Hello, My name is Ciara LaVergne and I am a graduate student of the doctoral occupational therapy program at Hanover college. I am completing my capstone project at Flourish Pediatric Therapy and Lactation. The material in this educational series below has been developed as a result of a needs assessment, literature review, and survey I conducted. While my literature review and needs assessment resulted in identifying gaps related to a lack of care and education for postpartum mothers, I myself wanted to hear straight from moms about their experiences.

As a result of my survey I received 50 responses from mothers. I asked 9 questions directly relating to their postpartum experience, followed by a multiple choice questionnaire on a Likert scale of 20 questions ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. In these videos I will share what postpartum mothers have to say about their postpartum experiences. For any postpartum mother out there that is watching I hope you realize that you are not alone and that you may be sharing similar feelings with other postpartum moms. 

This educational web series explores the transformative role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in promoting health, wellbeing, and balance during the postpartum period. Designed for postpartum the series blends evidence-based education with practical strategies to address the physical, emotional, and occupational challenges of motherhood. Through discussion, examples, and OT-informed insights, participants will discover how to create meaningful routines, and nurture success in their daily lives.

This educational video sheds light on one of the most important, yet often overlooked aspects of postpartum care: maternal mental health. Participants viewing will learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of common maternal mental health conditions such as Perinatal Depression, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis (PPP), Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Perinatal Bipolar Mood Disorders.This video explores how biological, emotional, and social changes after childbirth can impact a mother’s wellbeing. Viewers will discover practical strategies for early detection, compassionate communication, and connecting mothers with appropriate support.

These videos emphasize that maternal mental health challenges are common, treatable, and not a sign of weakness.

Becoming a new mother is a beautiful yet challenging journey. Mental health plays a vital role in recovery and well-being during the postpartum period. Viewers will learn how Occupational Therapy is a resource that can support postpartum mothers in identifying, accessing, and using effective mental health resources.

Healing after birth is more than physical recovery, it’s a mindful process of reconnecting with your body, emotions, and sense of self. In these videos viewers will learn how to heal with intention by combining emotional awareness, meaningful routines, and gentle physical strategies that support your postpartum well-being.

No one truly prepares you for what happens after the baby arrives. From sleepless nights and body changes to emotional ups and downs, postpartum can feel like a whole new world. In this video, we’re talking about the things they don’t tell you…the real, raw, and beautiful parts of recovery and motherhood that often get left out of the conversation

Attached below are resources that may be helpful for postpartum mothers.

Below are links to podcasts focused on maternal health. There are plenty of options out there that may be best for you, these are options to get you started!