Chugoku-Shikoku's First Hotel-Stay Postpartum Care Plan Launched by Okayama International Hotel and CALINE

Okayama International Hotel (Location: Naka-ku, Okayama City / General Manager: Azuma Toyota) will launch a hotel-stay postpartum care plan, the first of its kind in the Chugoku-Shikoku region, starting June 1, 2026. Pre-orders will be accepted starting May 20.

Postpartum care that cherishes both the baby and the mother

Childbirth is an irreplaceable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a precious time to welcome a new life and expand the family. To support child-rearing, which many people navigate with anxiety, the "Postpartum Care Accommodation Plan" will be launched at Okayama International Hotel in June 2026 with the cooperation of CALINE, operated by staff with experience as nurses and midwives in the Tokyo metropolitan area. During the service period, experienced midwives and nurses will be stationed to provide a comprehensive support system. In addition to answering consultations on unfamiliar postpartum care and child-rearing, the service offers a special time with perfect support, such as healing the mind and body with free time while leaving the child in their care. The rooms are the Premium Sky Rooms on the top floor of the hotel accommodation area, featuring not only a great view but also full support, such as dedicated staff caring for the child in a separate room during the 2-day, 1-night stay.

Circumstances surrounding postpartum care

While Japan is experiencing a declining birthrate and a continuing decrease in the number of births, the environment surrounding postpartum mothers is changing significantly. The average age at the time of the first childbirth has exceeded 30, and the age of the grandparent generation has risen accordingly. With the extension of retirement age, the generalization of dual-income households, and problems with nursing care due to old age, the traditional premise that "returning to one's parents' home will provide support" is said to be changing. Even if they actually return to their parents' home for childbirth, parents are away during the day, and they cannot rely on them for nighttime breastfeeding, resulting in many cases where they are "raising children almost entirely alone." In Okayama, the rate of cohabitation with parents of child-rearing generations is 14%, living nearby is 70%, and households that are neither cohabiting nor living nearby are 16% (2024 Okayama Prefecture "Prefectural Awareness Survey on Marriage, Childbirth, and Child-rearing"). Although the rates of cohabitation and living nearby are higher than in the Tokyo metropolitan area and large cities, it is thought that the mental and physical burden on mothers is increasing due to changes in environment and awareness.

Services and products related to postpartum care are growing rapidly against the backdrop of nuclear families and women's advancement in society, and it is predicted that the market related to "postpartum recovery," including food, clothing, and shelter, will expand 2.5 times its current size by 2035. While the market expands due to the expansion of support by the government and local municipalities (making it an obligation to make an effort), the shortage of specialized personnel (such as midwives) and the diversification of services due to private entry are becoming major trends.

Rika Hamada, representative of CALINE, which provides postpartum care services in this plan, is a midwife from Okayama. After working at a general hospital in Okayama, she gained experience in both urban and regional fields, including working at obstetrics and gynecology hospitals in Tokyo, regional midwifery clinics, and maternal and child health projects for the government. While involved in regional support and administrative services that stay close to life after discharge, in addition to perinatal care at medical institutions, she realized the "gap in care between medical care and administration." While postpartum care services at specialized facilities, day services, hotels, and inns are increasing in the Tokyo metropolitan area and large cities, seeing that support is not sufficiently reaching regional areas, she decided to create this hotel-stay "Postpartum Care Accommodation Plan," the first in the Chugoku-Shikoku region.

A special time spent with high-quality hotel facilities and gourmet food

The location for postpartum care is the Okayama International Hotel. Utilizing its location on the hill of Higashiyama away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is known as a place where you can enjoy the extraordinary. On the day of use, upon arrival, dedicated staff will explain the flow of the stay while you enjoy a welcome dessert in the cafe lounge. Then, you will move to the Premium Sky Room with its spectacular view, receive counseling, and experience your desired care and childcare guidance. After that, nursery staff will take care of your child, and you can spend a relaxing time as medical staff are stationed at night.

■ Hotel-made gourmet food

For dinner, you will be served a Japanese set meal at "Shunsai Sosotei," where you can taste seasonal dishes while viewing the garden that changes color with the seasons from a relaxed interior. The meal includes small bowls, tataki, Okayama peach pork tsuyu shabu, fried food, rice, and miso soup. The next day's breakfast will be served buffet style at the sunlit "Restaurant & Cafe The Garden Terrace," featuring dishes themed around "high quality," "freshly made," and "local production."

Premium Sky Twin Shunsai Sosotei (Dinner image) The Garden Terrace (Breakfast image)

■ Extensive accommodation facilities and items

As an exclusive facility for guests, it is fully equipped with a spectacular open-air bath overlooking Okayama city. Guests can enjoy their stay enveloped in the evening twilight, night view, and morning sun.