Exploring Self-Care Among Postpartum Women Recovering From Substance Use Disorders

Self-care is central to occupational therapy (OT), yet its role among postpartum women navigating substance use disorder (SUD) recovery remains under-researched. This mixed-methods study examined self-care performance among postpartum women and explored self-care experiences during SUD recovery. We analyzed Barkin Index for Maternal Functioning (BIMF) self-care items among postpartum women with and without SUD (N = 141). Descriptive statistics and regression analyses examined associations between participant characteristics, SUD diagnosis, and self-care. Interviews with women with SUD (n = 22) underwent deductive thematic analysis grounded in Orem's self-care theory. Overall, 34.0% of participants had a SUD; the mean self-care score was 13.56 (SD = 3.93). Self-care scores did not differ significantly by SUD diagnosis (p = .370), but children's daycare attendance was associated with lower self-care (p = .015). Qualitatively, women described self-care as an effort to maintain stability, well-being, and recovery. Patient-centered OT services are critical for supporting self-care among postpartum women navigating SUD recovery.