My Story

I came to this work as both an occupational therapist and a mother whose understanding of pregnancy and early parenthood has been shaped by deeply personal experiences.

During my first pregnancy in 2022, I experienced the loss of my daughter, Holly, following a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency. That experience profoundly shaped how I understand pregnancy, grief, and the complexity of identity during motherhood. It also reinforced for me that pregnancy and postpartum are not universally joyful experiences; they are often marked by uncertainty, vulnerability, and emotional complexity that can significantly impact daily functioning.

My subsequent pregnancy in 2024 further expanded this perspective as I navigated a high-risk journey that included medical monitoring, physical limitations, and unexpected changes to my birth and postpartum experience. Becoming an exclusive pumper after early feeding challenges deepened my understanding of how closely feeding, recovery, rest, and regulation are tied to a parent’s sense of stability and self.

These experiences do not define my work, but they have meaningfully informed it. They strengthen my clinical perspective on how pregnancy and early parenthood can reshape routines, roles, identity, and nervous system regulation in ways that are often overlooked in traditional care models.

At Tender Beginnings Maternal Occupational Therapy, my goal is to provide evidence-based, individualized support that helps parents navigate these transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion so they feel more supported not only in caring for their baby, but also in caring for themselves.