Taipei’s newborn numbers have declined once again, highlighting that existing parenting policies remain insufficient to reverse the downward fertility trend. Councilors pointed out that postpartum care subsidies are seriously lacking and proposed including flexible options such as in-home postpartum services to ease families’ real financial burden. The city government has promised to assess the proposal, but staffing capacity and institutional support will determine whether the policy can be implemented.
Subsidy gap emerges: how to address postpartum care
Newborn numbers in Taipei have remained low for years. Despite multiple parenting initiatives introduced in recent years, demographic warning signs persist. According to the latest household registration statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan recorded only 107,812 newborns in year 113, marking the tenth consecutive year of decline.
Among them, Taipei registered 17,122 newborns in year 113, a slight increase from the previous year. However, in year 114, the figure dropped sharply by about 4,000 to 12,726. Several Taipei city councilors noted that although the city provides parenting assistance in social housing, transportation subsidies for pregnant women, enhanced childcare subsidies and a NT$40,000 birth incentive for firstborns, “postpartum care” remains inadequately supported.
DPP councilor Hung Chien-yi stated that the postpartum period is when women are physically and mentally most vulnerable and in greatest need of assistance, yet it has become the heaviest gap within policy support, with most care costs borne by families themselves.
“How to handle postpartum recovery should be considered now!” Reserving maternity centers, arranging in-home caregivers, family support and cost evaluation have become key considerations for families planning ahead.（Photo／Provided by Mombaby）
Maternity centers too costly and scarce; in-home care highlighted as solution
Councilor Yen Jo-fang pointed out that most mothers choose maternity centers, but prices in Taipei are high, averaging NT$16,000 per day, with the lowest around NT$8,000 and limited availability. In contrast, in-home postpartum caregiver services are more flexible and cost-effective, with a 24-day package of nine hours per day costing under NT$50,000, making it more affordable for typical families.
She argued that if the city government provides subsidies for in-home postpartum care, it would not only allow mothers to receive professional care in familiar surroundings but also lower the practical barriers to childbirth, reducing anxiety and making family planning more feasible.
This article is used with authorization from Mombaby
