Date of Award

6-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Katherine Jones EdD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA

Second Advisor

Adam Story OTD, OTR/L, PT, DPT, MTC

Abstract

The postpartum period is a vital healing window for new mothers who are undergoing serious physical, psychological, and hormonal changes. The current United States healthcare system fails to provide guidance and assistance for the role changes that occur in motherhood that impact daily habits, routines, and goals of women and their children. A substantial lack of education exists for healthcare professionals working with pregnant and postpartum women, by women themselves, and by society as a whole. Serious musculoskeletal, psychological, and social concerns commonly arise for many women after giving birth. The purpose of this capstone project was to attempt to fulfill the substantial gap of knowledge surrounding postpartum healing for a group of women within the capstone student’s local community YMCA. A three-phase three-part educational, mindfulness, and yoga-based class called “Mindfulness in Motherhood” was implemented in an attempt to increase education levels and awareness surrounding postpartum concerns. The student utilized pre- and post-surveys to collect data on women’s perceived levels of education before and after participating in the three-part class. The survey also inquired about their experiences as a woman giving birth and undergoing postpartum healing in the United States. The results of this capstone project confirmed what has been identified in the current literature and calls upon occupational therapists to advocate for, specialize in, and play a larger role in postpartum recovery.

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