NPO Himawari no Kai Donates 'Breast Pumping Allowed' Stickers to Tokyo to Build a Society Where Mothers Can Go Out Safely

NPO Himawari no Kai (Chair: Seiko Noda, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) met with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to donate 2,000 'Breast Pumping Allowed' stickers. The meeting was attended by Chair Seiko Noda, Representative Director Toshitoshi Oku, President Isamu Ishiwatari of the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and President Ryuichi Ito of the Japan Pediatric Association, who exchanged opinions on building a society where pregnant and nursing mothers can go out with peace of mind.

The donated stickers are scheduled to be displayed sequentially at 'Akachan Flatto,' which are nursing facilities that meet standards set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

[Background of the Initiative]

Breast milk expression is necessary not only for delivering breast milk to babies in the hospital but also for nursing mothers in their daily lives.

However, there is currently a lack of social understanding regarding breast expression. Many mothers report that it is difficult to enter nursing facilities without their babies, or that they feel uncomfortable entering alone.

As a result, some are forced to express milk in inappropriate places such as toilets or cars.

To address this, Himawari no Kai created the 'Breast Pumping Allowed' sticker to clearly indicate that nursing facilities are also available for expression.

[Campaign Spreading Nationwide]

This campaign, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has been deployed to highway service areas, roadside stations, major airport buildings, JR East, and JR West, with displays now in approximately 2,000 facilities nationwide.

In addition to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagawa prefectures are implementing the displays. Following Tokyo's recent mandate for businesses to make it clear that expression is permitted at 'Akachan Flatto' facilities, the NPO has made this additional donation.

[Building a Society Where Mothers Can Go Out Safely]

Himawari no Kai positions this as a continuous and evolving 'Initiative to Build a Society Where Mothers Can Go Out Safely' and will continue to expand its efforts.

At the meeting, leaders from the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Japan Pediatric Association expressed their support, further strengthening cooperation in maternal and child health and discussing the promotion of support for pregnant women.

Related App: 'Maternity Passport'

Operated by the NPO in collaboration with the Japan Midwives Association, the free 'Maternity Passport' app provides continuous support for mothers and fathers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.

In addition to recording and managing health information, it provides information and support to ensure peace of mind through connections with professionals, including midwives.

As a platform connecting medical and professional services with families, they continue to evolve maternal support to be more accessible and compassionate through digital technology.