Supporting Co-Occupation Between Mother and Baby During Postnatal Depression or Psychosis: A Guide for Occupational Therapy

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Postnatal depression (PND) and postpartum psychosis (PP) can significantly affect a mother’s ability to bond with her baby. Occupational therapists (OTs) can play a key role in helping mothers engage in meaningful activities with their babies, even in the face of these challenges. This guide outlines the ways OTs can support the development of co-occupation – shared activities that promote bonding, interaction, and caregiving.

1. Establishing a Safe and Supportive Environment

• Create a calming space: A peaceful environment helps foster positive interactions. OTs can assist in setting up quiet, comfortable areas for bonding, such as a cozy corner for feeding or cuddling.

• Reduce stressors: Identifying and managing external stressors—like overwhelming tasks—helps create space for nurturing and connection.

2. Providing Emotional and Psychological Support

• Validation and reassurance: A supportive and non-judgmental space where mothers can express their feelings is crucial. OTs can provide reassurance that their emotions are valid and help reduce any feelings of guilt or shame.

• Normalize the experience: Understanding the effects of PND or PP on the mother-baby bond can help mothers feel less isolated in their experience.

3. Gradual Re-engagement with Caregiving Tasks

• Breaking tasks into manageable steps: Postnatal depression or psychosis can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. OTs can help by breaking these tasks into small, manageable steps, such as feeding, changing, or soothing the baby.

• Support baby care: Assisting mothers in regaining their confidence in basic caregiving tasks, from feeding to comforting their baby, can enhance their sense of capability.

4. Promoting Bonding Through Sensory and Movement-Based Activities

• Gentle physical interaction: Activities like skin-to-skin contact and baby massage can facilitate emotional connection. OTs guide mothers on how to incorporate these activities into their routines in a comfortable way.

• Sensory modulation: Engaging in soothing activities like singing, gentle touch, or using calming scents can promote relaxation and bonding between mother and baby.

5. Cognitive and Behavioral Techniques

• Addressing negative thoughts: OTs help mothers identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that may affect their ability to bond, such as feelings of inadequacy.

• Mindfulness techniques: Practicing mindfulness helps mothers focus on the present, reducing anxiety and enhancing their connection with their baby.

6. Collaborative Goal Setting

• Develop achievable goals: Working with mothers to set small, realistic goals for interacting with their baby and caring for themselves can help re-establish routine and confidence.

• Celebrating successes: Recognizing and celebrating small milestones can reinforce the mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.

7. Support Networks and Referrals

• Connecting to additional resources: OTs can provide referrals to mental health professionals, support groups, and peer networks, ensuring mothers have the necessary emotional and social support.

• Involving family members: In some cases, family members or partners can be involved in the process, helping support both the mother’s recovery and the development of co-occupation.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists are essential in supporting mothers experiencing postnatal depression or psychosis, helping to create meaningful connections with their babies. Through a combination of emotional, practical, and sensory strategies, OTs work to empower mothers to regain confidence and foster a loving, healthy bond with their child.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact me using the contact form provide.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon!!

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Reference List

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Barton, S. & Gignac, M. A. (2009). Understanding the role of occupational therapy in mental health care. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 23(4), 197-208.

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Miller, W. L., & Smith, A. (2017). Occupational therapy for postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(7), 394-402.
 

Yeh, P. L. & Lee, K. M. (2016). Therapeutic interventions for promoting mother-infant interaction. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(3-4), 445-453.

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Law, M., Cooper, B., & Strong, S. (2016). Creating supportive environments for mothers with mental health challenges. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 83(5), 273-281.
 

Simmons, K. & Kavanagh, T. (2018). Mindfulness and mental health in postpartum care. Journal of Occupational Science, 25(2), 123-135.

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Henderson, S., & Halls, L. (2017). The role of occupational therapy in the mental health care of mothers with postpartum psychosis. International Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48(5), 315-327.

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World Health Organization (2014). Mental health and psychosocial support in maternal health: A resource for healthcare professionals. 

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Parker, J. & Johns, M. (2015). A client-centered approach to working with postpartum mothers: Bridging the gap between physical and mental health care. Occupational Therapy International, 22(1), 22-29.

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