Perceived Changes in Occupational Participation and Quality of Life Among First-Time Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

First-time motherhood involves changes in daily occupations, routines, roles, and quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study examined perceived changes in occupational participation and their associations with QoL among 120 first-time mothers of infants aged 1 to 12 months. The sample was predominantly partnered, highly educated, urban, and employed before becoming mothers. Occupational participation was assessed using the Experiencing Day-to-Day Life Questionnaire (EDLQ), a Do-Live-Well-informed measure of perceived changes in dimensions of occupational experience and activity patterns. QoL was assessed using the Maternal Postpartum QoL Questionnaire. Mothers reported perceived reductions in several dimensions of occupational experience and activity patterns, alongside perceived increases in meaning, routine, and pleasure and joy. Greater perceived reductions in dimensions of experience and activity patterns were associated with lower QoL (r = -.48 and r =-.52, respectively). Findings suggest that occupational participation may be a useful lens for understanding maternal QoL during the transition to first-time motherhood.