By: Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery- Founder of Prayatna, Kochi

Becoming a mother is one of life’s most beautiful and most challenging transformations. It isn’t just a new chapter,it’s a whole new book.From the first thought of starting a family to the reality of sleepless nights and diaper duty, the journey through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Amid the flood of hormones, endless check-ups, and well-meaning advice, there’s one healthcare profession often overlooked yet quietly making a world of difference- Occupational Therapy.

Occupational Therapy is about helping people do the things that occupy their day,things that give life meaning. And during pregnancy and early parenthood, those “occupations” can be something as simple (and as overwhelming) as changing a diaper, powering through sleepless nights, figuring out how to shower with a newborn in the house, or navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being someone’s everything.

Though largely overlooked in maternity care, occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to support women at every stage of this life-changing transition. Whether helping manage morning sickness and mental fatigue during pregnancy, guiding a safe and dignified birth experience, or building healthy routines and bonds with a newborn, occupational therapy brings a holistic and empowering approach to maternal health and wellbeing.

OT Through the Journey

Even before pregnancy, occupational therapists play a proactive role in supporting women especially those with pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. The preconception phase can be filled with both hope and uncertainty, and occupational therapists work closely with individuals or couples to consider how existing health issues might affect pregnancy, childbirth, and the experience of becoming a parent. For those undergoing fertility treatments like IVF, occupational therapy offers emotional and lifestyle support, helping prospective parents navigate stress, adjust routines, and prepare their environment for the changes ahead.

As pregnancy progresses, occupational therapy becomes even more essential. This phase is not just about physical changes rather it involves a profound reconfiguration of daily life, roles, and routines. Expectant mothers may experience fatigue, aches, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Occupational therapists provide support in managing these physical symptoms while also helping women prepare for their shifting identities. They assist in modifying home environments for increased comfort and accessibility, suggesting ergonomic changes at work, and helping build flexible routines that balance rest, activity, and self-care. Their guidance empowers women to maintain a sense of control and well-being during a time of constant change.

When it comes time to give birth, occupational therapists continue to offer crucial, though often unrecognized, support. For women with disabilities, injuries, or health complexities, they ensure that the necessary equipment and support systems are in place to make the delivery process as safe, dignified, and empowering as possible.

But perhaps the postpartum period, often referred to as the fourth trimester, is where occupational therapy’s impact becomes most profound. It’s a time of immense transition, not just physically but emotionally and socially as well. While the spotlight tends to shift to the newborn, new mothers often face sleep deprivation, identity shifts, physical recovery, and mental health challenges. Occupational therapists work with mothers to support what are called co-occupations-activities that both the mother and baby engage in together, such as feeding, sleeping, and playing.

This way, occupational therapists help mothers regain confidence and competence in their new roles. They offer breastfeeding support, guidance in newborn care, pain management strategies, and help in setting up home routines that allow space for rest, bonding, and self-nurturing. They also recognize the signs of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and provide early interventions, or collaborate with mental health professionals when needed and thereby provide holistic care that respects the mother’s physical health, emotional state, and personal environment.

As the first year of parenthood unfolds, occupational therapists remain vital companions in helping families find their balance. They support mothers returning to work, help create routines that actually work, and offer realistic ways to reintroduce exercise, hobbies, rest and support the ongoing development of the child.

Occupational therapists also bring a mental health perspective to their practice, with training that includes the recognition of trauma, anxiety, and depression. This allows them to provide tailored coping strategies that are practical and sustainable. They may lead therapeutic groups, connect families with community resources, or simply provide a space where a new mother can be heard and supported.

As the saying goes, when a baby is born, so is a mother. And yet, amidst the joy and chaos of new life, mothers often find themselves lost in the chaos. Occupational therapy helps them find their footing again not by prescribing a rigid formula for parenting, but by helping each woman build her own personal manual, helping mothers not just survive, but thrive.