Occupational Therapy During Breastfeeding

Author: Bärbel Aab, occupational therapist, IBCLC

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a key occupation in the lives of mother and child right at the beginning of parenthood. It is a shared activity with motor, sensory, emotional and social dimensions. Occupational therapists can support breastfeeding mothers facing particular challenges, such as illness and/or disability, by helping them to achieve their individual goals, overcome barriers and participate fully in society.

This article outlines the fundamentals of occupational therapy, highlights the specific needs of breastfeeding parents with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and examines the role of occupational therapy in child development. Particular attention is paid to regulatory difficulties, sensory processing issues, motor development problems and families with neurodivergent members. The article also highlights the eligibility of occupational therapy for prescription and the potential for collaboration between lactation consultants and occupational therapists.

Keywords: occupational therapy, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, interdisciplinary approach

How to cite: Aab B: Occupational Therapy During Breastfeeding. How Occupational Therapists Can Provide Additional Support to Breastfeeding Dyads in Challenging Situations. Lactation & Breastfeeding 2026;2:04.

Author Information and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Bärbel AabBärbel Aab is an occupational therapist, has been an IBCLC since 2014, is a Neurodiversity Lactation Specialist and has her own practice in Regenstauf, Germany.
The author declares that she has no conflicts of interest or financial relationships with commercial products.