Jess Draper, OTR/L, CBS, EP-C 

• Holistic Infant & Toddler Occupational Therapist

• Pelvic Floor Therapist ​

• Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (and aspiring IBCLC)

 

Hali’a Therapeutics was born out of necessity.

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When my daughter was born with a tongue-tie, body tension, oral motor dysfunction, and breastfeeding difficulties, I struggled to find anyone in the Eugene community who could holistically assess and treat her whole body and sensory systems with a root-cause collaborative mindset. I needed someone to guide me through the process, offering tangible techniques to improve our feeding relationship. I wanted someone who would truly hear me and give me clear, actionable steps. Since I couldn’t find that kind of support locally, I began working with providers outside of Eugene, but I knew this community deserved more accessible, comprehensive care.

 

As an Occupational Therapist with experience in pediatric sensory clinics, a Level 1 trauma ICU, and feeding clinics, I immediately dove deeper into understanding the intricacies of breastfeeding. Before my daughter turned 6 months old, I had completed over 100 hours of continuing education. I also enrolled in an IBCLC mentorship program, where I collaborated on thousands of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding sessions with families across the world. I was fortunate to learn 1:1 from some of the leading experts in lactation and infant development.

 

 While attending graduate school at the University of Southern California back in 2012, I was offered a somewhat rare opportunity to be mentored by a pelvic floor PT in adult rehabilitation.I have used this knowledge in all of my practice areas since. During my labor I experienced some complications resulting in tearing of my hip muscles and dislocating my pelvis. While I had the knowledge to rehabilitate myself, I didn't want to be my own OT. However that's exactly what I ended up doing because again... pelvic floor therapy resources in Eugene were lacking. 

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There simply is not enough support for birthing parents, new families, and infant development or feeding. 

 

Hali’a Therapeutics has allowed me to merge these two areas of expertise: supporting infant development and providing pelvic floor rehabilitation for birthing parents. I offer holistic, root-cause care through preventative birth preparation, lactation education, and therapeutic interventions to help families thrive.

 

For expectant parents, I provide personalized birth preparation sessions designed to protect the pelvic floor and promote a positive birth experience. My approach helps pregnant individuals prepare their bodies for labor, addressing common concerns such as pelvic floor relaxation, perineal massage, and optimal birthing positions. I also teach techniques to prevent injury during birth and support postpartum recovery, helping you feel empowered and confident as you prepare to welcome your baby.

 

Whether your goal is to safeguard your pelvic floor during labor, reduce pain, or ensure a smooth postpartum recovery, I am here to guide you through every step of the journey.