The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Return to Work After Pregnancy Loss

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals participate in the ‘occupations’ of life. Occupations are not just jobs; they encompass all the activities we do to occupy our time and find meaning, including self-care, work, leisure, and social participation. For someone experiencing the aftermath of pregnancy loss, occupations can be profoundly disrupted. Grief, physical recovery, and emotional distress can impact a person’s ability to manage daily routines, return to work, engage in social activities, or pursue hobbies. Occupational therapists (OTs) address these challenges by providing support and strategies to help individuals rebuild their lives and engage in meaningful occupations again.

In the context of returning to work after pregnancy loss, OTs can play a crucial role in facilitating a safe and successful return. Here’s how:

1. Physical Rehabilitation

Pregnancy loss, especially when involving medical interventions like a D&C, can have physical repercussions. OTs can assess and address physical limitations such as pain, fatigue, and weakness, which can hinder work performance. They may provide interventions like:

• Ergonomic Assessments: OTs can evaluate the employee’s workstation and make recommendations to optimize posture, reduce strain, and prevent further discomfort.
• Activity Modification: OTs can help individuals modify work tasks or routines to accommodate physical limitations, promoting a gradual return to full duties.
• Energy Conservation Techniques: OTs can teach strategies to manage fatigue and prioritize tasks, enabling employees to conserve energy throughout the workday.

2. Emotional and Mental Health Support

The emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss can be significant, affecting mood, motivation, feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and overall well-being. OTs recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and can provide support through:

• Coping Strategies: OTs can help individuals develop coping mechanisms to manage grief, anxiety, and stress related to returning to work.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: OTs can introduce mindfulness practices and relaxation exercises to promote emotional regulation and reduce stress.
• Communication Strategies: OTs can help employees develop effective communication skills to express their needs and boundaries to employers and colleagues.

3. Cognitive Rehabilitation

Cognitive difficulties such as brain fog, decreased concentration, and memory problems are common after pregnancy loss. OTs can assess and address these challenges through:

• Cognitive Strategies: OTs can teach strategies to improve focus, attention, memory, and organizational skills.
• Time Management and Prioritization: OTs can assist with time management techniques and help individuals prioritize tasks to manage workload effectively.
• Stress Management: OTs can provide education on stress management techniques to minimize the impact of stress on cognitive function.

4. Gradual Return-to-Work Planning

OTs are skilled in developing and implementing gradual return-to-work plans. Recognizing that recovery from pregnancy loss is a highly individualized process, these plans can be carefully tailored to each employee’s unique physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. A gradual return to work plan allows employees to slowly reintegrate into the workplace, progressively increasing their responsibilities, task complexity, and work hours as they regain their confidence and stamina. This phased approach is vital in preventing burnout, minimizing stress, and promoting a sustainable return to work, ensuring the employee feels supported and not overwhelmed during their healing journey.

5. Workplace Advocacy and Consultation

OTs can act as a liaison between the employee, employer, and other healthcare professionals. They can provide education and recommendations to employers on creating a supportive work environment for employees returning after pregnancy loss, including:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: OTs can advocate for flexible work options such as modified hours, remote work, or job sharing to accommodate individual needs.
• Reasonable Accommodations: OTs can recommend reasonable accommodations to the work environment or job tasks, based on individualized assessment of an employee’s physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, to support the employee’s successful return.
• Education and Awareness: OTs can provide education to employers and colleagues on the impact of pregnancy loss and the importance of providing a supportive and understanding workplace.

Returning to work after pregnancy loss is a deeply personal journey, and as my own experience highlighted, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Occupational therapy offers a holistic and individualized approach to support employees in navigating this challenging time. By addressing the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of recovery, OTs can empower individuals to return to work with confidence and well-being. Ultimately, my hope is that through increased awareness and support, workplaces can evolve to provide the compassionate and understanding environment that every employee deserves following such a profound loss.

To read Lauren’s personal story please click here.