ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a child-onset, neurodevelopmental condition, which often persists into adulthood.1
While for some people, symptoms may present challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood, many parents describe positive aspects of neurodivergence including: high levels of energy and drive, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, empathy, courage, resilience and spontaneity.
The estimated rate of ADHD is approximately 3.2% in adult women and 4.4% among gender-diverse adults who were assigned female at birth. 2
ADHD is increasingly being diagnosed in girls and women, with many diagnosed, or self-identifying with ADHD during the perinatal period.3
ADHD frequently overlaps with Autism, also known as AuDHD, with the combination resulting in unique needs.4
Some autistic expectant parents report feeling empowered, strong and capable during pregnancy. For others, communication challenges and unmet sensory needs can mean that they fail to receive adequate care.
Some autistic expectant parents report feeling empowered, strong and capable during pregnancy. For others, communication challenges and unmet sensory needs can mean they fail to receive proper care during this time.
Parents with ADHD have been found to experience higher levels of distress in the first year after having a baby, when compared with parents without ADHD.
A COPE 2026 survey highlighted that many neurodivergent parents were left feeling overwhelmed, dismissed, misunderstood and frustrated by a system repeatedly failing to make accomodations to meet their needs.
Emily (COPE, 2026)The combination of hormones and no sleep really intensified my ADHD symptoms. I didn't feel like I could remember or accomplish anything, or make decisions. All external stimuli amplified and I felt quite agoraphobic as it was too overwhelming to be anywhere with extra noise, lights or people around me
A 2026 COPE survey of neurodivergent individuals highlighted a number of challenges:
- The fluorescent lights, background noises and lack of quiet, private spaces to recover after birth
- Managing feeding and settling routines
- Coping with multiple medical appointments with various health professionals.
"I found it really hard to remember anything I was trying to keep track of e.g. when to take pain relief or how many wet nappies for baby etc. I needed help from my partner to remember any information from the MCHN visits. I think I found it harder to regulate emotions without medication and regular sleep." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Managing with reduced or disturbed sleep
- Disruption to usual routines and coping mechanisms which caused distress.
"All my coping mechanisms were gone. I used to sleep in the afternoon to manage my symptoms and to decompress but I couldn't do that home alone with a baby. I couldn't exercise, I didn't take my medication in case it was passed through the breastmilk. I had no structure, my husband and I were fighting as I was in a constant state of panic, and it came out as anger. I didn't recognise myself or my life." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Boredom and limited stimulation/variety in early parenthood.
- Sensory sensitivities around breastfeeding and noise such as the baby's crying.
"Being organised, keeping track of time windows and routines, keeping myself fed and hydrated. Underlying everything, was a template of "not good enough" that had been formed through years of failing to meet mine and others' expectations (impacted by ADHD). This meant I was constantly and unnecessarily hard on myself." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Feeling misunderstood, dismissed or not taken seriously by health professionals.
- Some reported feeling judged and worried about disclosing their diagnosis for fear of stigma and how it would impact their care.
ADHD has been associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression in the year following birth. People with ADHD are five times more likely to develop anxiety and/or depression after having a baby. This is why it is important to monitor for possible symptoms.
"I struggled severely. I didn't like being told 'trust your instincts' and 'read baby's cues'. I felt I couldn't do this and the area was too grey. I like a yes or no answer and trusting myself was hard. I ended up with severe depression." - Hannah (COPE, 2026)
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Sarah MarshI sat with him and let him feed, but my mind would wander off to new things that needed pursuing while I had time off work. I thought about travelling the world with him, writing some stories as I went. Big and bright ideas would come into my mind, which needed to be actioned immediately. When I saw the psychologist who was treating me during the first year of my little boy’s life, she would say: “Stay with him, Sarah.” And her words would bring me back down to earth.
While not everyone will require additional support during early parenthood, there are a number of different options to consider, depending on your needs and preferences, to help you thrive.
A neuro-affirming approach doesn't try to "fix" or "change" neurodivergent people. Instead, it aims to provide supports, services and accommodations that are person-centred, trauma-informed and affirm neurodivergent identity and individual needs. (Department of Social Services, 2024).
CBT focuses on how thoughts can affect emotions, which, in turn can affect behaviour. CBT, adapted for neurodivergent individuals, and delivered by those with appropriate expertise can be particularly helpful to assist with time management, organisation and planning and with co-occuring conditions such as anxiety or depression. CBT should focus on individual strengths, values and interests, as well as challenges.
This type of talking therapy, adapted for individuals with ADHD, focuses on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal skills, and emotion regulation.
Mindfulness-based treatment is about paying attention in the present moment while not judging or being harsh on yourself. Mindfulness includes aspects of meditation like deep breathing and body scans, which focus on physical sensations throughout your body to improve your mind-body connection and management of feelings and emotions.
The goal of psychoeducation during the perinatal period is to help you, your family and friends understand the symptoms and treatments that are available. It also helps you to identify your strengths, existing resources and previously successful coping strategies
Psychoeducation also helps you gain awareness and understanding about any mental health conditions you might experience, and how to help you manage them.
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may also need or choose to take medicine.
As with all medications, it is important to speak with your health professional, and together weigh up the risks of the medication with the risks of untreated or not adequately treated ADHD, particularly if you are breastfeeding.
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor or a specialist in relation to the safe use of medication. It is important not to change or stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor.
Usually, it is recommended that both types of therapies (medical and non-medical) are provided for ADHD if your symptoms are severe and/or impact upon your ability to function well from day-to-day.
There are also medical and non-medical therapies that can be helpful for other conditions like depression and anxiety which commonly co-occur with ADHD.
Often people with ADHD have many strengths to help them manage the demands of early parenthood, including adaptability, resourcefulness, high energy and imagination, enthusiasm and creativity.
The capacity to hyperfocus is also seen as a significant advantage, enabling deep research and informed decision-making, particularly around breastfeeding and parenting.
At the same time, the many demands can increase stress.
Here are some tips and strategies other neurodivergent parents have found helpful.
- Use lists, calendars, timers and apps to help you remember things like appointments, medications, questions you want to ask of health professionals.
- Use visual flow charts or checklists to help with responding to your baby's needs.
- Consider taking someone with you to appointments or make notes/recordings to help you with questions or taking in the information.
It can be difficult to prioritise self-care and what this looks like will be different for everyone - depending on your needs, your energy levels and any other responsibilities or demands you're managing during .
- Some people find peer support helpful and validating, whether it's linking in with forums online or in-person groups
- Look after your sensory needs – using fidget toys can help improve your focus or channel excess energy. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones can be helpful to filter or reduce background noise.
- Take breaks, establish good sleeping patterns, eat nutritious food (including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lots of water), and try to exercise regularly.
- Practice self-compassion – be gentle on yourself. Try to not be self-critical or compare yourself with others.
"My advice would be to ask for help so that you can have a break and not to feel bad about taking time away to care for yourself. Being able to look after yourself is essential to be able to provide care for children. If you don't take time for yourself then you're less tolerant, so you end up being more sensitive to sensory stimulation and find it more challenging to regulate emotions. This can often result in you reacting to a situation in a way you don't like and end up beating yourself up for it. Time out for exercise, hobbies, even just some quiet time without someone climbing all over you can make a huge difference." Anon (COPE, 2026).
ADHD can impact your experience of parenthood and your mental health.
Ask for help when you need it - you don't have to struggle alone. There are neuroaffirming health professionals, many with lived experience, who can help.
SymonGive yourself permission to seek answers. Whether that means pursuing a diagnosis, reading up on ADHD or simply talking to someone who understands
"My ADHD makes motherhood a huge challenge, but it also gives me superpowers", by Sarah Marsh in The Guardian
The podcast Australian Birth Stories features several episodes exploring neurodivergence and new parenthood.
ADHD Foundation Australia's free helpline is available to anyone seeking accurate information, direction, services and support. Call 1300 39 39 19 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm AEST).
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