Postpartum Occupational Disruptions, Support Utilization, and Awareness of Occupational Therapy Among First-Time Mothers in the Fourth Trimester

Abstract

Background: The first 12 weeks following childbirth, commonly described as the fourth trimester, involve substantial physical, emotional, and occupational transition. This study described the occupational disruptions experienced by first-time mothers during this period, the formal and informal supports they used, barriers to seeking support, and their awareness of occupational therapy’s potential role.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional online survey was completed by 72 cisgender first-time mothers who had given birth within the previous five years and were recruited through convenience sampling on social media. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.

Results: The most frequently reported challenges were adapting to the role of motherhood (88%), breastfeeding (76%), mental health (75%), and managing daily routines and responsibilities (72%). Participants used a combination of formal and informal supports; however, no more than two participants identified occupational therapy as a source of support for any challenge category. Feeling overwhelmed was the most frequently reported barrier to seeking support. Awareness of occupational therapy’s potential role was limited across the areas assessed and was lowest for breastfeeding and role adjustment.

Conclusion: These findings suggest a possible gap between postpartum challenges relevant to occupation and mothers’ recognition or use of occupational therapy as a source of support. They support further investigation of postpartum occupational experiences, service accessibility, referral pathways, practitioner preparation, and occupation-centered models of care. Findings should be interpreted in light of the study’s small, predominantly White, highly educated, suburban sample and its retrospective, investigator-developed survey.