Mental Health in Parenthood

Name: Mental Health in Parenthood
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)

An Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone

Created byMadison Osbern

Last updated 4/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Recognize gaps in postpartum wellness support
Recognize the distinctive role of occupational therapists in addressing mental health in parenthood
Identify strategies to enhance parent's well-being
Understand the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and its application in supporting mental health during the parenting journey.

Course content

1 section • 6 lectures • 38m total length

Introduction6:57
Explore how occupational therapy supports mental health during the postpartum transition, addressing gaps in postpartum wellness, applying the PEO model, and promoting breastfeeding, routines, and resilience for new parents.
Overview of capstone project and experience3:43
Develop and deliver the New Parenthood Journey program to educate parents on postpartum depression and anxiety, promote self-care, routines, meaningful occupations and co-occupations using the PEO model and OT collaboration.
Learning objectives and activities9:59
Develop evidence-based educational materials and on-demand resources to support new parents through postpartum depression and anxiety, with self-care checklists, mental health handouts, and mindfulness-based strategies.
Website overview16:56
Explore mental health and wellbeing in parenthood, build support networks, and practice self-care and resilience through mindfulness and practical tips for navigating the postpartum journey.
Questions and answers0:51
Assess how mental health in parenthood is addressed through a questions-and-answers format, linking capstone work to the PEO model, professional responsibility, scholarship, collaboration, and community engagement.
References and acknowledgments0:32
I acknowledge my references and thank doctor Stacey Rosselet for answering questions during my needs assessment and doctor Sydney Marshman for guidance and expertise throughout my capstone.

Requirements

No prerequisites are required for this course. A general understanding of occupational therapy concepts may be helpful but is not necessary. This course explores the intersection of mental health and parenthood through the lens of the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Individuals who want to learn more about the unique role of occupational therapy in supporting mental health and well-being during this significant life stage, with a focus on holistic, person-centered, and occupation-based approach.

Description

This online course on Occupational Therapy and Mental Health in Parenthood serves as the cornerstone of my doctoral capstone experience, it was conducted in alignment with the Drake University Occupational Therapy program and with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. Over the course of three months, I developed a three-session program for parents during the transition to parenthood, it focused on holistic well-being, emotional resilience, and mental health support. You’ll find this course especially valuable if you're passionate about supporting families through the emotional and functional shifts that come with parenthood. Parents often face overlooked mental health challenges, inconsistent wellness support, and unrealistic societal expectations—factors that can lead to occupational disruption, isolation, and increased stress. Rooted in evidence-based practice, this capstone highlights the distinctive and impactful role of occupational therapists in promoting mental health, life balance, and meaningful engagement for parents.Throughout the course, you’ll gain access to educational content, reflective tools, and easy-to-implement, low-cost wellness activity templates tailored for both new and experienced parents. Whether you are an OT, a healthcare provider, or a supporter of family-centered care, this course will offer practical knowledge, resources, and creative ideas that you can apply directly to your practice.

Who this course is for:

occupational therapy practitioners, students, and other professionals supporting parents and families.