Scholarship of Practice (SOP) Lecture Series – The missing link: Occupational therapy in postpartum care and matrescence
September 15, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST
Please join the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy for the following Scholarship of Practice Lecture
Title: The missing link: Occupational therapy in postpartum care and matrescence
Presented by: Armi Grace Petersen MS, OTR/L, ASDCS
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Location: This presentation will be delivered in person in AHSB Rm 713, 1919 West Taylor St.
Presentation Abstract & Objectives
Occupational therapy plays a critical role in promoting maternal health and well-being during the postpartum period, yet services are often underutilized until mothers are in moments of high stress or crisis. This presentation highlights the value of proactive, primary prevention strategies that equip mothers and families with practical tools and education before challenges escalate. Drawing from the concept of matrescence—the significant life transition into motherhood—participants will explore how occupational therapy can address early occupational performance challenges through supportive, community-based interventions. Using the example of an OT-led mom-and-baby group, attendees will examine how structured early support can improve maternal confidence, strengthen parent-infant bonds, and promote healthy family routines. This session will emphasize the therapist’s role in equipping families with a “toolbox” of strategies that support long-term well-being and child development.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the role of occupational therapy in supporting mothers during the transition of matrescence.
- Identify at least three common occupational performance challenges in the postpartum period that benefit from early OT intervention.
- Outline the foundational steps to establish an OT-led mom-and-baby group that provides early education, support, and community connection
The Scholarship of Practice (SOP) lecture series features presentations designed to share evidence-based knowledge relevant to occupational therapy practice. Department of Occupational Therapy is a licensed CE provider by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Occupational therapy practitioners currently licensed in Illinois can earn CE credit for attending.
A full schedule of the Spring 2025 SOP lecture schedule is available on the UIC OT Department website: https://ahs.uic.edu/about-ahs/college-calendar/
For more information about this presentation, accommodation requests, or other inquiries, please email Danielle Pullen at dpullen3@uic.edu.
If you have suggestions for advancing our publication of these events, please contact Danielle Pullen (dpullen3@uic.edu).
We hope to see you there!
Date posted
Sep 4, 2025
Date updated
Sep 4, 2025