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Abstract

Occupational disruption (OD) is common during the perinatal period. Occupational therapy (OT) intervention may improve knowledge of perinatal occupational balance (OB) strategies. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an OT intervention in increasing knowledge of perinatal OB strategies among working first-time mothers (WFTMs). A total of 30 perinatal WFTMs attended a virtual OT educational workshop that addressed the OB constructs of stress management, energy conservation, sleep hygiene, and routine management. Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured OD and self-reported knowledge of OB strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests. Participants reported moderate OD across all OB constructs. Statistically significant improvements were noted in knowledge of OB strategies to improve energy conservation (p = .003) and overall OB (p = .001). OT intervention can improve knowledge of OB strategies in perinatal WFTMs. Including OB education in routine perinatal care shows promise.

Plain Language Summary

Enhancing Life Balance for Perinatal First-Time Working Mothers With Occupational Therapy

Many first-time mothers experience challenges in managing daily activities during pregnancy and after giving birth, which can affect their well-being and routines. This study explored whether a virtual occupational therapy (OT) workshop could help working first-time mothers learn strategies to better manage stress, save energy, get quality sleep, and organize their daily routines. Thirty mothers participated in the workshop and completed surveys before and after the program. Results showed that participants’ knowledge of strategies to conserve energy and improve overall daily balance increased significantly after the workshop. These findings suggest that OT education can help new mothers feel more capable of managing daily life during the perinatal period. Incorporating this type of education into standard care for first-time mothers may support their overall health and well-being.

Keywords

occupational balance perinatal care working mothers

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