Uncovering Occupational Therapy’s Role in Addressing Postpartum Anxiety: A Scoping Review

Background: Occupational therapists are qualified to provide needed support for individuals experiencing postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression is a more well known and researched disorder; however, postpartum anxiety is theorized to be more prevalent and less discussed (Nakić et al., 2018; Zappas et al., 2021). The objective of this scoping review is to find the themes in the literature highlighting the unique settings, assessments, and interventions used to support individuals with postpartum anxiety. Methods: A literature search was conducted from Scopus, Sage Journals, OTSeeker, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases. Twenty articles were found and selected for review. Results: Themes across articles highlighted settings, assessments, and interventions used by occupational therapists to support individuals experiencing postpartum anxiety. Specific interventions included cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, social support, exercise and meaningful activities, domains of occupation/performance patterns, sensory experiences, and emotional regulation and journaling. Conclusion: Occupational therapists are qualified to provide evidence-based holistic care for birthing parents experiencing postpartum anxiety.