The Fourth Trimester: How Occupational Therapy Can Transform Postpartum Care

The postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester,” is a crucial yet frequently overlooked phase of maternal recovery and family adjustment. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to support mothers and families during this time, addressing challenges related to sleep, feeding, mental health, role transitions, and infant development. This webinar explores how postpartum care aligns with OT’s scope of practice according to the OTPF-4 framework, providing evidence-based strategies to enhance maternal and family well-being. Participants will gain practical knowledge to understand and address the functional needs of postpartum families.
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Melissa O’Neal
OTR/L

Date of Webinar:

April 30, 2025

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Course Description
The postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester,” is a crucial yet frequently overlooked phase of maternal recovery and family adjustment. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to support mothers and families during this time, addressing challenges related to sleep, feeding, mental health, role transitions, and infant development. This webinar explores how postpartum care aligns with OT’s scope of practice according to the OTPF-4 framework, providing evidence-based strategies to enhance maternal and family well-being. Participants will gain practical knowledge to understand and address the functional needs of postpartum families.
Speaker Biography
Meet Melissa O’Neal, OTR/L, a postpartum advocate whose mission was born from personal experience. After her son’s birth 15 years ago, she felt the stark contrast between abundant pregnancy care and the void that followed. This gap revealed a perfect opportunity for occupational therapy to make a meaningful difference.
With over a decade of hands-on experience working with families, Melissa is passionate about highlighting how postpartum support naturally aligns with OT’s scope of practice. From ADLs and routines to mental health and physical recovery, she demonstrates how OTs are uniquely positioned to address the complex needs of new parents.
Join Melissa for a session filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt insights from someone who’s been there. She’s equipping fellow practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to step into this vital practice area—creating the postpartum support system every new family deserves and that fits perfectly within our professional calling.
A Word from the Speaker
“Hey there, I’m Melissa, an OT with over 10 years of postpartum magic up my sleeve, all sparked by my phenomenal 15-year-old son. I’m here to light up your passion for supporting new moms! Full scoop: I still work hands-on with moms and babies – both in-person and virtually – because nothing beats that connection. “
Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Define the fourth trimester and explain how OT principles align with the needs of postpartum mothers and families.
  2. Analyze common postpartum challenges (sleep, feeding, mental health, role transitions) and their impact on daily occupations.
  3. Apply OT-based, function-centered interventions to support postpartum recovery and family routines.
  4. Explain how environmental modifications and sensory strategies enhance postpartum care.
  5. Identify opportunities for interprofessional collaboration to provide comprehensive postpartum support.
Target Audience: Webinar is suitable for
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
Program Flow with minutes

Webinar Outline (45 Minutes):

  • I. Introduction: The Fourth Trimester & OT's Role (0-8 minutes)
  • II. Postpartum Challenges Through an OT Lens (8-18 minutes)
  • III. OT's Scope of Practice in Postpartum Care (18-28 minutes)
Course Duration:
1 Hour
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Financial Disclosures
Speaker receives compensation from ReadySetConnect for this engagement
Melissa is the founder and CEO of The Postpartum OT,  that offers a variety of free and paid resources which may be referenced in this presentation
Non-Financial Disclosures
Melissa O’Neal, OTR/L, has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Previous presentations, professional accomplishments
Completed specialized training in — Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Postpartum Support International 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health, Certified Sleep and Wellbeing Specialist, PCES and additional pelvic floor education.
Current Professional Affiliations (state and national affiliations)
NA

Course Title : The Fourth Trimester: How Occupational Therapy Can Transform Postpartum Care

Date of Webinar: : April 30, 2025

enroll now