Maternal Role Transition: A Quality of Life Frame of Reference for Mothering After NICU

Occupational therapists are uniquely skilled to address the needs of a new mother and the infant during transition to motherhood, as acquisition of this new role may cause a role strain with other previously held roles. New mothers to infants requiring a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization experience additional stressors and considerations during this role transition. The Maternal Role Transition (MRT) Frame of Reference is a novel, community-based approach to facilitate attainment and integration of mothering occupations and address role strain during the perinatal period. MRT is rooted in the theoretical foundations of Maternal Role Attainment Theory, Self Efficacy Theory, and Attachment Theory. The purpose of the MRT is to provide guidelines for intervention to promote a sense of self-efficacy and occupational balance in the maternal-child dyad. MRT aims to promote health and well being through successful integration of new mothering occupations and activities into daily routine for optimal physical and psycho-social functioning of mother and child.