The country is seeing an increase in the number of nonmedical professionals known as doulas, who provide emotional and physical support to women before, during or after childbirth, amid a rise in nuclear families and mothers coping with solo parenting.
The tasks performed by a doula — modern Greek for female helper — range from offering advice and comfort to taking care of household chores. About 180 doulas are active in 26 of the 47 prefectures, according to an association of such women.
"Family lifestyles have become more diverse and so have the concerns of family members," said Kimiko Nishi, a 53-year-old doula and former child care worker.