Adapting the nest
Nurturing the bond
Are you an expecting parent who feels overwhelmed by the upcoming months as you prepare for your baby’s arrival? Are you seeking some insight into those first few postpartum weeks?
Join my FREE Google-meet discussion, led by a pediatric OT. Meet other parents as you have the opportunity to share concerns, learn from each other, and ask questions in a supportive environment.
Join us for a judgement-free, educational, and positive conversation with other expecting parents as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Topics include: Nursery Essentials, Hospital Prep, Important Conversations, Tips for Recovery, Feeding/Pumping, Daily Routines, Age-appropriate play, Mental Health & Wellness.
Nest&Nurture OT
My story
Alyssa Caflun, OTD, OTR/L
Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health, Boston University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions
My name is Alyssa Caflun, and I have been an Occupational Therapist since November of 2021. I have always had an interest in pediatrics and sensory integration, which initially led me down the occupational therapy career path. Then, just as I was preparing for my clinical fieldwork placements, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I was forced to pivot into the acute care world as the pediatric placements were no longer taking students. Therefore, I now have a strong background working in the acute care setting, both in hospitals and rehabs.
When I became a mom in April of 2025, my priorities completely changed. My focus shifted away from the acute care setting and instead toward infant development and the postpartum journey. My own postpartum experience inspired me to take related courses, seek OT mentors in this niche field, and communicate with new parents regarding the challenges of the “fourth trimester.” The more I continue to learn, the more passionate I become about helping new parents and their babies with navigating this difficult, rewarding, and beautiful time.
Sometimes, making small adaptations to the family’s daily routine and/or environment is all you need to overcome a particular challenge. Therefore, I offer 30 minute conversations with parents to help determine if your family’s specific challenges require additional skilled occupational therapy (OT) evaluation and treatment, or if you only require some professional insight for a '“quick fix.” If after our conversation you decide to continue with my services, I will apply the $50 Family Screening fee toward the fee for the Initial Evaluation.
This 60-minute, in-person Initial Evaluation is more than just a checklist; it’s a comprehensive deep dive into your dyad’s unique rhythm. I will look beyond the surface to assess oral motor function (including tongue/lip/cheek ties), neuromotor symmetry (torticollis/plagiocephaly), and sensory processing. Because the postpartum experience is a shared one, I also evaluate your daily routines and maternal wellness to ensure the “nest” is as supportive as possible. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for enhancing the bond with your baby through successful feeding, reaching developmental milestones, and participating in purposeful play.
These are 45-minute, in-person OT interventions focused on your family’s specific goals determined from the Initial Evaluation. My treatment approach includes but is not limited to:
Oral Rehabilitation: Pre- and post-op care for tongue, lip, and cheek ties to ensure functional feeding.
Feeding Support: Ergonomic positioning for the dyad during breastfeeding sessions; optimizing the feeding environment through the introduction of specific tools and strategies to make feedings as relaxing as possible; safely transitioning baby from milk —> purees —> solids.
Bodywork & Movement: Manual techniques and therapeutic play with emphasis on the sensory systems to address torticollis, plagiocephaly, and motor delays.
Routine Integration: Practical strategies to weave therapeutic activities and exercises into your daily routine.
Postpartum Support: Ergonomic and wellness coaching for mom to prevent burnout and physical strain
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Why did I decide to shift from the hospital setting to creating my own business?
When I had my son in April of 2025, we faced a few challenges of our own.
A NICU stay, lactation and latch issues, physical pain from childbirth, hormone fluctuations, and so many differing opinions from friends and family.
I felt completely overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. I had so many questions that I previously thought would come second nature to me.
How do I feed my baby? Should he be on a specific feeding and sleeping schedule? How much should he be eating in one feeding? Do I need to supplement nursing with formula? What about wake windows? Where do I even start in my recovery journey?
Luckily, I had SOME foundational knowledge from OT school, and I knew how to conduct proper research to get me through this time. It was definitely a challenge to block out the background noise- the Reddit opinions, all of the advice from family and friends- and stick to the evidence-based research.
When I look back to those early weeks, I remember feeling all kinds of emotions- stress, fear, anxiety, self doubt, etc. But it also has the most beautiful and cherished memories. Each month brought on new accomplishments, and I kept saying to myself “this is my favorite month.”
The more I researched, the more interested I was to learn more. It reignited this spark inside of me that reminded me why I wanted to become an OT in the first place. It all started with pediatrics.
Now, my hope is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, research-based, and holistic space for parents to feel more comfortable as they navigate their postpartum journey with their newest family member.
If you or someone you know may relate to these feelings as a new parent, Nest & Nurture may be able to help!