About Nurture Occupational Therapy
Lisa Westhorpe
MSc Occupational Therapy, OTR
Hi! I'm Lisa, a masters-level qualified occupational therapist and mum of two who has a passion for supporting women during their transition to motherhood. Originally from the UK, I moved to California in 2014, where I lived with my husband and two young daughters, before moving back to the UK in late 2021. After the birth of my daughters, and my (not always positive!) experiences in the postnatal period, I realized that my occupational therapy skills were a perfect fit to support new moms.
My background in pediatrics and running groups within a variety of practice settings gave me a great starting point to develop a new mom-focused service. From 2016 onwards, I developed my skills in maternal health, becoming certified as a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and taking continuing education courses in maternal mental health, ergonomics and occupational performance coaching.
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I founded Nurture Occupational Therapy in 2019, two months after the birth of my second daughter, to provide connection, empowerment and support for women during their transition to motherhood and beyond.
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After working with moms 1:1, I noticed there was a lack of supportive networks that could help moms in their motherhood transition. This issue was particularly highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. My practice now focuses on connecting mums through online Growing Together mom and baby groups, where moms can find support and evidence-based information, as well as the opportunity to connect with other new moms and gain confidence in their new parenting role.
I'm also incredibly passionate about supporting more occupational therapists to work in maternal health and support new moms using their skills and knowledge, and I offer a free online ‘Starting Out In Maternal Health’ video course. My online program, OTs In Maternal Health: How To Run Mom & Baby Groups As An OT, supports other occupational therapists how to run mom and baby groups, and I offer mentoring to occupational therapists who are interested in working in this area of practice, or want to expand their offerings in maternal health.
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My aim is to make sure that all mamas have the support and information they need to stay well during pregnancy, the postnatal period, and beyond.
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