You’re Not Alone, Mama: 10 Signs You Could Benefit from Perinatal Occupational Therapy

Support for postpartum stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Perinatal OT helps you feel balanced, confident, and connected again — you don’t have to do this alone.

The transition to motherhood is often pictured as joyful, glowing, and instinctive — but for many parents, it feels overwhelming, uncertain, and lonely at times. The truth is, you can love your baby deeply and still struggle with the changes that come after birth.

At Red Door Pediatric Therapy, we understand that the perinatal period — pregnancy through the first year postpartum — brings both beauty and challenge. Your body, mind, and heart are all learning new rhythms. Perinatal Occupational Therapy offers compassionate, whole-person support to help you regain balance, confidence, and connection during this tender stage of life.

And here’s the most important thing to know: needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re listening to your body and caring for yourself — which is one of the most loving things you can do for your family.

10 Signs You Might Benefit from Perinatal Occupational Therapy

Every parent’s experience looks a little different, but these are some common signs that extra support could make a real difference:

  1. You often feel sad, numb, or detached, even when things “should” feel happy.
  2. You feel anxious or panicky, sometimes without knowing why.
  3. You’re irritable or short-tempered with people you love — including your baby.
  4. Sleep and appetite feel off — either too much, too little, or no interest at all.
  5. You feel overstimulated or on edge — like every sound, cry, or task is “too much.”
  6. You’re struggling to keep up with daily tasks or personal care.
  7. You find it hard to bond with your baby or feel guilty that you’re not enjoying this stage.
  8. You have racing or intrusive thoughts that you can’t seem to shut off.
  9. You question whether you were meant to be a parent or feel disconnected from your old self.
  10. You’re functioning — but not really feeling like you.

If any of these sound familiar, please know — you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. These are common signs of perinatal stress, anxiety, or mood changes, and they are treatable.

How Perinatal Occupational Therapy Helps

Perinatal Occupational Therapy brings together the science of function with the heart of emotional health. We focus on restoring your ability to manage daily life, regulate emotions, and rebuild meaningful routines — all through a compassionate, nonjudgmental lens.

Our work together might include:

  • Regulating emotions through grounding and sensory-based techniques.
  • Creating realistic routines that make daily life feel more manageable.
  • Developing healthy sleep habits for you (and your baby).
  • Exploring self-care that actually fits into your day.
  • Learning bonding techniques that strengthen attachment and joy.
  • Identifying resources and supports to lighten your load.
  • Identifying sensory preferences and preventing overstimulation.

The goal is simple: to help you feel like yourself again — balanced, capable, and connected to your baby and your own needs.

For Family Members and Loved Ones: How You Can Help

If you love a new mom, your support matters more than you may realize. Many parents struggle silently because they believe they “should” be fine. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  1. Notice changes gently — fatigue, tearfulness, irritability, or withdrawal may be signs of overwhelm, not weakness.
  2. Ask open questions like, “How are you really feeling?” and listen without trying to fix it.
  3. Offer specific help: “Can I hold the baby while you nap?” “Can I bring dinner?” “Would you like company on a walk?”
  4. Avoid comparison — every parent’s experience is different.
  5. Encourage professional support if things feel heavy. Saying “It’s okay to ask for help” can be the invitation someone needs.

Knowledge truly is power. The more we understand about perinatal mental health, the better we can care for the mothers, fathers, and families we love.

You Deserve Support — and Healing Is Possible

At Red Door Pediatric Therapy, we love what we do — and it shows. Our perinatal occupational therapists blend compassionate care with real-life tools to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more confident in your daily life.

You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough.” Reaching out early is an act of strength — and one that helps your whole family thrive.

You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re finding your way — and we’re here to help.