How does an Occupational Therapist help moms and babies

Discover how occupational therapy supports moms, babies, and families through birth, postpartum recovery, and early development.

🤔 The Burning Question: What Is Occupational Therapy—and What Does an OT Actually Do?

This is the question I get all the time—and it’s a great one.

The textbook answer:

Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages participate in the activities ("occupations") they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday tasks. The goal? To promote independence, improve quality of life, and restore function—whether you’re recovering from illness, injury, or navigating developmental or emotional challenges.

Occupational Therapists assess your current abilities, challenges, and daily routines, then create a personalized plan to help you meet functional goals in a way that supports your unique lifestyle.

But here’s my elevator pitch:

OTs work with people across the lifespan injust about every way imaginable.

Struggling to brush your hair or teeth after an injury or illness? We’ve got your back.
Is your baby having trouble rolling over or grasping toys? We’re on it.
Is your school-aged child having a tough time focusing in class or completing assignments? Yep—OT can help there, too.

We’re here to help people thrive in their daily lives—from the tiniest newborns to the most experienced adults.

👋🏼 Who Am I, and What Do I Do?

I'm Dayana Alvarez, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and mama to three wonderfully wild kiddos (ages 13, 9, and 2.5). My personal and professional journeys are deeply intertwined.

With my 9-year-old, I experienced perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety—though I didn’t fully realize it until later. When my youngest was born, I approached the experience with more knowledge, emotional tools, and support. And the difference was life-changing.

That contrast lit a fire in me: No mom should have to navigate this alone. Every journey into motherhood looks different, and it doesn’t have to be marked by stress, sadness, or burnout.

So I created Nurture and Thrive OT—a mobile occupational therapy service dedicated to supporting moms, babies, and young children through compassionate, personalized, family-centered care.

💛 How We Help: OT Support for Moms, Babies & Families

🌿 During Pregnancy

We offer support for:

Physical comfort and positioning
Birth and postpartum preparation
Emotional wellness
Mental clarity and self-care

Interventions include:

Mindfulness techniques, pacing and energy conservation, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and baby-care practice (yes, swaddling and diapering can be therapeutic!).

🌼 Postpartum Support

Post-birth, we help moms navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with caring for a newborn.

Our support includes:

Safe body mechanics for lifting and feeding
Strategies to manage fatigue and overwhelm
Creating routines that support healing and well-being
Coping tools for postpartum anxiety or depression
Helping moms reclaim their sense of identity and balance

We meet you exactly where you are—no judgment, just support.

👶🏼 Support for Newborns and Infants

OTs also play a key role in early development, helping babies build foundational motor, sensory, and feeding skills.

We work with infants who may be:

Struggling with muscle tone, latching, or coordination
Experiencing sensory sensitivities
Behind in meeting developmental milestones

We guide parents with hands-on techniques, positioning, and therapeutic play routines to promote bonding and growth.

✨ Final Thoughts

Occupational Therapy isn’t just about “therapy”—it’s about supporting your everyday life in real, meaningful ways. Whether you’re a brand new mom or raising your third child, your experience matters.

At Nurture and Thrive OT, we’re here to walk beside you, guide you, and help you and your little one thrive—together.

About the Author

Dr. Dayana Alvarez is a mother of 3 kiddos, a wife, and an Occupational Therapist! Her passion is improving maternal health and building a stronger community of moms. Also making sure baby’s/kids receive the proper early intervention to increase their likelihood of meeting their milestones.

Check out Nurture and Thrive OT

Follow Nurture and Thrive OT on Instagram

Categories: : Guest Blog, Pain, postpartum support