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:
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