Maternal Wellbeing + Infant Development

A group program for hopeful, expecting, and new parents — grounded in occupational therapy

 

What is Maternal Wellbeing + Infant Development?

Maternal Wellbeing + Infant Development is a group program for parents, from the moment they start hoping to conceive through the end of the fourth trimester. Led by Rene Smey, OTR/L, the program brings an occupational therapy lens to one of life's biggest transitions — becoming a parent.

Occupational therapy looks at the everyday activities that make up a life, and helps people build the skills and routines to do them well. For new and expecting parents, that means practical, hands-on support for the two "jobs" happening at once: caring for a growing baby, and caring for yourself through the shift into parenthood.

Who This Is For

The program welcomes parents at every stage — whether you're just starting to think about growing your family, are deep in pregnancy, or are getting to know your new baby. As the group grows, cohorts naturally form around shared stages — like pregnancy or new parenthood — so you're alongside others in a similar season of life.

What You'll Gain

Steadier days. Learn simple ways to read your own stress signals and your baby's, so you can settle into calmer, more predictable routines together.

Confidence in the everyday. From feeding and sleep to soothing and play, walk away with practical strategies you can use immediately — not just information to remember later.

A felt sense of connection. Bonding doesn't just happen — it's built through small, repeated moments. This group gives you the tools and the time to build them.

Support that grows with you. As your baby's needs change, so does the group's focus — from your own wellbeing in pregnancy to navigating your baby's development after birth.

A community, not just a class. You'll be alongside other parents asking the same questions and reaching the same milestones, together.

What to Expect

The group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings in a small-group setting at our Ketchum office. Sessions are warm and hands-on — part conversation, part practice — so you leave with something you can use that same day.

As the program grows, cohorts will take shape organically around where families are — pregnancy, the early postpartum weeks, or beyond — so you'll always be with others in a similar stage.

Your Path Through the Program

There's no single "right" entry point:

1. Preconception & Early Pregnancy — building a foundation before baby arrives

2. Later Pregnancy — preparing your body, routines, and mindset

3. Fourth Trimester — the early weeks and months of getting to know your baby

4. Beyond — continued support as your baby grows and develops

Investment

This program is currently offered as a free pilot, and we're glad to offer it at no cost while we grow together. Paid programming will follow, with founding-member pricing for families who join us during this pilot phase — our way of saying thank you for growing this with us from the start.

Meet Rene

Rene Smey, OTR/L, created this program to bring the practical, whole-family focus of occupational therapy to the perinatal period — supporting the skills, routines, and connection that help both parent and baby thrive.

Join Us

Curious whether this program is right for you? We'd love to meet you.

Wood River Wellness Institute

160 W 7th St, Suite 2C, Ketchum, ID 83340 

ot@woodriverwellnessinstitute.com · (208) 428-8444

Walk-ins always welcome.