Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study aimed to understand the lived experience of women during the perinatal period. Findings suggest that mothers report occupational disruption and that OT intervention could help promote quality of life, occupational balance, and role integration.
Primary Author and Speaker: Miranda Ranae Little
Additional Authors and Speakers: Carrie Miller-Conley, Sarbinaz Bekmuratova
PURPOSE: Pregnancy and the transition to motherhood can have a profound impact of the daily activities, roles, and health of mothers (Kaitz, 2007). Women may experience occupational disruption and role conflict along the spectrum of pregnancy to postpartum (Slootjes, et al. 2016). There is limited research in the United States on how occupational therapy (OT) could support women in these disruptions and role conflicts. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of new mothers on their experiences in the perinatal period as well as opportunities for occupational therapy interventions throughout the transition to motherhood.
DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative design was used to sample postpartum women across the U.S. Recruitment took place through social media and flyers posted in public places in multiple states. Data was collected through an anonymous Qualtrics survey consisting of demographic questions and qualitative questions drawn from multiple measures including the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the Maternal Concerns Questionnaire, and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning. Qualitative results were developed into themes.
RESULTS: Data collection ended in December 2023 with a total of 45 participants. Quantitative data suggests occupational disruption and difficulty with postpartum recovery for women in our sample. Three themes emerged from qualitative results including physical and emotional wellbeing, the transition to motherhood, and recommendations for healthcare providers.
CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings suggest various areas that mothers report difficulty during pregnancy and postpartum and identify that occupational therapy interventions could help promote quality of life, occupational balance, and role integration with mothers during this time.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Occupational therapy practitioners have a role to support mothers during pregnancy and postpartum as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
References
Kaitz, M. (2007). Maternal concerns during early parenthood. Child: Care, Health and Development, 33(6), 720–727. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2007.00729.x
Slootjes, H., McKinstry, C., & Kenny, A. (2016). Maternal role transition: Why new mothers need occupational therapists. Australian Occupational therapy journal, 63(2). https://doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12225
