PURPOSE:
This practice report explores how community-based postpartum visits can empower mothers to engage in parenting in ways that reflect their individual values and preferences. In particular, it focuses on how verbalizing emotional experiences during early postpartum may support maternal well-being and identity.

DISCUSSION:
In Japan, the "Hello Baby" home visit program was implemented nationwide to prevent child abuse and suicide among mothers within the first year postpartum. The program targets all postpartum women and is conducted in collaboration with local governments. I work as a commissioned midwife in a city near Tokyo with a population of approximately 500,000 and about 3,000 births annually (2024). I visit around 30 families per month under this program. During visits, I often encounter mothers who appear to be enjoying childrearing in their own way. Some mothers explicitly state, "It’s hard, but I love my baby," or "I feel fulfilled." In each visit, I use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as a tool to guide conversations. By referring to the EPDS scores—whether they are improving, stable, or worsening—I invite mothers to talk about themselves and their relationships with partners, parents, and other significant people in their lives. Through this process, mothers are encouraged to articulate their feelings, recognize their own emotional states, and understand what supports or challenges their current parenting experiences.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Although this is a practice-based report, observational patterns suggest that verbal expression during visits fosters self-awareness and enhances mothers’ emotional resilience. EPDS serves not only as a screening tool but also as a conversation starter that leads to individualized support.

KEY MESSAGE:
Empowering mothers begins with listening. Home visits that encourage mothers to verbalize their thoughts can validate diverse parenting approaches and foster emotional self-awareness. Poster session 2 (Group A)