Addressing the Risk of Midwife Turnover: Opening Opportunities to Learn Mental Care for Supporters Themselves

In Japan, where suicide is the leading cause of maternal death, the mental burden on midwives—who stand on the front lines—has become a critical issue. However, there have been few opportunities to systematically learn about self-care for supporters themselves. With Midwife Inc. (Headquarters: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Mizuki Kishihata; hereinafter "With Midwife") is addressing this challenge by opening up opportunities to learn mental care for supporters as part of its reskilling program for midwives, "License says."

Background While midwifery is a noble profession dedicated to witnessing the birth of life, it is also constantly accompanied by significant mental strain. Currently, about 90% of midwives in Japan work in perinatal medical settings such as hospitals. There, they deal daily with delicate and heavy issues, including situations involving death alongside birth, as well as cases involving sexual violence or high social risks. Furthermore, during pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing, many women experience mental health challenges due to hormonal imbalances and changes in their living environments, and midwives stand at the forefront of this care. In particular, postpartum depression remains a major social issue. Despite Japan's high level of perinatal medical technology, suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death, and there is a growing need for support for paternal postpartum mental health as well. Under these circumstances, midwives themselves often carry heavy stress and fatigue, which frequently leads to mental health issues and turnover. Additionally, because the profession requires "being there" for others, there is a structural challenge where midwives unconsciously internalize emotions, leading to burnout. ■ Features of the Seminar Based on this background, "Mental Care for Supporters 2026" will systematically teach the knowledge necessary for midwives to work healthily for a long time, including: ・How supporters specifically experience mental fatigue ・Perspectives for protecting the mental health of supporters themselves ・Self-care and engagement methods that can be practiced in the field This seminar has been held annually and has received significant feedback, such as "It was an opportunity to reflect on myself" and "It changed how I engage with others from the next day." We have decided to hold it again in 2026. April is a time when many begin their careers as midwives or face changes in their environments. We believe that having a "perspective of self-protection" at such a time can significantly influence the rest of one's career as a midwife. ■ Instructor Comments