Occupational Therapy for Maternal and Perinatal Health
Frequently Asked Questions
How do occupational therapists support maternal and perinatal health?
Occupational therapists help mother and infant dyads function in their occupations (anything that you do that occupies your time). For mothers, this may include caring for a child (lactation, breastfeeding, supporting development, feeding, sleep, playing with a child etc.). For infants this may include feeding, sleeping, playing, moving and bonding. Activities that take place between a mother and a baby including most all of those listed above, are called co-occupations. Co-occupations actively involve both mother and child and really cannot be separated. Because of this, a maternal health occupational therapist will often work with a mother and baby pair (also called a dyad) to support confidence, competence and education for the co-occupations they need to do during the day. Additionally, a maternal health occupational therapist may work directly with a mother or parent to create personalized health strategies, improve physical comfort during pregnancy and postpartum, and provide education for managing transitions related to motherhood.
How do occupational therapists support clients during preconception?
Occupational therapy practitioners provide support in changes in roles, routines and occupations using occupational performance coaching and individualized interventions for prospective parents during the process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) or conception planning.
What is the role of occupational therapists during pregnancy?
Occupational therapist practitioners can play a vital part in managing pain, suggesting ergonomic adjustments, home environment modifications and offering mental health support during the physical, and mental changes during pregnancy.
How can occupational therapists support postpartum recovery?
During the physical recovery from birth and pregnancy, maternal health occupational therapists can assist in education on newborn care, lactation and breastfeeding support. They can also helps mothers and families manage postpartum mental health challenges, provide pain management strategies and educate families on supporting their infant’s development.
How can occupational therapy practitioners collaborate with other health and perinatal professionals?
Interdisciplinary networking and collaboration may be one of the most important aspects of providing the best maternal health and wellness. Working with lactation consultants, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, dentists, midwives, doulas, nurses, OBGYNs and pediatricians (just to name a few!) is necessary to ensure holistic care for both mother and baby.
What are some considerations for an occupational therapy practitioner starting a private practice in maternal health?
Maternal health occupational therapy is needed everywhere and will be a common clinical setting in the near future. OT entrepreneurs are needed to work in this specialty setting that is rooted in health, wellness and prevention, bringing it outside of the medical model and into our communities. Because it is a new practice setting with a non-traditional population and within a discipline not commonly recognized in maternal health, occupational therapists starting a private practice in maternal health need to continue to collaborate to grow in this much-needed setting.