 the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process [3rd edition] (AOTA, 2014, p. S19-S21), the table is further adapted to include diagnosis-specific interpretation of relevance.
Just as articulated in the previous section relative to endometriosis and the impact upon the occupational profile, each client experiencing postpartum depression will have a unique manifestation of symptom presentation influencing occupational performance and therefore affecting the overall wellbeing and QOL as it is relative to their specific occupational needs. Performance or participation in the identified occupational tasks will be grossly impacted by individual client factors relative to values, beliefs, and spirituality; body functions; and body structures. The impact will likely be further influenced by specific performance skills relative to motor skills and process skills or performance patterns (habits, routines, rituals, and roles) specific to the person and group or population. Overall relevance to occupations should be taken into consideration with respect to contexts (cultural, personal, temporal, virtual) and environments (physical and social).
OT'S ROLE WITHIN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Podvey (2018) strongly advocates for the role of the occupational therapist in maternal mental health as “a good fit,” highlighting several aspects of the intervention process that the OT is uniquely qualified to deliver. Interventions well within the scope and practice of the occupational therapy practitioner outlined within this body of literature include (Podvey, 2018):
Facilitation of coping strategies for common parenting problems and developing realistic expectations
Development of new co-occupations and routines, such as breastfeeding or bathing
Discussing and educating the client on post-natal coping patterns before the birth to aide in better transitions to the parenthood experience
Promote attachment-focused interventions to facilitate mothers’ enjoyment with baby interactions, including age-appropriate play or delivery of infant massage
Empower the mother with education about healthy childhood development to nurture positive engagement, autonomy, and improve emotional wellbeing
MANAGEMENT OF PHYSICAL ISSUES:
Address chronic pain management and physical disorders (e.g., chronic low back pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse), which affect daily function through remediation, compensation, or environmental modification.
Address the sequelae of physical issues such as accompanying stress, anxiety, depression, diminished sense of wellbeing and ability to care for the baby.
Provide adaptive strategies to address sleep deprivation being common and correlated to exacerbated experiences of physical issues and sequelae in the postpartum period.
Support psychological wellbeing by teaching new skills, assisting with the development of healthy habits and routines, and addressing life balance.
Support development of physical wellbeing through the development of appropriate pre- and/or post-natal exercise programs, addressing potential pelvic health issues, and establishing sleep and breastfeeding schedules and routines.
EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE:
Provide new mothers with empowering information and community resources
Provide access to resources for social supports within the community
Help identify atypical situations (e.g., pelvic floor problems or unmet infant milestones) and to determine the best course of action for next-steps
Refer to needed providers when beyond the scope of the OT domain and process
HOW OCCUPATIONS CAN INFLUENCE PPD
Meaningful activities have been repeatedly cited within the existing body of literature as being a priority for women identified with postpartum depression. Feeley et al. (2016) outlined four primary areas that were expressed by the findings of their qualitative study to be the most important aspects of care in the postpartum period: 1) comprehensive care; 2) support; 3) activities; and 4) professional help. Activities are explicitly valuable to the care of this population. One study indic