Bring maternal and infant health to the main stage
Dr. Hayley Chrzastowski, OTD, OTR/L, CEIM, teaches clinicians, students and families how occupational therapy changes outcomes for mothers and babies. Evidence-based, practical, and grounded in more than a decade of practice and research.
Speaking at a glance
18 professional presentations since 2013, including 6 sessions at AOTA's national conference, with audiences of occupational therapists, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, public health professionals, physicians, students and parents.
As heard at: AOTA INSPIRE · APHA Annual Meeting · Gravens Conference on the High-Risk Infant · Division for Early Childhood International Conference · Virginia ACNM · Virginia, Arizona and Missouri OT Associations · Bay Path University
Signature talks
Each talk can be delivered as a keynote, a 1–3 hour continuing-education course, a hospital grand rounds or in-service, or a webinar, and is tailored to your audience.
OT + Midwifery: A Collaborative Care Model for Mothers and Babies
How an OT practice and a midwifery birth center built shared referrals, continuity of care and a community for families, and how your team can do the same. For midwives, nurses, public health and OT. Presented at APHA, Virginia ACNM and Virginia OTA.
Treating the Dyad: Mother and Infant as One Client
A framework for supporting the co-occupations of the mother-infant dyad, with interventions practitioners can use the next day. For OTs, NICU and pediatric teams, and OT programs. Presented at AOTA INSPIRE 2026.
Feeding the Dyad: OT's Role in Lactation and Breast and Bottle Feeding
Where occupational therapy fits beside lactation support, from oral-motor skills and positioning to maternal recovery, grounded in Hayley's published research on breast milk and preterm infants. For lactation consultants, early intervention and pediatric therapists. Presented to the Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition, Arizona OTA and the Gravens Conference.
Early Pelvic Floor Recovery after Cesarean and Vaginal Birth
Why an OT evaluation before hospital discharge improves physical recovery, and what to teach about breath, body mechanics and protecting the incision. For labor and delivery, postpartum and rehab teams. Presented at Women's & Children's Grand Rounds.
The Role of OT in Maternal Health
An introduction to an emerging practice area and the path from clinical practice to private practice. For OT programs and student associations. Presented at Bay Path University and Northern Arizona University.
Your Core Is a System, Not a Muscle
An experiential talk on breath, the pelvic floor and reconnecting with your body. For Pilates and fitness studios, parent groups and wellness events.
Ways to work together
Conference keynote · CE short course (1–3 hours) · Hospital grand rounds and in-services · University guest lecture · Panel discussion · Webinar · Podcast guest · Community workshop
Past engagements
2026
AOTA INSPIRE, Anaheim, CA — Transforming Lives Together: Supporting Mother-Infant Dyads Across OT Settings
2025
AOTA INSPIRE, Philadelphia, PA — Exploring & Facilitating Maternal Well-being in Pregnancy & Motherhood
2024
APHA Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN — Bridging Expertise, Enhancing Care: An Interdisciplinary Model of Midwifery and OT
Bay Path University, Hot Topics in Healthcare — The Role of OT in Maternal Health
2023
Virginia ACNM Midwifery Forward Symposium and Virginia OTA Annual Conference — A Collaborative Care Model between an OT Practice and Midwifery Birth Center
Arizona OTA — The OT's Role with Breast and Bottle Fed Infants
Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, Women's & Children's Grand Rounds — Early Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation after Cesarean and Vaginal Birth
2022
Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition — Supporting Lactation, Maternal and Infant Health
Northern Arizona University — OT's Role with Maternal and Infant Populations
2013–2017
AOTA Annual Conference (2015, 2016, 2017) — a 3-hour short course and three posters on international service learning and low-tech assistive devices
Gravens Conference on the High-Risk Infant (first-author research), Division for Early Childhood International Conference and Missouri OTA — breast milk, breastfeeding and infant development
Media
Athena's Bump podcast guest · Maternal Health OT live sessions and guest lectures
Meet Dr. Hayley Chrzastowski
Hayley earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she researched the benefits of breast milk for premature infants under Dr. Bobbi Pineda. That work is published in The Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing.
She has built NICU programs in Nairobi, Kenya, led OT teams in Guatemala, and worked in NICU and women's acute care in Virginia. In 2020 she founded WILD OT in Fredericksburg, an integrative maternal and infant OT practice, and she co-founded Maternal Health OT to grow the field nationally.
Book Hayley for your event
Tell us about your audience, format and date. Fees vary by format, length and travel. Reduced rates are available for nonprofits and student groups.
Email info@wild-ot.com or use the request form below.