Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Breann Lamborn

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was for an occupational therapy doctoral student to collaborate with the staff of a maternity home in rural North Dakota. The goal of this collaboration was to provide the residents of the maternity home with education on safety and caring for their child as well as information regarding pregnancy, postpartum, and bonding with their child. This will help to support the mother in her newfound role as well as the child in their various occupations as an infant. Women face many barriers in pregnancy that may lead to them being in maternity homes. The purpose of the educational booklet was to provide base knowledge on the pregnancy and postpartum processes for the women and support them in their role as a mother.

Method: An ecological model was utilized to guide the literature review process and ensure that all components of the person, task, and context were addressed through the review. In examination of the literature, information gathered revealed the demographics of women residing in maternity homes, experiences of mothers residing in maternity homes, and occupational challenges in transitioning into the role of a mother. The product was built in collaboration with and observation of staff and residents at a Catholic-based maternity home in rural North Dakota to support the population served by the organization.

Results: The product built throughout the doctoral experience is an educational packet of information on motherhood-related occupations intended for use by residents. Information provided in the product includes education on maternal health in each trimester of pregnancy, what to expect postpartum from physical and psychological standpoints, general safety regarding the care of an infant, and milestones for children from birth to age three. Integrated into the product are spiritual considerations of the organization as well as cultural considerations of the residents.

Conclusion: The product was built for use by maternity home residents to support them as they progress through pregnancy and enter motherhood in the postpartum stage. This will increase confidence in caring for their child and knowledge in maternal health as it applies to physical and psychological aspects of motherhood.

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