OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

The transition to motherhood presents significant physical, emotional, and occupational challenges, with many postpartum individuals experiencing unmet needs related to mental health, role adjustment, and access to supportive resources. This capstone project, completed at Nurture Nashville Yoga, aimed to expand maternal support through the development of a four-week postpartum email education series and the implementation of a community maternal wellness open house. A needs assessment identified priorities including normalization of postpartum experiences, emotional regulation, confidence in daily routines and infant care, and access to community resources. In response, an evidence-informed email series was created to provide education on postpartum recovery, maternal mental health, self-care, and infant care, while the open house promoted connection and resource accessibility for expectant and postpartum families. Outcomes included engagement of over 40 community members, improved maternal health literacy, and enhanced caregiver safety through community-based education. Additionally, completion of pre- and postnatal yoga teacher training supported integration of movement-based interventions, and the student was invited to continue teaching beyond the capstone experience, highlighting the role of occupational therapy in supporting maternal well-being and early family routines.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2026

Faculty Mentor

Elicia Cruz

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Pharmacy, College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Postpartum Care, Maternal Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Community-Based Intervention, Health Education, Maternal Wellness, Role Transition to Motherhood, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Caregiver Support

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