Abstract
This study explores Black women’s experiences across the perinatal spectrum, including post-partum, and how they engage in their daily occupations in their new role as a mother.
Primary Author and Speaker: Diana Honorat
Additional Authors and Speakers: Jasmine Thorpe
Contributing Authors: Salma Bachelani
The purpose of this research is to explore the experience of Black women across the perinatal spectrum and how they engage in different roles as they transition into the role of a mother. Black mothers face multiple disadvantages as they transition into matrescence (Adams & Thomas, 2018). There is limited research on black maternal health and transitions into motherhood within occupational therapy. This mixed-methods research is a subset of a more extensive mixed-methods study. Participants were recruited using various strategies, including random, convenience, and snowball sampling. Participants had to identify as Black, pregnant, or have given birth within the past 18 months, living in the Portland Metro Area (OR), San Diego County (CA), or Riverside County (CA), and between the age of 18-44. This study utilized a semi-structured interview that included questions on roles and completing a semi-structured assessment called the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3). The interview transcripts were analyzed using NVivo, and the RCv3 was scored manually. Preliminary findings illuminated occupational imbalance during all perinatal stages involving challenges in accepting role transitions, barriers to participation in ADLs, IADLs, leisure, and rest & sleep. The average score in the level of satisfaction in current roles was 76%. Participants role transitions were affected during the perinatal experience. Some experienced stress and anxiety in preparation for the baby, while those who received full social support did not experience these mental health challenges. Social and culturally specific support was also vital in how involved participants were in different roles. Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role in supporting Black maternal health across the perinatal spectrum such as the complexities of establishing healthy roles, routines, and coping strategies (Podvey, 2018) and advocacy for more access to perinatal culturally competent care.
Adams, C., & Thomas, S. P. (2018). Alternative prenatal care interventions to alleviate Black–White maternal/infant health disparities. Sociology Compass, 12(1), e12549–n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12549
Podvey, M. (2018). Maternal mental health and occupational therapy: A good fit. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 3(2), 17–19.