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

Occupational therapy at Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky can help children and parents manage stress. Pregnant and perinatal people are at risk for stress and executive functioning challenges due to role transitions and time management demands. Occupational therapists help clients find occupational balance- planning their day to create meaningful routines that include a balance of self-care, sensory strategies, rest, and productivity.

Scientific studies confirm that there is a reduction of gray matter in the brain during pregnancy. This is normal and not a cognitive loss.  This is considered a “pruning” of neural connections that prepares the mother’s brain to bond with the baby and for the demands of caring for a child. The volume of grey matter may decrease but certain white matter fibers become more efficient in transmitting signals. So, the brain becomes more specialized for pregnancy and parenting.  This thinking differently does not mean that something is wrong. It may present with challenges to executive function or temporary changes in personality/social cognition.  It is really okay that you don’t care for what you cared for 6 months ago. Of course you are stressed. With all of the changes in your body, brain, roles, and environment, you need a plan. Tools and resources to help. 

Maternal health occupational therapy and sensory therapy at Sunny Day Therapy help you make sense of the changes in your body and brain no matter what season of life you are going through.  My biopsychology professor, Dr. Meg Upchurch, said that your brain is not the same now as it was 30 minutes ago. Each moment is an opportunity for growth; you are changing no matter what choice you make. Let’s make changes for the good together at Sunny Day Therapy (@Sunny Day Wellness OT). 

Let’s be honest, this post picture says “maternal moments” but we can all benefit from the mindful moments & sensory/interoceptive awareness discussed here. “Caregiver stress is a national crisis!”- Surgeon General Dr. Murthy, 2024. Care partners come in many forms – teachers, parents, pastors, friends. Let’s take care of each other and connect to resources/therapies that heal. Our wellness plans are not quick-fixes but intentional, individualized recommendations that benefit clients not only during times of stress or transition but across the lifespan!  The organizational strategies I learned as a stressed out new parent have helped me as a student and business owner. 

I designed the flyer below to help people consider taking moments for their own self-care and sensory health. Occupational therapists are trained to help you design these moments- to create meaning through valued activities and balance through structuring both time and the environments. From diapers to depression, Sunny Day Therapy’s maternal health occupational therapy is here for caregivers and their children to help calm, focus, and get activities done.

Do you think your entire organization would benefit from the brain science & theory behind promoting changes in behavior and recognizing body signs? I love to help whole organizations understand sensory health and create efficient spaces to get daily tasks done. My occupational therapy lens (and English major background) help me design trainings that connect people to resources, knowledge, and each other. I would love to be part of your organization’s journey towards growth. Let us help you design a program and assess your goals/strengths/opportunities for growth today! We will grow through this together. 

Email kim@beewellot.com to learn more.  Sunny Day Therapy offers pediatric therapy and maternal health therapy in located in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Kimberly Day, occupational therapist, has been an occupational therapist for over fourteen years.