[Event Report] Midwife and Experienced Dads Take the Stage! VitalNet Holds "First Time Parenting and Childcare Leave Preparation Seminar" at Yuyama Mfg.
VitalNet, Inc. held a "First Time Parenting and Childcare Leave Preparation Seminar" for employees of Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. on March 13, 2026. The seminar featured talks by a midwife and members of the online community "Papaiku Commu" to discuss the realities of parenting and encourage teamwork between partners.
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On March 13, 2026, a "First Time Parenting and Childcare Leave Preparation Seminar by a Midwife and Experienced Dads" was held for employees of Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. (https://www.yuyama.co.jp/), a medical equipment manufacturer in Osaka Prefecture.
In this seminar, in addition to the expert knowledge of Eriko Yanone, a GuuMin advisor and midwife, three management members who have experienced male childcare leave from the online community "Papaiku Commu," which focuses its activities on fathers' participation in childcare, took the stage. They gave a lecture on women's physical and mental changes from pregnancy to postpartum, partners' feelings learned from the realistic experience of taking male childcare leave, and the support that can be provided as a partner.
On the day of the event, the seminar was held in a hybrid format at the headquarters of Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. and online. A total of 26 people from a wide range of backgrounds participated, including young employees who will soon experience life events, pregnant pre-moms and pre-dads, employees currently raising children, and human resources personnel. It was an opportunity to think about how to face the upcoming childcare and how partners can support each other.
Seminar Details
Date & Time: Friday, March 13, 2026, 17:30-
Target: Employees of Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. (Pre-moms, pre-dads, and those who have just started parenting)
Location: Hybrid event at Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. headquarters and online
Participants: 16 in-person, 10 online
Speakers: Midwife and GuuMin Advisor Eriko Yanone / GuuMin Senior Consultant Mizuho Tadano / Papaiku Commu Management Members Nittan, Blow, and Izumi
Seminar Content
From the dual perspectives of the expert knowledge of a midwife and the real-life experiences of the management members of "Papaiku Commu," which focuses on fathers' participation in childcare, the realistic picture of parenting from pregnancy to the postpartum period was conveyed. The program was structured not merely to provide knowledge, but with an emphasis on changing the mindset regarding "how couples view parenting."
In the first half, under themes such as "Recommendations for Two-Person Parenting" and "Enjoy the Pre- and Postpartum Periods in Your Own Way," explanations were given on the physical and mental changes women experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the ways partners are expected to be involved. Following this, in the experience-sharing session by the Papaiku Commu management members, realistic experiences that can only be told from firsthand experience were shared from the perspective of those who actually took male childcare leave, such as conflicts during the leave, misunderstandings with partners, and involvements that made them feel "glad I did it."
Furthermore, in the second half, a participatory mini-workshop was held. Through today's seminar, under the theme of "I want to try it from today! One action to make childcare a two-person job," participants considered and shared actions they themselves want to put into practice going forward. This made the event a place for participants to not just understand childcare as knowledge, but to gain an opportunity to view childcare as a "personal matter."
Voices from Participants
In the post-seminar survey, we received the following feedback. (Excerpt)
● The most memorable part of attending this seminar was the idea that childcare is not something you "help" with, but something you proactively engage in as a matter for both partners. I realized that somewhere along the line, I had the mindset that the mother is the center of childcare and I am in a supporting role. I felt that thinking of housework and childcare as a matter for both of us and valuing the small daily accumulations will lead to a relationship of trust. My mindset towards childcare has changed through this seminar. I want to make sure this learning is not transient, but put it into practice in my actual life. (Dad raising a child)
● I am thinking about getting married and raising children in the future, so it was very educational. I want to treat childcare as a "two-person job" and work hard at it. Also, because I think there will be times when it becomes exhausting with just the two of us, I want to create a system where we can ask for cooperation from the people around us at such times. (Unmarried participant)
● Many of the experiences shared were relatable, and I deeply realized once again that if we just brush them off as "common occurrences" and do not improve them, it will lead to physical and mental unwellness for both of us and affect our work. Also, Dr. Yanone's gentle tone of voice and way of speaking were very pleasant, and served as a great reference for an attitude of being close to the other person. Since there are many opportunities for employee interviews, I would like to apply this learning to future responses. (Human Resources representative)
Feedback from Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
By listening to stories based on the actual experiences of an expert and those who have taken male childcare leave, our employees were able to deeply understand the changes from pregnancy to the postpartum period, and how to be involved as a partner. In an era where "dual-income, dual-parenting" is the norm, it was a valuable opportunity to think about balancing this with work and the support we can provide as a company.
Instructor Profiles
GuuMin Advisor and Midwife Eriko Yanone
As the director of the "feel Maternity Clinic" in Sapporo, she mainly provides day-service and visit-type postpartum care. She also handles consultations on baby development, sleep troubles, and the prevention of postpartum depression.
In the child-rearing support organization she runs, she started by creating a place for parents and children to gather, and is expanding the business to adapt to changing times. She is in charge of planning, managing, and acting as an instructor for pre- and postpartum seminars, parent-child events, and training for supporters in collaboration with Hokkaido and corporations.
Papaiku Commu
Under the slogan "A papa community where papas can quickly gather," it is the largest online community in Japan for dads to explore their own style of parenting and life, and to meet diverse role models.
In response to the question with no right answer of "how to live," which Reiwa-era dads face, it provides a place where they don't have to hold it all in alone, but can "quickly" connect and talk with over 1,200 dads from diverse backgrounds to learn about each other's "styles" and cultivate emotional breathing room and family smiles. Going beyond sharing parenting skills, it aims to realize a society where fathers can proactively enjoy life through multifaceted support tailored to life stages, such as career, partnership, and self-realization.
Sleep Consultation Room for Babies and Families GuuMin
GuuMin, operated by VitalNet, Inc., mainly provides three services.
●<For Corporations>
Employee benefit services
●<For Local Governments>
Holding courses for childcare supporters and sleep consultation sessions for citizens
●<For Families Raising Children>
Consulting services to support the improvement of sleep troubles
VitalNet, Inc. is a group company of VITAL KSK HOLDINGS, INC., and contributes to the development of regional medicine as a core company responsible for the pharmaceutical wholesale business under the holdings.
For more information about VitalNet, Inc., please visit the website below.
[Inquiries regarding this matter]
VitalNet, Inc. Business Development Department
Email: guumin@vitalnet.co.jp
GuuMin Official Website: https://guu-min.com/