Co-occupation-based interventions during perinatal transitions and motherhood

Occupational therapists work to support mother-infant dyads through co-occupation-based interventions. Collectivism offers the profession opportunity to grow beyond traditional individualistic and person-centred care frameworks and expand capacity to address wellbeing for clients holistically and inclusively during perinatal transitions, motherhood, and matrescence. By focusing on the interconnected and interactive activities shared between mothers and infants, occupational therapists can enhance maternal empowerment, promote positive developmental outcomes, and support the mental health and wellbeing of mothers, infants, and their families. In this chapter, various evidence-based approaches, theoretical frameworks, and practical strategies are outlined to facilitate evidence-based implementation of co-occupation-based interventions in various settings. Mother-centred, infant-centred, and dyadic-centred approaches to co-occupation-based care are introduced to guide the unique contributions of occupational therapy in promoting perinatal mental health, enhancing mother-infant bonding, and addressing societal and cultural influences, influencing health, wellbeing, and quality of life.