Event Type

Presentation

Start Date

12-8-2024 9:00 AM

End Date

12-8-2024 12:00 PM

Description

Purpose: Our research aimed to explore if new mothers felt prepared to return to their daily lives and the role occupational therapy could have in helping prepare women to transition into their new role as mothers. Previous literature has found that limits to occupational engagement and occupational balance have adversely affected the well-being of new mothers.

Methods: This sequential, exploratory mixed methods study employed the RedCap survey platform to collect demographic information, information regarding women’s birth experience and to obtain consent. Twenty-two women who filled out the survey met the inclusion criteria, and ten were selected to proceed with the interview process, which were semi-structured interviews.

Results: Most participants reported having at least one postpartum checkup; notably, none indicated receiving occupational therapy services although many reported knowing about occupational therapy. Qualitative themes that participants consistently expressed throughout the interview were topics surrounding health management, social participation, and performance patterns. These themes included items coded as negative and positive based on how the participant discussed the subject.

Conclusion: Our research highlights new mothers' multifactorial challenges in their first postpartum year. These findings emphasized the necessity of continued support and effective care strategies to help new mothers navigate this transitional period. Occupational therapists can play a critical role in offering targeted interventions to enhance mothers' readiness and overall well-being during this transition.

Keywords: First-time mothers, transitional roles, postpartum, occupational engagement, balance

Recommended Citation

Rose, K., Donat, J., Durham, C., Haddock, B., Litumbe, D., Otoski, J., & Renaud, K. (2024). Do new mothers in their first-year postpartum feel prepared to return to daily occupations? Nova Southeastern University, Department of Occupational Therapy.

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Dec 8th, 9:00 AM Dec 8th, 12:00 PM

Do New Mothers in their First-Year Postpartum Feel Prepared to Return to Daily Occupations?

Purpose: Our research aimed to explore if new mothers felt prepared to return to their daily lives and the role occupational therapy could have in helping prepare women to transition into their new role as mothers. Previous literature has found that limits to occupational engagement and occupational balance have adversely affected the well-being of new mothers.

Methods: This sequential, exploratory mixed methods study employed the RedCap survey platform to collect demographic information, information regarding women’s birth experience and to obtain consent. Twenty-two women who filled out the survey met the inclusion criteria, and ten were selected to proceed with the interview process, which were semi-structured interviews.

Results: Most participants reported having at least one postpartum checkup; notably, none indicated receiving occupational therapy services although many reported knowing about occupational therapy. Qualitative themes that participants consistently expressed throughout the interview were topics surrounding health management, social participation, and performance patterns. These themes included items coded as negative and positive based on how the participant discussed the subject.

Conclusion: Our research highlights new mothers' multifactorial challenges in their first postpartum year. These findings emphasized the necessity of continued support and effective care strategies to help new mothers navigate this transitional period. Occupational therapists can play a critical role in offering targeted interventions to enhance mothers' readiness and overall well-being during this transition.

Keywords: First-time mothers, transitional roles, postpartum, occupational engagement, balance

Recommended Citation

Rose, K., Donat, J., Durham, C., Haddock, B., Litumbe, D., Otoski, J., & Renaud, K. (2024). Do new mothers in their first-year postpartum feel prepared to return to daily occupations? Nova Southeastern University, Department of Occupational Therapy.