Diapers, dopamine & distractibility - ADHD in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood

ADHD Coach Katherine Sanders - ADHD Coach Katherine Sanders AACG

In this episode, ADHD Coach Katherine explores the unique challenges and changes women with ADHD may face during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. She shares her personal journey, emphasizing the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms and mental health, such as increased sensitivity to estrogen and progesterone levels, which can affect mood and brain function. Katherine also addresses the inequalities in healthcare and maternity leave, particularly affecting women of color, and the additional strain these disparities place on mental health. Offering practical advice, she suggests strategies for managing ADHD symptoms postpartum, such as adapting household organization to suit ADHD needs. Importantly, Katherine encourages open communication about mental health, the benefits of structured routines, and the importance of self-care and exercise for new parents with ADHD. This episode aims to empower women with ADHD through their pregnancy and parenting journey by acknowledging the challenges they face and providing supportive strategies to navigate them.

00:00 Welcome to the ADHD Journey: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond

00:08 Understanding ADHD's Impact on Pregnancy and Childbirth

02:50 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Their Effects

06:47 Preparing for Birth: Mindfulness and Expectations

09:19 The Postpartum Experience: Challenges and Support

12:49 Breastfeeding, Sleep, and Adjusting to New Parenthood

16:26 Navigating Motherhood with Neurodivergence

16:55 Finding Your Tribe: ADHD-Friendly Support Groups

17:36 Embracing Change and Seeking Support

17:49 Therapeutic Activities and Art Therapy

18:50 The Joy and Amazement of Parenthood

19:33 Managing ADHD as a New Parent

22:40 Household Organization and ADHD Strategies

23:57 Flexible Parenting and Meeting Your Child's Needs

25:28 Self-Care and Wellbeing for ADHD Parents

29:34 Looking Ahead: Next Episode Teaser

Connect with Katherine here:

Website

Instagram

Tiktok

Facebook

Youtube

LinkedIN

Threads

ADHD Babes - A peer led group for black women & non-binary people with ADHD - https://www.adhdbabes.com/

Post-Partum Support International - includes group for ADHD parents as well as Black, BIPOC, Hispanic and minority women in a large number of groups throughout the week - https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

- ADDISS (www.addiss.co.uk)

- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) (www.chadd.org)

- Attention Deficit Disorder Association (www.add.org)

- ADHD Australia (www.adhdaustralia.org.au)

- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (www.caddac.ca)

- United Kingdom:

- ADDISS