Postpartum ADHD–Is It a Thing?
Becoming a mom is just WOW, but for ADHD moms, the postpartum experience can be, let’s just say, extra. And there’s a legit reason for it. That after-birth drop in estrogen can lessen dopamine levels in your brain, which can lead to an increase in your ADHD symptoms. So if motherhood feels harder for you than it seems to be for everyone else, that’s why.
So let’s talk about this. Because lots of us are out here struggling and blaming ourselves when really, we just need a different motherhood playbook than our neurotypical pals.
What Is Postpartum ADHD?
First things first: is postpartum ADHD even a thing? There isn’t a formal diagnosis for “postpartum ADHD,” (postpartum anxiety doesn’t have a formal diagnosis, either) but lots of moms experience either brand new ADHD-like symptoms after giving birth or increased symptoms if they were already diagnosed or suspect. Whether ADHD symptoms get worse postpartum or if completely new symptoms show up, changes in hormone levels, sleep patterns, and lifestyle, among loads of other variables, are probably behind it.
Signs of Postpartum ADHD:
Increased forgetfulness
Difficulty focusing or “brain fog”
Disorganization or feeling overwhelmed
Impulsive decision-making
Emotional sensitivity or “postpartum rage”
There’s a lot of talk in online forums—especially Reddit for some weird reason–about “postpartum rage” and “postpartum anxiety” appearing in connection with ADHD and motherhood but there’s not yet enough talk about it in professional fields so we’re all out here just hanging on by a thread hoping things will somehow get easier. But seriously, ADHD symptoms during the postpartum period impact every aspect of our daily life and make adjusting to motherhood extra challenging, so we need our care providers clued in!
ADHD Symptoms in Moms
For moms with pre-existing ADHD, the postpartum period can be unpredictable. You may notice symptoms such as:
Worsened inattention and focus: With newborn care, sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, and often financial stress on top of it (because NO PAID PARENTAL LEAVE) ADHD traits can be exacerbated.
Higher emotional sensitivity: Hormonal fluctuations can make emotional regulation feel impossible, which can lead to irritability, frustration, and even rage.
Impulsive behaviors: On a normal day, ADHDers tend not to think things through all the way, but postpartum? Impulsive behaviors can increase and lead to decisions that cause us more stress.
Fatigue-related challenges: ADHD fatigue combined with the excruciating exhaustion of life as a new mom can make the most basic tasks feel impossible.
ADHD, Postpartum Depression, and Anxiety
For some moms, ADHD symptoms and mood disorders like postpartum depression or anxiety overlap. PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) can often mimic ADHD symptoms. Some ADHD symptoms may get worse, while mood swings and depressive episodes can make ADHD harder to manage.
If you suspect you’re dealing with both postpartum depression and ADHD, here are some signs to pay attention to:
Persistent sadness or low energy: Different from typical ADHD fatigue.
Loss of interest in activities: More specific to depression than ADHD.
Severe mood swings or anxiety attacks
Can You Develop ADHD After Pregnancy?
Pregnancy won’t “give you” ADHD, and neither will motherhood, but symptoms may appear or intensify because of those hormonal changes, sleep challenges, and so many new responsibilities.
For many women, early motherhood might be the first time ADHD symptoms become noticeable. This is often because we’ve spent years masking our symptoms—thanks to societal expectations like the “good girl syndrome” or pressure to meet neurotypical standards. As a result, many of us go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until the demands of motherhood become too much for us to handle anymore.
It's estimated that around 50% - 75% of women with ADHD are walking around without any clue that they are ADHD (I was one of them until just last year–at age 49)– because our symptoms usually present differently than the stereotypical "hyperactive boy" style of ADHD.
Studies show that the average age of diagnosis for women is between 30 and 40 years old, right when most of us are having babies, and much later than the typical childhood diagnosis for men. This delayed recognition means many women are navigating motherhood without the proper support or understanding of how ADHD impacts their lives. And even when symptoms of ADHD appear postpartum, many mothers are misdiagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety.
ADHD Medications and Breastfeeding: What’s Safe?
One of the first questions for medicated moms with ADHD is, “Can I take my Adderall/ADHD medication while breastfeeding?” The safety of ADHD medication during breastfeeding varies depending on the type and dosage. For example:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin): Some studies suggest that it may be safe at lower doses, but you should always consult your healthcare provider.
Amphetamine-based medications (Adderall): These may be considered with caution, though they can sometimes affect milk supply.
If you're breastfeeding and an ADHDer, it's important to talk to your care provider about the safest options for medication. The problem is that the majority of providers are too scared to prescribe to nursing moms, so they err on the side of caution and end up giving you the wrong advice. This is super common when it comes to ADHD meds, where misinformed professionals might steer you away from what you need.
To avoid this situation, I recommend checking out the Postpartum Support International Directory. They have a list of providers trained in which medications for pregnant and nursing moms, so you can get research-based information instead of a guess. You might opt for non-stimulant meds or behavior interventions, but whatever you choose, make sure you're talking to someone who knows the ins and outs of ADHD during the perinatal period—because you deserve more than just a "we don't know, so just suck it up" answer.
How Postpartum ADHD Symptoms Affect Daily Life
Adjusting to life with postpartum ADHD symptoms can be completely overwhelming. You’ve got a new baby, the whole mental load, and a brain that’s struggling to keep up. Butthere is hope, Mama: you just need to find the tools, strategies, and systems that will help YOU manage ADHD symptoms and take back some control.
Strategies to Manage Postpartum ADHD
Managing ADHD is never a one-size-fits-all type of thing. But to get you thinking, here are some tips to help you manage ADHD symptoms during this overwhelming season of life:
Use Organizational Tools: Planners, apps, and reminders can help you manage the constant “stuff” of motherhood and help make sure that nothing (or at least only a few things) slips through the cracks.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Big tasks can feel impossible when your ADHD is in fifth gear. Split them into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Get Support: Reach out ADHD moms who get it. If you don’t know any in real life, find a group online, or find a support group that’s specifically for new moms with ADHD (like the one I offer! It’s free – you should come.) Support is so important for getting through the loneliness and isolation that can come with motherhood.
Consider Therapy: A therapist experienced with ADHD and postpartum anxiety and rage can help you work through the effects of living with ADHD.
Does Breastfeeding Prevent ADHD?
Breastfeeding is fantastic for loads of reasons, but no, it doesn’t reduce the risk of ADHD. ADHD is largely genetic, and while breastfeeding has other health benefits, it won’t impact whether or not your child develops ADHD.
Personally, as a mom of two ADHD kiddos, I’m grateful that we all have similar brains! It makes life fun. And it’s easier for us to understand each other’s needs and challenges, and recognize our awesome and unique ADHD traits.
Conclusion
Becoming a mom and dealing with postpartum ADHD symptoms can be a serious challenge. Whether you’re managing existing ADHD symptoms or noticing them for the first time, taking care of your mental health has to be a priority. By working closely with informed care providers, building a community, and finding routines that work for you, you can do the mom thing in a way that meets and respects your neurodivergent needs. Remember, postpartum ADHD might not be widely recognized, but you’re not alone in dealing with it. There’s a whole world of us out here.
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