Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

Becoming a parent is one of the most joyful and fulfilling experiences. But behind the pictures of happy moms and sleeping babies may lie a deeper truth: the perinatal and postpartum stages can also be deeply overwhelming. Many moms may experience anxiety, depression, burnout, disrupted sleep, and an identity shift that can make everyday life feel impossible.

That’s where occupational therapy (OT) can help.

Occupational therapists support maternal mental health by helping parents build routines, manage stress, and navigate the demands of daily life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What Is Occupational Therapy– and Why Does It Matter for Moms?

Occupational therapy helps people participate in the activities that matter most to them—especially when mental or physical challenges stand in the way. For new moms, these challenges often come during a time when they are expected to care for their newborn baby, manage household tasks, maintain their health, and adapt to nearly a completely new identity.

OTs are trained to support people from a holistic lens– body, mind, and environment. For perinatal and postpartum clients, OTs can work with you to:

• Improve emotional regulation
• Create sustainable self-care routines
• Support feeding, sleep, and bonding
• Manage household and caregiving responsibilities
• Restore a sense of identity and purpose
• Create environmental supports (such as home modifications, ergonomics, organizational strategies, and lifestyle renovation)
• Regain your physical strength (after all, you just went through a physical event!)

Outpatient OT means therapy is done in a clinic setting (or virtually) on a schedule that fits into your life. Because as a new mom, it is most important that YOU are comfortable. It’s supportive, empowering, and evidence-based practice.

Occupational therapy doesn’t replace mental health therapy—but it can work alongside it to support your day-to-day functioning.

OT addresses the following by:

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

• Supporting energy conservation and task prioritization
• Creating realistic goals for daily living
• Reinforcing meaningful activities and social connection

Postpartum Anxiety and Mood Disorders 

• Teaching calming strategies using sensory input
• Structuring routines to reduce mental overload
• Helping identify and reframe intrusive thoughts

Sleep & Routine Disruption

• Developing individualized sleep hygiene plans
• Supporting nighttime routines for both mom and baby
• Coaching around role negotiation and partner support

You aren’t meant to navigate motherhood alone. OT offers a gentle, yet powerful form of support that honors your needs as well as your baby’s. Whether you’re struggling with managing your new role, the physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, or wanting help finding resources, OT can help you move forward.

You are not alone. 

Interested in OT services?

Reach out to Dr. Kim Day, OTD, PMH-C, BCP, CIMI-2, ECHM

📞 (859) 575-0799

📧 kim@beewellot.com 

Thanks to OTS Savanah Jones for her contributions to this article and advocacy.