The Neurodivergent Birth Podcast

Today we're delighted to share this bonus episode with you which is all about synaesthesia, pregnancy and preparing for birth as a synaesthete; a person who experiences blended senses where one stimulation (e.g. sound) involuntarily triggers another (e.g, colour). Our guest is Maike Preißing, psychologist and host of the 'Let's Talk Synaesthesia' podcast. You can find out more about Maike's work at https://www.maikepreissing.com/ and by following on Instagram @maikepreissing.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to week 5 of '8 Weeks to Prepare for your ND Birth'!Today Victoria and Aileen White, founder of @mybirthsupportcic and ND Birth Training Practitioner, talk about navigating communication in maternity care as a neurodivergent person.We cover:Common communication challenges (medical jargon, implied questions, rushed conversations)Asking for clear, direct languageProcessing time: it's okay to say "I need time to think"Written vs verbal communication preferencesBuilding a communication preferences planUsing visual aids and written summariesAileen talks about the HEART acronym which can be helpful when asking for more processing time.H: Hear - "I hear what you're saying"E: Empathise - "and I know why you are recommending this"A: Affirm - "but I would like more time to consider ...." or "I would like to try this alternative."R: Reassure - "I’ll definitely let you know if anything changes/I'll get back to you"T: Thanks - "Thank you so much for supporting me and my baby.”You can find out more about Aileen and My Birth Support CIC at https://mybirth.org.uk/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today we're delighted to share this bonus episode with you which is all about neurodivergence, attachment and parenting. Our guest is Julianne Boutaleb, consultant perinatal psychologist and clinical director and founder of Parenthood In Mind, a provider of specialist perinatal psychology and psychotherapy services.You can find out more about Julianne's and the team's wonderful work and support services at https://www.parenthoodinmind.co.uk/ and by following on instagram @parenthoodinmindThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to week 4 of '8 Weeks to Prepare for your ND Birth'!Today Victoria explores different options for where to labour and birth, what you might wish to consider from an ND perspective, and what your rights are in relation to this topic.If you are considering birth on a labour ward or midwife-led unit, practical questions to ask include:Can I visit the unit before labour to familiarise myself with the environment?What is the lighting like — can it be dimmed?How noisy is it typically — is there a quieter room option?How many staff changes will there be during my labour?Can I bring my own items to make the environment feel more comfortable?What is your policy on birth partners — can I have more than one?How long can my birth partner stay? 4 hours? Reasonable adjustment from the baseline.If I find verbal communication difficult when I'm overwhelmed, how will you support me?What happens if I need to transfer — how long does that take, and who comes with me?If your enjoying this series we recommend you check out The ND Birth Prep Course, available at https://www.ndbirth.com/nd-birth-prep-courseThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to week 3 of '8 Weeks to Prepare for your ND Birth'!Today Victoria and Aimee Booth, trained nurse, health visitor, hypnobirthing practitioner and ND Birth Training Practitioner, discuss how to understand and communicate your sensory needs to those supporting you during labour and birth.You can find out more about Aimee's hypnobirthing and baby massage services in Manchester by following @karmababies_aimee or visiting www.karmababies.co.uk.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to the second week of '8 Weeks to Prepare for your ND Birth'!Today Victoria and Karen Henry, midwife, lecturer and ND Birth Training Practitioner, discuss how to prepare for your antenatal appointments as a neurodivergent person. Karen references some amazing videos from the Swansea University 'Autism: from Menstruation to Menopause' study which are linked below:https://youtu.be/AA3WWz7b3eo?si=aCRNH4e2r1Rk5IDghttps://youtu.be/6kv9zj2Aph4?si=6bME7GSdZTDc7fvHhttps://youtu.be/Y5mMvBQxcCA?si=TDGDMZTpYWRW6eVuThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Season 5 of The Neurodivergent Birth Podcast is here! This season we’re sharing something special… 8 weeks to prepare for your neurodivergent birth.Across the next 8 episodes, founder Victoria White and guests will guide you through some of the most important areas to consider when preparing for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood as a neurodivergent person.Topics include:✨ Your rights in maternity care✨ Understanding your sensory needs✨ Preparing for antenatal appointments✨ Navigating communication in maternity services✨ Choosing your place of birth✨ Preparing for labour and birth✨ The postnatal period✨ Feeding your babyWhether you’re currently pregnant, planning a family, or supporting someone who is - this season is designed to help you feel informed, confident and supported.Today we focus on laying the foundations in understanding your rights in maternity care.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk with Dr Frankie Harrison. Frankie is a clinical psychologist, a NICU mum and founder of Miracle Moon UK, which provides support and therapy for parents healing after NICU experiences and birth trauma.Frankie talks all about neurodivergent experiences of NICU and how important it is to have conversations antenatally about what it might be like if your baby has to spend any time on the neonatal unit, and how to support yourself.Frankie is kicking off our FREE to watch webinars during Neurodivergent Birth Awareness Week at 12pm on the 5th December all about this topic, so do head to ndbirth.com to register for free.And this is the final episode of this Season! We’ll be back in the new year with a new format and a new co-host so stay tuned. And thank you for all your support this year. See you in 2026!Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

In today's episode I speak with Ruby Osunsola, who is one of our new Training Practitioners at Neurodivergent Birth. Ruby shares her personal story of navigating the maternity system as a neurodivergent, Black single parent, with multiple health conditions.This is such an important conversation to listen to and reflect on, particularly if you are a maternity or perinatal professional. Please also check out Ruby's incredible article 'Spotlight on Noiredivergence: Navigating Black Neurodivergent in the UK birth space' at ndbirth.com/blogThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Victoria Warnes, founder and director of The Modern Antenatal Revolution, an award-winning organisation which offers antenatal education and antenatal teacher training with a refreshing focus on emotional wellbeing and mental health. We talk about the importance of feeling safe in antenatal education spaces in order for them to be truly accessible, and how important it is to prepare antenatally for the postnatal time.You can find out more about Victoria and The Modern Antenatal Revolution here:https://www.themodernantenatalrevolution.com/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Season 4 is back!And in today's episode I speak with Hayley Morgan and Sara King who are chair and vice-chair of the Maternity Austism Research Group (MARG) in the UK.We talk about their own personal journeys as autistic mothers, their PhD research into autistic experiences of maternity care, and the creation of MARG as a collective of autistic researchers and health professionals.Today (18th September 2025) marks the launch of MARG's Best Practice Guidelines for supporting Autistic women and birthing people in maternity and obstetric care, which can be found at this link:https://www.maternityautismresearchgroup.co.uk/guidelines Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

It's pod day and it's also book launch day!In this episode Victoria hosts a live recording of the podcast to celebrate the publication of 'Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters'.You can order a copy here:https://www.ndbirth.com/the-bookIn this episode we also talk about the work of MP DR Marie Tidball which you can read more about here https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2025/report-reveals-maternity-care-inequities-disabled-women-uk and the work of the Maternity Autism Research Group: https://www.maternityautismresearchgroup.co.uk/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to April Austin who is a doula, antenatal educator and Neurodiverse & Inclusivity Lead at The Perinatal Academy. We talk about supporting your sensory processing needs during the postnatal time, and how to navigate societal expectations when it comes to how you spend your time postnatally, whether that be by attending all the baby groups, or spending time at home.You can find out more about April's work at birthwithapril.com and theperinatalacademy.co.uk.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Candy Elsbeth all about asking for support during the postnatal time. We talk about executive functioning challenges during the postnatal time, and how to ask for the help and support you really need.Candy is a neurodivergent person and a Registered Nurse, antenatal and hypnobirthing educator, tongue tie specialist and yoga teacher. She supports parents and pregnant people to navigate their pregnancy and postpartum journeys so that they can make the decisions that are right for them and their unique families. You can find out more about Candy and their wonderful work at nourishingbirthandbeyond.co.ukThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

***Pre-order ‘Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters’ by Victoria White here:https://pinterandmartin.com/products/why-neurodivergent-birth-matters 10% of proceeds will go to our Doula Access Fund***Today I talk to antenatal educator and founder of Better Birth UK, Erin Fung, all about her late-in-life journey to receiving her autism diagnosis and much more. You can follow Erin's amazing birth work @betterbirthuk and her neurodivergent advocacy and awareness work @alt_audhd. Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk with Ella Jackson, infant feeding specialist midwife and IBCLC.We have a fascinating discussion about neurodivergence and advocating for your wishes when it comes to skin-to-skin, and the first hour of your baby’s birth aka the golden hour. Ella has completely transformed my thinking of this important time, and emphasis how key it is to watch and wait for our babies to show us they are ready to interact with their world. You can find out more about Ella and the wonderful work of the Maternity Autism Research Group here:https://www.maternityautismresearchgroup.co.uk/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

***Pre-order ‘Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters’ by Victoria White here:https://pinterandmartin.com/products/why-neurodivergent-birth-matters 10% of proceeds will go to our Doula Access Fund***Today I talk to clinical psychologist, author and mother, Dr Caroline Boyd. Our topic today is neurodivergence and the very human expeirnec of anger in the postpartum. We talk about what anger might be trying to tell us during the postnatal time, about the pressures from society telling us how to parent, and what Caroline refers to as the 3 r’s in anger management; regulate, reconnect and repair. This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating or about to head into their postpartum.Chartered clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd has over 10 years' experience working in the NHS and mental health settings, and she supports parents from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. Caroline offers anger courses, workshops and 1:1 therapy in her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub. Caroline is the author of Mindful New Mum, and her published research explores mothers' experiences of intrusive thoughts about their babies. Her work has been featured in You magazine, Grazia, the Telegraph and BBC R4’s Woman's Hour, and she’s an Ambassador for UK perinatal mental health charity, PANDAS. Caroline shares psychology ideas on Instagram and in the media to help parents feel less alone and more connected - to themselves and their children.You can reach Caroline at drcarolineboyd.com or via Instagram @_drboydCaroline offers a self-paced anger course for mothers (USE THE CODE “SPRINGSALE25” TO CLAIM YOUR £100 DISCOUNT):https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/maternal-rage-sign-upTake the anger quiz! Visit link below to discover how you express anger in relationships:https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/anger-quizIf this episode raises any concerns for you please talk to a trusted health professional such as your GP. You can also reach out to the services below:UK: PANDAS – 0808 1961 776Samaritans – 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)For emergency help – call 999 or visit your local A&E department Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk with registered midwife, adjunct Professor and public speaker Alixandra Bacon, and Master ADHD and pregnancy coach Dusty Chipura, all about supporting your ADHD during the postpartum. They bring their personal stories and professional perspectives to the conversation.You can find more about the amazing resource they have created 'The ADHD and Postpartum Workbook' here:https://www.vancouveradhdcoaching.com/downloads/postpartum-workbook/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Tania Frogoso, aka The Grateful Doula. Tania offers doula services, perinatal coaching and trauma-informed counselling in-person in Malaga, Spain, and online worldwide.We discuss her exploration of her own neurodivergence, and why emotional planning for the postnatal time during pregnancy is such a key part of postnatal preparation.You can find out more about the wonderful work Tania does here: https://www.thegratefuldoula.nl/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I'm delighted to welcome Dr Sophie Messager, doula, mentor, educator, drummer and author of my favourite postnatal book: 'Why Postnatal Recovery Matters' (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Postnatal-Recovery-Matters-Pinter-Martin/dp/178066625X).We talk about her own experiences as a mum to neurodivergent children and a late-diagnosed ADHD woman, how to navigate the societal pressures on postnatal experiences to be a certain way, and how to tap into your intuition to find out what works for you and your family.You can follow Sophie and find out more about her work on Instagram @sophie_messager, Facebook @TheSophieMessager and via www.sophiemessager.com.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Hello and welcome to Season 4!I'm delighted to welcome Sunday Times Bestselling Author, ND Advocate and Content Queen Lisa Lloyd, aka ASD with a G&T, to the pod today.You can find out more about Lisa on Facebook @ASDwithGandT, Instagram @asd_with_a_g_and_t and TikTok @asd.with.a.g.and.tLisa's book 'Raising the Sen-Betweeners' is available at most bookshops and here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Raising-SEN-Betweeners-bestselling-parenting-between-ebook/dp/B0CYJ6GCJP?ref_=ast_author_mpbThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

As we work away preparing for Season 4, we just couldn't wait to bring this bonus episode to you from Season 3, to celebrate the release of Emily's book 'Breastfeeding, Autism and ADHD: Understanding extra support needs and positives for the Autistic or ADHD breastfeeding mother, parent and child'.Emily Lunny is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), autistic mother and mother to autistic children. She has specialised for many years in supporting parents to breastfeed their autistic children, also regularly speaking and writing on the topic of autism in pregnant or breastfeeding women and parents. Her new book really is the first of its kind on this topic, and written for both professionals and parents who want to improve their understanding of the challenges of breastfeeding for autistic and ADHD women and people, and those breastfeeding an autistic child.You can purchase Emily's book here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breastfeeding-Autism-ADHD-Understanding-breastfeeding/dp/B0DR878VD7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17NSTPYQR0TJ9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AixiwbcVpbuKJpmQECYIqi2Yy1xRTWe9mvu5z61CpALlB5OG-RSvSsh6w12FT1ck.ykOgulEOp1uk6lhcPaFIT6SyMEbkbx0N6b6PqT4iXMo&dib_tag=se&keywords=emily+lunny+breastfeeding&qid=1739374067&sprefix=emily+lunn%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Join me for a summary of the season as I reflect on the importance of celebrating diversity in perinatal experiences, and the positives associated with neurodivergent pregnancy, birth and postnatal journeys.See you in 2025 for Season 4! If you would like to participate or nominate a potential guest, you can get in touch at [email protected] you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk with Dr Emma Svanberg, clinical psychologist, author, founder of The Psychology Co-operative and co-founder of Make Birth Better CIC.We talk about her own experiences as an autistic woman with ADHD, understanding birth trauma in the context of neurodivergence, and the evolving awareness and understanding of neurodivergence within perinatal mental health services.Emma references the white paper by the Autistic Girls Network; 'Autism, Girls & Keeping It All Inside' which you can access here:https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Keeping-it-all-inside.pdfThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Kimberley Ashwin. Kimberley is an Autism Consultant Nurse and CEO of Autism Oxford. In this episode she shares her experience of the perinatal time from her perspective as a dyslexic person, and shares her tips for introducing a new baby into a neurodivergent family.You can find out more about the work that Autism Oxford do at https://autismoxford.com/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Rebecca Schiller. Rebecca is an author, a women’s rights campaigner, co-founder, former trustee and  CEO of the human rights charity Birthrights and an occasional journalist. She also supports writers as a coach and mentor. Today we talk about her own neurodivergent experience and the topic of birth rights in a neurodivergent context. There is also an exciting announcement towards the end of the episode so stay tuned for that!You can find out more about Rebecca and her work at https://www.rebeccaschiller.co.uk/.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Jessica McCabe is the creator, writer, and star of the award-winning, YouTube channel How to ADHD https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd. Since its founding in 2015, How to ADHD has grown to over one and a half million subscribers. Jessica is author of The New York Times Bestseller: How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It). In her book, Jessica reveals the insights and tools that have changed her life, and offers expert-backed guidance for adapting your environment, routines and systems to work with the ADHD brain.Jessica is currently 6 months postpartum after the birth of her daughter, and in today's episode we talk all about her birth, her experience of postnatal depression and anxiety, and the support that has helped her during the postnatal time.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Leah Lewin, aka the perinatal specialist. Leah is a birth worker and consultant with extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, birth trauma, perinatal mental health, and obstetric violence.In this episode we discuss intersectionality and perinatal experiences, with neurodivergence being just one facet of a person's identity, and how intergenerational trauma impacts these experiences. You can find out more about Leah's work at https://www.theperinatalspecialist.com/ and on Instagram @theperinatalspecialist.Leah references the book 'Postraumatic Slave Syndrome' by Dr Joy DeGruy https://www.joydegruy.com/ in the episode.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Anna Le Grange is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Registered Paediatric Nurse, Mindfulness teacher and Author. She has worked with new families for over 20 years in a variety of clinical roles brings her passion for psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness into her lactation work.  Today we discuss her experiences living in a neurodivergent family, and how mindful breastfeeding tools and techniques can be beneficial to neurodivergent families.You can find out more about the Supporting Neurodivergent Lactation workshop here: https://www.themindfulbreastfeedingschool.com/offers/p9FdAgY9/checkoutThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

In today's episode I speak with Sally Bunkham, Communications and Development manager for UK charity PANDAS, who exist to support people suffering from perinatal mental illness including anxiety and depression. We talk about Sally’s experiences as a mother of neurodivergent children, and the increased risk of postnatal mood disorders within the ND community.WARNING: Please note this episode includes open and honest accounts of experiences of PND including self-harm. The studies referenced in the podcast episode can be found here:https://molecularautism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13229-019-0304-2https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1767068/FULLTEXT01.pdfhttps://www.jognn.org/article/S0884-2175(21)00254-9/fulltextYou can find our more about PANDAS and their support services at https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/, and you can listen to their podcast episode about rage with Dr Caroline Boyd here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rage-ft-dr-caroline-boyd-how-normal-is-anger-when/id1756488171?i=1000662291969Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I speak with Grace Walker who is an EFT Practitioner, reiki energy healer and coach. Grace talks about motherhood in her neurodivergent family, and the power of EFT tapping for regulating her own, and her children's nervous systems.You can find out more about Grace's work and tapping at https://www.withgracewellness.com/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I chat to Erin Fung of Better Birth UK (https://www.better-birth.co.uk/). Erin is a neurodivergent mum of 3, an antenatal educator, hypnobirthing teacher and guest lecturer on the midwifery course at Greenwich University.Today we talk about her own experience of the postnatal time, her perspective on neurodivergent experiences of induction and how to prepare for an induction process. The blog post the Erin refers to regarding your right to record appointments can be accessed here.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I chat with Megan Griffith who is an AuDHDer, neurodiversity coach and founder of The Neurocuriosity Club https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/ Instagram @theneurodiversityclub.We discuss her own perinatal experiences, including her twin pregnancy and birth, the challenges of executive dysfunction, and what neurodiversity life coaching is.The paper that Megan refers to in the episode can be accessed here.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

In today's episode I chat to Mike Sandiford. Mike is the Health Inequalities Coordinator at Dad Matters, which is a Home-Start project aimed at supporting dads in the perinatal period with attachment and bonding, mental health, supporting partners and accessing services. Mike shares with us his experience as an autistic father, and talks about the work he does supporting neurodivergent dads. You can find out more about the work that Dad Matters do at https://dadmatters.org.uk/.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk to Lucy Webber IBCLC. Lucy is a former midwife and lactation consultant, and mum to 3 neurodivergent children. We talk all about the positives and the challenges of infant feeding from a neurodivergent perspective, and how feeding can be a fantastic tool for nervous system regulation for both parent and child. You can find out more about the wonderful work Lucy does at https://www.lmjinfantfeedingsupport.com/ and follow her hugely popular Instagram account @lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I chat with Vanessa D'Souza. Vanessa was a BBC Masterchef UK semi-finalist and is known as The Austitic Chef on social media. She is currently pregnant with her first child, and in this episode she shares her autistic experience of preparing for birth including navigating appointments, changing hospitals, finding a doula and much more. It’s a great conversation and I’m so grateful to her for sharing her story with us. You can follow Vanessa on Instagram @the.autistic.chefThank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome back to the Podcast! The theme of Season 3 is 'celebrating diversity in perinatal experiences' and we kick off by sharing a conversation with Verity Westgate. Verity has worked with Autism Oxford UK since 2022 delivering autism training to community perinatal mental health teams. She was inspired to develop this training after her own experiences being diagnosed as autistic whilst being looked after in one of these teams.In her day job, Verity works as a project manager in clinical research at the University of Oxford, but spends a lot of time as an “expert by experience”, working with NHS England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists amongst others. She is also a PhD student at the University of Exeter; her PhD is looking at the experiences of autistic women and birthing people accessing community perinatal mental health services, aiming to develop recommendations to be used within the NHS. Verity shares her professional and personal experiences with us today. I hope you enjoy the episode!You can find out more about the works of Autism Oxford UK at https://autismoxford.com/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today's episode is with Lucy Ruddle IBCLC. Lucy is a lactation consultant, breastfeeding counsellor and holistic sleep coach. Lucy has ADHD and is a mum to two ND children. We talk about her own experiences, discuss neurodivergent infant feeding challenges and positives, and reflect on the amazing tool that lactation is for co-regulating the nervous systems of both parents and children, particularly in neurodivergent families when this can be even more powerful. You can find out more about Lucy's work at lucyruddle.co.uk.This is our final episode of Season 2, but do stayed tuned for Season 3 launching in May which is recording now. If you’d like to participate, contact us via ndbirth.com.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Hello and welcome to Episode 16 of Season 2! Today I talk with Kate Moryoussef. Kate is the host of the amazing ADHD Women’s Wellbeing podcast and associated workshops, and is as an accredited EFT and NLP practitioner and wellbeing coach. Today we talk about her own experiences, and the importance of self-compassion when looking after our own wellbeing as we navigate the perinatal time and parenthood. You can find out more about Kate and the amazing work she does at https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Today I talk with Mark Williams. Mark is a keynote speaker, author and international mental health campaigner, who in 2004 himself experienced depression after the birth of his son.He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and the #howareyoudad campaign, and was awarded Inspirational Father of the year and local hero at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2012. He was also awarded the Point Of light Award by the Prime Minister in 2019 and 2023 Mark was awarded the British Citizens Award for Health Care.In 2020 Mark published the report "Fathers Reaching Out - Why Dads Matter" to explain the importance of paternal mental health to families.Mark has ADHD and in this episode he shares his own experiences, reflects on his work with neurodivergent fathers and also the positives of parenting with ADHD.You can find more out about Mark at www.howareyoudad.co.uk, and view his TEDx talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_williams_the_importance_of_new_fathers_mental_health.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to this week's episode! Today I interview Maisie Hill. Maisie is an expert in menstrual health and is the celebrated author of Period Power, and Perimenopause Power. She shares with us her experience of the perinatal time as late-diagnosed autistic person, her insights on the fascinating interplay between hormones and neurodivergent experiences, and how menstrual cycle tracking can benefit everyone in better understanding ourselves and improving mental health. You can find out more about her work at maisiehill.com.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

In today's episode I talk to Dr Sam Porter. Sam is a neurodivergent NHS consultant perinatal psychiatrist and a psychiatry lead with Autistic Doctors International.Sam talks about his work supporting neurodivergent people perinatally, why he feels diagnosing autism and ADHD needs to be part of mainstream psychiatry, and how diagnosis can make the difference in whether or not some families are able to stay together. This is important work, and this episode highlights that more than ever.You can follow Sam on X @PerinatalBirder.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Jessica McCabe is the creator, writer, and star of the award-winning, YouTube channel How to ADHD https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd. Since its founding in 2015, How to ADHD has grown to over one and a half million subscribers. Jessica releases her first book on the 2nd January 2024 titled:How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It). In How to ADHD, Jessica reveals the insights and tools that have changed her life, and offers expert-backed guidance for adapting your environment, routines and systems to work with the ADHD brain.Jessica is currently pregnant with her first child, and in today's episode we talk all about her pregnancy, her birth preparation, and the importance of putting support strategies in place for her postnatal time.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to Episode 11 of Season 2! Today I talk with Jacob Kelly who you can find on instagram @adhdfatheruk. Jacob is a mental health and neurodiversity advocate and shares his experiences of being an ADHD parent and of his postnatal depression to educate and support neurodivergent people. In this episode we talk about postnatal depression in dads and partners, his work supporting people on a mother and baby unit, and the positives of parenting with ADHD along with much more.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Dr Lucy Thompson is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Rural Health within the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Aberdeen.  She has PhD in Psychology and a Master of Public Health which provided the ideal foundation for her research in early child development and parental wellbeing. Lucy is also the mum of a son with ADHD and has been exploring her own neurodivergence. She has recently embarked on a career as an ADHD coach. She talks about ADHD coaching today, along with the importance of understanding ADHD as a neurological difference, and supporting neurodivergent families holistically.You can contact Lucy by email lucythompsoncc (at) gmail.com,  and check out her link tree https://linktr.ee/drlucyt. She is presenting 2 upcoming in-person SEED talks about ADHD and women , one on the 16th Jan in Glasgow https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adhd-and-women-misunderstood-misdiagnosed-moving-forward-for-change-tickets-760496584757 and the other on the 17th Jan in Newcastle: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adhd-and-women-misunderstood-misdiagnosed-moving-forward-for-change-tickets-760551809937Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to this episode with Nicola Crawley. Nicola is a master NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist and reflexologist. She talks about ND fertility experiences, the benefits of hypnobirthing visualisations as a ND person (even if you find visual imagery challenging), the gifts of reflexology and much more.You can find out more about Nicola and her work at www.sunflowerfab.com.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Kristy Forbes is an Australian based autism & neurodiversity support specialist.She supports neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them.Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator, but her most valuable insights come from lived experience.Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children.Today she shares with us her perspective of perinatal experiences as a pdaer and how to support PDA birthing people.You can find out more about Kristy's work at https://www.kristyforbes.com.au.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to episode 7 of season 2! Today I talk to Sarah Fitzsimmons, an independent midwife and ADHDer. Sarah has worked both within the NHS and independently as a midwife since 2008. She shares her own experience of discovering her neurodivergence whilst working as a midwife, and her experience of supporting neurodivergent people perinatally. You can find out more at https://www.myindependentmidwife.co.uk/.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Hello and welcome to episode 6. Today I interview Jaely Turner. Jaely is a late diagnosed autistic ADHDer, doula and founder of Our Village Circle birth services and podcast. She shares her perinatal experiences with us, her late diagnosis story, and how hyper focus led her to pursue birth work. You can find out more about Jaely and the services she offers at www.ourvillagecircle.com.If you are a birth worker like Jaely and would like to find out more about how you can develop your understanding of neurodivergent support perinatally, why not join us on one of our November workshops on either the 21st and 22nd or the 28th and 29th November. Head to ndbirth.com to secure your spot! Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

Welcome to episode 5 of season 2! In this episode I talk to Emily Snape, doula and neurodivergent & human rights advocate. You can find Emily on Instagram at @theneurodivergentmomsclub. We talk about her experiences as an AuDHDer and mum of 3, and discuss intersectionality and neurodiversity.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.