Perinatal and Maternal Health in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help mothers and their babies 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 to create personalized health strategies, improve physical comfort during pregnancy and postpartum, and provide education for managing transitions related to motherhood.

Maternal health occupational therapists 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. They help manage pregnancy-related discomforts, provide education of physical and mental changes during pregnancy, and implement strategies for rest and energy conservation.

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. They may provide strategies for energy management, support in establishing new routines, and aid in addressing developmental concerns with infants.

Maternal health occupational therapy provides holistic healthcare that considers not only the mother, but her child, her support system and her environment. Occupational therapists need to work with other birth and maternal health professionals in their community to refer when other specialized support is needed for baby, mother or the family. Collaboration ensures a holistic approach to care, addressing both physical and mental health needs during the perinatal period.

Matrescence is a word coined in the 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael (1926-2016), who also coined the term 'doula'. Matrescence refers to the physical (body), hormonal (physiological), mental (mind), social and political transition to becoming a mother. While it could refer to the transition from non-mother to mother, matrescence can also refer to each transition of mothering a new child, whether by the birth mother, and adoptive mother, or a person who takes on a new role as a mother.