth" that our workshops get promoted but we have more people attending at every workshop, which means more smiles we get to see too. This has helped to form a stronger sense of community among the mothers and some mothers even got together to form a community circle called " HaPPy MaMa" in order to share happy parenting time together. We also have requests from mothers who would like to continue to be part of our workshops and continue the exercises even their babies have got too old for it. Hence we are thinking to make a group and exercises for parents with "Crawlers and Toddlers".
We have been able to continue because of all the support and the aid that we have been receiving, which we are really grateful of. We will continue to work together in order for the mothers living in the Soma city will be able to bring up their children with enjoyment and sense of security so please do continue to show your support on our work.
Midwife, Keiko Miyahara
Activity report
15.03.2013 Midwife Miyahara at Soma Birth Center has been reported in Sankei Shinbun (Newspaper).
"Parenting in Fukushima" decisions for the future…
Obstetrics in Fukushima pref. is in a critical condition. Even before the disaster, the ratio of the population to doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology has been the second worst in the country. After the disaster, the number of the doctors has dropped to critical levels due to some doctors leaving the area due to family issues. Within Soma city, there is only one clinic left where a birth can be taken. A doctor told us "In an emergency situation, there are no hospitals near by to take care of. You need to go to Iwaki city or Koriyama city" It takes at least one hour to Fukushima city from here by car.
Even so, there is no option of leaving here. " (We) have lost precious things in the disaster, so (we) want to make sure that the rest of the time is spent with the family together"
Where you live does not influence the feelings of love and care in parenting. "These children are the future of Fukushima" (Dr. Miyahara)
09.02.2013 Red Oni* Amulet at Soma Josanin, Soma city Fukushima pref.
(* Oni is a God/demon/spirit figure, which can be good or bad. Oni is part of the seasonal ceremony called Setsubun in February where people throw soya beans to invite good/happiness and shake off bad/misfortune from homes and people)
This photo on the right is the "Red Oni Amulet" made of origami by midwife Miyahara in Soma city, Fukushima pref. We distributed this amulet in the Setsubun festival in the workshops and it is to be displayed at the entrance.
