Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Background: Of the over 3 million births in the US each year, 570,000 women experience a birth related injury, leading to pelvic health issues during the postpartum period (DeLancey et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects 25% of American women, directly impacting quality of life (QoL), psychosocial factors, and the ability to successfully engage in meaningful occupation (Baker et al., 2017; Burkhart et al., 2021; Khan, 2023; Nygaard et al., 2008; Peinado Molina et al., 2023; Synder et al., 2022b). Although PFD has a neuromuscular etiology, the physiological effects can lead to psychosocial impacts, including, but not limited, to anxiety and depression (Baker et al., 2017). Postpartum women, specifically those living in rural communities, experience further inequities as compared to women living in urban communities. Inequities include a lack of specialized pelvic floor care, resulting in higher incidences of psychological symptoms and a significant impact in all areas of occupation. There is no other profession in the field of pelvic health rehabilitation, that has extensive training in providing holistic care, and addressing environmental, psychosocial, and neuromuscular aspects (Baker et al., 2017). Through increased education to postpartum women, occupational therapists, and providers, comprehensive pelvic health services can be provided to meet the occupational needs of women living in rural communities.

Methods: A thorough, model-driven literature review was completed on most common PFDs among postpartum women, risk factors, and current evidenced-based interventions to address PFD. The literature revealed a variety of evidence-based interventions to treat the neuromuscular aspect of PFD; however, there is a notable gap in evidence-based interventions to treat the psychosocial facets of PFD. The literature was analyzed through the lens of the ecological model viii of human performance (EHP), due to the special consideration for the concepts of person, context, and task in relation to their impact on an individual’s performance range (Dunn, 2017).

Results: The result of this scholarly project highlights the essential role of occupational therapy in postpartum recovery and pelvic health rehabilitation. By incorporating visual aids, simplified language, and practical implementation strategies, the guide is structured to be user-friendly for both healthcare practitioners and postpartum women. The findings advocate for increased awareness and integration of pelvic health services into maternal care, particularly in underserved rural communities. Pelvic Power: A Postpartum Guide to Wellness and Recovery serves as a vital tool in bridging the gap between research and practical application, fostering self-advocacy, recovery, and long-term well-being for postpartum women.

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