Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8831-6538

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Co-Chair

Marley Sisler

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Abstract

Extended hospitalization in the postpartum period is occasionally medically indicated due to a variety of diagnoses, but can pose challenges to the psychosocial well-being of pregnant women, such as social isolation, anxiety, alteration of normal life routines, and less preparation for postpartum life. In acute care settings, however, maternal management tends to focus on physical stabilization rather than holistic maternal care, including opportunities for emotional support, occupational engagement, and postpartum planning. This doctoral capstone project was designed to assess the effect of individualized and group-based occupational therapy interventions for antepartum women who have been hospitalized for extended periods of time, specifically addressing the immediate postpartum period in terms of maternal confidence, occupational engagement, and overall postpartum well-being. The project, conducted at WVU Medicine Children’s Birthing Center, filled a critical gap in maternal care by providing therapeutic education and support before childbirth. Outcomes were evaluated through a primarily qualitative design from semi-structured interviews, in addition to the integration of quantitative data from validated mental health screening tools. Using descriptive statistics, a decrease in depressive symptoms was observed in individuals who completed both the pre- and post-intervention assessments. A thematic analysis of participant interviews revealed three main themes: (1) a sense of belonging and social connection, (2) mood improvement due to an altered environment, and (3) mental health and social support in future groups. Thematic analysis of provider interviews revealed three themes: (1) Decrease in feelings of loneliness and isolation, (2) Observed and stated mood improvement due to a change in environment and activity, and (3) Increase in awareness and confidence in movement. Qualitative evaluation from interviews with providers and facilitators also underscored the value, feasibility, and unique interdisciplinary role of occupational therapy in maternal care. These insights can be used to substantiate the implementation of proactive, occupation-based interventions into inpatient antepartum care and highlight the need for occupational therapy to contribute to the promotion of holistic maternal health outcomes across the perinatal continuum.

Download

Share

COinS