Baby Boy Dies After Emergency Call in Chiba
On 28 May, police in Matsudo, Japan, responded to a distressing emergency call from 33-year-old Misa Fukui, who told authorities she had drowned her four-month-old son. When officers arrived at her residence in Kawaharazuka at around 1 a.m., Fukui emerged carrying her unconscious infant, Akito Fukui. The baby was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Police confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
Police arrested Fukui, a company employee, on suspicion of murder. She admitted to the crime and reportedly said she had lost confidence in her ability to raise a child. Her arrest came just hours after she contacted a child abuse hotline to express anxiety about parenting and her declining physical health.
Warning Signs Were Present
The day before the incident, Fukui had called the Kashiwa Child Consultation Center, using Japan’s national child abuse hotline. She voiced concerns about her capability to care for her child and described feeling unwell.
A meeting was held by the center that afternoon, and a home visit was scheduled. Staff contacted her by phone at 6 p.m. to confirm the next-day visit—but tragedy struck before they could intervene.
The Overlooked Reality of Postpartum Mental Health
This case underscores the critical need for postpartum support, especially within the first year after childbirth—a period marked by significant psychological and physiological changes. New mothers are at high risk for mood disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, which can manifest in alarming ways if untreated.
Experts note that postpartum intrusive thoughts—often centered on accidentally or deliberately harming the baby—occur more frequently than many people might expect. Studies show that up to 70% of new mothers experience such thoughts, and about half report imagining intentional harm, despite having no desire to act on them.
These thoughts do not define a mother’s character or intentions but can lead to severe outcomes if shame or stigma prevents women from seeking help.
Why a Support Network Matters
A robust postpartum support network—comprising family, friends, healthcare providers, and community services—is essential. These individuals act as early detectors of emotional distress and can help link mothers to professional care before a crisis escalates.
Healthcare professionals advise new mothers to speak openly about their thoughts and symptoms with someone they trust, whether that is a doctor, a support group, or a close friend. Early mental health screening and treatment—ranging from counseling to medication—can make a crucial difference.
Previous Similar Incidents
In Minnesota, in February 2024, a new mother drowned her 8 month old in a tub. The court subsequently sentenced her to over 30 years in jail.
In December 2024, Maryland courts charged a mother with first degree murder for drowning her 3 month old baby in a bathtub.
In April 2025, police in Ahmedabad arrested a mother after she drowned her crying 3-month-old baby in an underground water tank, causing his death.
A Call to Action
Fukui’s case is not isolated. It shines a harsh light on the systemic gaps in postpartum care and the urgent need to normalize mental health discussions around motherhood. Timely intervention and accessible support could prevent tragedies like Akito’s death.
Authorities in Chiba Prefecture continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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@theobgynmum Does anyone else experience intrusive thoughts? What are yours? postpartum ppd anxiety newmum
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