Maternal Role Development and Occupational Therapy

Matrescence is a term that defines motherhood as a transformative and multifaceted developmental process, a life transition. Occupational therapy(OT) has a role in maternal health related to pelvic floor health or secondary physical impairments. However, due to the holistic nature of OT, there may be a larger role for OT to support maternal health and matrescence using a wellness and health promotion lens. Our research study explored the occupational balance of mothers of young children and the role of occupational therapy in supporting this population. We used a mixed method research design. Recruitment was achieved via online platforms of two different maternal support organizations to mothers with at least one child aged 6 months--3 years. The participants were asked to complete an online Qualtrics survey. We had 331 survey responses. Two focus groups were then held with a total of 5 group participants. Analysis of focus group transcripts and the open ended question response from the survey resulted in 24 codes and 4 themes (social support, time, structural support and mental wellness). The OTPF-4 was then applied to these results and three areas were determined to impact maternal role development and the overall occupational balance and occupational identity of mothers. These included environmental factors, performance patterns, and personal factors. The lived experience of a mother's role development relates well to the OTPF--4 and scope of practice. Occupational therapists can support mothers through a wellness lens and advocate for a focus on wellness instead of illness within health care settings. There is a need for additional support for mothers after childbirth, and OT can be an area of support. Additionally, occupational therapy practitioners can be another resource to connect mothers with community support and advocate for systemic structural change to provide more support to new mothers.