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Learning Objective 1: The learner will gain an understanding about the challenges facing expectant Brazilian women in Japan.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will gain an understanding about a Japanese program to support expectant Brazilian women in Japan.
Methods: Nine events for expectant Brazilian women in ‘A’ Prefecture were held April-August 2010. Activities included explanations using Portuguese texts, in accordance with participants’ wishes. Analysis was carried out using a qualitative, inductive method, with consent obtained from the Shiga University of Medical Science Ethics Committee.
Results: The actual number of participants consisted of 8 expectant women (3 primiparous and 5 parous), 1 parturient woman (1 primiparous), 8 spouses and 8 children; the total number comprised of 14 expectant women, 13 spouses and 11 children. Analysis and categorization was carried out based on field notes taken during the events. Prior to participation, comments included they “would attend physical examinations and events with their spouse/children,” “could not envisage a networking event so were unenthusiastic” and “would manage somehow.” During participation, they “thought it good to learn something prior to childbirth” and “wanted to know about pregnancy, childcare and the system.” After participation, they “wanted to hurry home after the physical examination due to family plans,”and “might ask for advice postpartum.”
Conclusion: Before the events, participants appeared reluctant to attend, but upon participation, they gained information and recognized the value of preparing for childbirth. Some expressed the wish for postpartum advice, and their preparedness for giving birth in Japan increased. However, only two sets of participants attended more than once; therefore prompting interaction to the point of a functional self-help group did not occur. This may be attributable to demanding schedules as foreign laborers, or to social values that it was important to spend days off as a family. The results show the need to consider further useful care.