When Armi Grace Petersen became a mother, she quickly learned how isolating early parenthood can be. She is now determined to make sure other women do not experience those struggles alone.
Petersen, a postpartum and infant occupational therapist from Orland Park, founded Motivated OT Mama in January 2024. She said the practice grew directly from her own journey through motherhood.
“I founded Motivated OT Mama from my own experiences as a mom navigating the isolation, challenges, and mental health ups and downs of motherhood,” she said. “As the first of my friends and family to have a baby, I struggled with postpartum anxiety, a miscarriage, and later postpartum depression, all while learning to balance milestones, breastfeeding, and my evolving identity as a mother. These experiences, combined with my nine years as an occupational therapist, showed me firsthand how crucial support and guidance are for parents, especially moms.”
Motivated OT Mama provides in-home and virtual services for pregnant and postpartum moms, infants, and toddlers. Petersen leads community mom-and-baby playgroups, offers one-on-one support, and provides evidence-based guidance on infant development, maternal mental health, feeding, starting solids, oral ties, babywearing, and parent education. She said her mission is to create safe, judgment-free spaces where parents feel confident, supported, and connected.
Group programs are held at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park, the Burr Ridge Birth Center in Burr Ridge, and Le Village Cowork on Old Route 66 in Lyons.
Petersen said offering these services carries deep personal meaning. “Healing, I am providing the support and education I wish I had during my early years of motherhood,” she said. “Creating this space allows parents to feel seen, supported, and confident as they navigate infant development, feeding, mental health, and their evolving identities.”
She added that combining her clinical background with her lived experience has made the work especially meaningful. “I am grateful that through Motivated OT Mama, I can support families in practical and joyful ways,” she said. “Knowing that a parent leaves feeling less isolated and more confident is the most rewarding part of this work.”
Many families are unfamiliar with the role occupational therapy can play in maternal and infant care. Petersen welcomes questions and offers complimentary 15-minute phone consultations to parents who want to learn whether her services may be helpful.
To inquire about services email armigrace@motivatedotmama.com, call or text 708-517-0354. For upcoming groups and event visit www.motivatedotmama.com or follow @motivatedotmama on social media.
“Motherhood is hard,” she said. “Getting support should not be.”
