Next TPG Meeting - 07/09

Speaker: Alice Boer Time & date: Thursday, 9th of July 2026 at 11AM Topic: Emotional wellbeing during pregnancy abroad Info: Hi, I’m Alice, a certified coach and accredited positive psychology practitioner. I went through pregnancy myself and gave birth in Japan a year ago. In this group coaching session, we will explore how becoming a parent abroad can shape our identity, emotions, and sense of belonging, and discover practical ways to stay grounded throughout this transition. Location: Google Meet (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 06/25

Speaker: Stephanie Kawai, TPG & TMG director, and doula (of over 650 births now) Time & date: Thursday, 25th of June 2026 at 12:00 - 12:30. Topic: Positive Birth Affirmations brainstorming Info: Positive birth affirmations can boost your confidence during labour, preventing negativity, worry, fear, and tension so you can feel more grounded and empowered. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 06/11

Speaker: Ash Schanback Ishii, CCP, CPP (they/them) Time & date: Thursday, 11th of June 2026 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Perinatal Anxiety is Normal! ~Coping Skills & Support~ Info: Ash is a Psychotherapist at TELL Counseling who supports many clients with anxiety, including women & pregnant folks before, during, and after they give birth. The goal of this hour will be to welcome anyone feeling nervous or worried & connect with others while sharing skills and resources. Location: Google Meets (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 05/28

Speaker: Angharad Mortiboy - Prenatal/Postpartum Nutrition & Wellness Coach Time & date: Thursday, 28th of May 2026 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: First Year of Motherhood, how to nourish yourself inside out. Info: As a UK nutritionist with over two decades of experience, a pre/postnatal yoga teacher, and a mom to a 3-year-old, I’ve lived the highs and lows of the first year of motherhood. My mission is to help new and expectant moms navigate this massive transition with support and confidence. Together, we will dive into postpartum gut health and gentle movement to help you heal from the inside out. I'm here to break down the science into simple, stress-free steps. No more second-guessing, let me be your Google search today. Bring your questions, and let's talk in a safe, no judgement space. Location: Google Meets (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 05/14

Speaker: Dani from Urban Heroes Tokyo Time & date: Thursday, 14th of May 2026 at 10:00am Topic: Prenatal Wellness Picnic Info: Hi mothers of Tokyo, I’m Dani, coach at Urban Heroes Tokyo, an international outdoor fitness community, located in the heart of Tokyo. Originally coming from Germany, we moved to Japan with my husband and my two girls. As a passionate fitness coach, I want to inspire women to exercise when pregnant and help the post-natal women in their recovery. We would like to organise a picnic at the Tokyo Midtown Park, in which we will share theoretical information on pregnancy and sport, and also demonstrate some light exercises that you can do (at home or directly at the picnic). We will provide some smoothies and picnic blankets for a casual atmosphere. Location: Tokyo Midtown Park (more information will be sent out before the meeting to those who reserve their spot by Wednesday at 3PM)

Next TPG Meeting - 04/16

Speaker: Brett Iimura Time & date: Thursday, 16th of April 2026 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: birth intervention rates in Japan Info: Brett Iimura, the director of Childbirth Education Center (CEC), has taught continuously in Japan since 1996, including having expanded to online classes 15 years ago, long before Covid! Having taught over 2000 couples from more than 75 countries to date, she has collected data on women's experiences of birth in Japan, including the fact that women in her classes have had approximately half the rate of episiotomy as is typically seen in Japan. We will briefly discuss rates of interventions in Japan and strategies for navigating the system to find the support needed for the kind of birth you are looking for. We will then have an open discussion time for any and all questions birth related! Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 04/02

Speaker: Jocelyn Yew Time & date: Thursday, 19th of March 2026 at 11AM Topic: Belly, Baby and Beyond Workshop Info: Hey Mamas! Whether you’re expecting or have a little one in your arms, you’re invited to a complimentary one-hour workshop designed just for you! Join us to: ✨Learn how we can support you through pregnancy, birth & recovery ✨Enjoy a gentle 20-minute mat-based Pilates session ✨ Meet other expecting mamas! Bring along any questions you have about pelvic floor physiotherapy and a pilates/yoga mat if you have one! Location: Zoom

Next TPG Meeting - 03/19

Speaker: Alice Boer Time & date: Thursday, 19th of March 2026 at 11AM Topic: Becoming a parent abroad - finding strength and calm in transition Info: Hi, I’m Alice, a certified coach and accredited positive psychology practitioner. I went through pregnancy myself and gave birth in Japan a year ago. In this group coaching session, we will explore what it means to become a parent in a different culture and how to navigate this major life transition. We will focus on: ⭐ Reflect on your cultural roots and the traditions ⭐ Discover the personal strengths to help during transition ⭐ Learn simple ways to find calm when things feel overwhelming Looking forward to meeting you! If you have questions in advance, please let me know. PM or email to flourish.across.cultures@gmail.com Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 03/05

Speaker: Ludovica Molinari Momoi. Ludovica has been a Montessori educator for over 15 years and is the Early Childhood Coordinator at the Montessori School of Tokyo. She has been living in Japan for 11 years and has two children. Time & date: Thursday, 5th of March 2026 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Setting Up the Home Info: Discover how to prepare your home - and yourself - for your baby’s arrival. Grounded in authentic Montessori principles, this session explores how a thoughtfully prepared environment and calm, consistent routines support your newborn’s development and nurture peaceful beginnings for the whole family. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 02/19

Speaker: Angharad Mortiboy Time & date: Thursday, 19th February at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Nutrition For Each Trimester of Pregnancy Info: Each trimester of pregnancy comes with different nutritional needs, challenges, and changes. During this talk, we’ll explore essential nutrients, gut microbiome support and blood sugar regulation for each stage of pregnancy including the 4th trimester, to help you feel more nourished, energised, and supported - without overwhelm. Google Meet link: We'll share it on Wednesday evening. Please RSVP, so we can share it with you.

Next TPG Meeting - 02/05

Speaker: Ash Schanback Ishii, CCP, CPP (they/them) Time & date: Thursday, 5th of February 2026 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Perinatal Anxiety is Normal! ~Coping Skills & Support~ Info: Have you been feeling anxious during your pregnancy? Maybe even extra anxious? More worried than usual? Quite nervous? If so, (1) you are not alone, and (2) this talk is for you! Ash is a Psychotherapist at TELL Counseling who supports many clients with anxiety, including women & pregnant folks before, during, and after they give birth. The goal of this hour will be to welcome anyone feeling nervous or worried and connect with others while sharing skills and resources. Location: Google Meet

Next TPG Meeting - 12/11

Speaker: Alice Boer Time & date: Thursday, 11th of December 2025 at 11AM Topic: Flourish during pregnancy abroad: cultural identity and emotional wellbeing Info: Hi, I’m Alice, a certified coach and accredited positive psychology practitioner. I went through pregnancy myself and gave birth in Japan not too long ago. In our group coaching session, we will explore what it means to us to be pregnant in a different culture and how we can navigate this major life transition with more clarity and emotional grounding. We will focus on: ⭐ Connecting with your cultural identity ⭐ Recognizing your inner strengths during transition ⭐ Finding moments of calm when things feel overwhelming ⭐ Reconnecting with yourself as you step into motherhood Looking forward to meeting you! If you have questions in advance, please let me know. PM or email to flourish.across.cultures@gmail.com Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 11/27

Speaker: Iona Macnab, IBCLC Time & date: Thursday, 27th of November 2025 at 11AM Topic: Breastfeeding Info: Iona Macnab is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), certified continuously since 2002. She is past President of the International Lactation Consultant Association and was recently recognised as a Fellow of the Association for her service and her contributions to the lactation profession. Iona also runs her own education platform called iLactation which is set up to help global health professionals stay up to date with breastfeeding research, ethics, policy and clinical skills. For 28 years Iona has also been a volunteer La Leche League Leader. 13 years were spent as the Leader of LLL Tokyo Central group. She now leads an online LLL group in Melbourne Australia, where she currently lives. Iona has a wealth of experience assisting new mothers in Tokyo and is able to offer virtual consultations for breastfeeding assistance. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 11/13

Speaker: Ludovica Molinari Momoi. Ludovica has been a Montessori educator for over 15 years and is the Early Childhood Coordinator at the Montessori School of Tokyo. She has been living in Japan for 11 years and has two children. Time & date: Thursday, 13th of November 2025 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Setting Up the Home Info: Discover how to prepare your home - and yourself - for your baby’s arrival. Grounded in authentic Montessori principles, this session explores how a thoughtfully prepared environment and calm, consistent routines support your newborn’s development and nurture peaceful beginnings for the whole family. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 10/30

Speaker: Brett Iimura Time & date: Thursday, 30th of October 2025 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: birth planning and intervention rates in Japan About me: Paediatric and Women's Health Physiotherapist, working at Tokyo Physio. Info: Brett Iimura, the director of Childbirth Education Center (CEC), has taught continuously in Japan since 1996, including having expanded to online classes 15 years ago, way before Covid! Having taught over 2000 couples from more than 75 countries to date, she has collected data on women's experiences of birth in Japan, including the fact that women in her classes have had approximately half the rate of episiotomy as is typically seen in Japan. We will briefly discuss rates of interventions in Japan and strategies for navigating the system to find the support needed for the kind of birth you desire. We will then have an open discussion time for any and all questions birth/breastfeeding/postpartum related. Feel free to send in your questions before the meeting or simply raise them during the discussion. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 10/02

Speaker: Helen Zhang Time & date: Thursday, 2nd of October 2025 at 11:00am Topic: The Benefits of Pilates for a Healthy and Comfortable Pregnancy Info: Helen Zhang is a Movement and Pilates Educator, Founder of My Body My Pilates Studio, Specialist of Pre & Post natal Care; scoliosis, Spine health, post Injury rehab and special population. If anyone has a specific question, please let us know, so that we can inform Dani about it. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot)

Next TPG Meeting - 09/18

Speaker: Dani from Urban Heroes Tokyo Time & date: Thursday, 18th of September 2025 at 11:00am Topic: Fitness during pregnancy and post-natal recovery Info: Hi mothers of Tokyo, I’m Dani, coach at Urban Heroes Tokyo, an international outdoor fitness community, located in the heart of Tokyo. Originally coming from Germany, we moved to Japan with my husband and my two girls. As a passionate fitness coach, I want to inspire women to exercise when pregnant and help the post-natal women in their recovery. This session is tailored for expecting mothers, where we explore the benefits of staying active throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Discover how gentle exercises and mindful movement not only support your physical health, but also enhance your mental wellbeing, preparing you for the transformative journey ahead. We also have time to answer any potential questions or doubts. For instance, we often meet pregnant women feeling insecure about how to work out safely during pregnancy, and when postpartum just the thought of getting out of the door can feel very overwhelming. We want to give you the opportunity of getting a smooth start and support you in any way we can. Location: Zoom (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot)

Next TPG Meeting - 09/04

Speaker: Ashly Schanback Ishii, CCP, CPP (they/them) Time & date: Thursday, 4th of September 2025 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Perinatal Anxiety is Normal! ~Coping Skills & Support~ Info: Have you been feeling anxious during your pregnancy? Maybe even extra anxious? More worried than usual? Quite nervous? If so, (1) you are not alone, and (2) this talk is for you! Ash is a Psychotherapist at TELL Counseling who supports many clients with anxiety, including women & pregnant folks before, during, and after they give birth. The goal of this hour will be to welcome anyone feeling nervous or worried, to connect with others while sharing skills and resources. Location: Google Meets (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 07/24

Speaker: Georgia Ireland, Registered Australian Physiotherapist Time & date: Thursday, 24th of July 2025 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: Women's Health Physiotherapy About me: Paediatric and Women's Health Physiotherapist, working at Tokyo Physio. Info: An overview of Women's Health Physiotherapy, including its role in supporting women during the pre- and postnatal phases and the specific services I provide. Ask your questions, if you have any. Location: Zoom or Google Meets (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)

Next TPG Meeting - 07/10

Speaker: Angharad Mortiboy Time & date: Thursday, 10th of July 2025 at 11:00 - 12:00. Topic: The First Year After Birth: Supporting the Journey of Motherhood Info: We’ll walk through the physical, emotional, and relationship changes that unfold in the first year—and how to move through them with more confidence and compassion. Location: Google Meets (link will be sent out shortly before the meeting to those who reserve their spot, usually Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.)