The Role of Occupational Therapy in Maternal Health
Join us in exploring the emerging practice area of occupational therapy in maternal health and the practitioner's role during the perinatal period and motherhood. Led by Hayley Chrastowski, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM, and Jessica Peterson, OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C, co-founders of Maternal Health OT, this presentation will review occupations and common needs for support from preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. The session will include examples of clinical practice within this population in different settings and conclude with an interactive Q&A for healthcare providers, caregivers, and other interested parties.
- Identify key occupations of mothers during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum
- Recognize the importance and impact of healthcare support for mothers and infants during the perinatal period
- Explore practice settings where occupational therapy services can be implemented to support maternal health
Our Presenters
Hayley Chrastowski, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM has over eight years of OT experience nationally and internationally in outpatient pediatric, inpatient acute care, and Neonatal ICU settings. Hayley created her private practice, Wild OT, after witnessing the unaddressed needs of maternal and infant populations within our traditional healthcare system. She combined her skillset as an OT and labor/delivery doula to help educate and empower women during this exceptionally transformative journey from pregnancy, through postpartum, and into motherhood while addressing both the needs of the woman and their infant.
Jessica Peterson, OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C is the co-owner of Matrescence Occupational Therapy, a mobile private practice that specializes in maternal and perinatal health and wellness in Austin, TX. Jessica is also a mom of two, a Certified Lactation Counselor, a Perinatal Mental Health Professional, and an Infant Massage Educator, and she is currently pursuing her IBCLC. After over a decade of experience in traditional settings with adults, she realized that she had the foundation to support others in early motherhood and reignited her passion for her profession and lifelong learning as a private practice owner and entrepreneur.
Hayley Chrastowski, Jessica Peterson, Gayle Schwee, and Libby Skolnik are co-founders of Maternal Health OT, a collaborative community for occupational therapy practitioners and students.