Women with ADHD Are Being Robbed of Their Fourth Trimester—It’s Time We Talk About It
The transition to motherhood for ADHD moms can be a complete and total mindf*ck, and too many of us are stumbling through it without a map or a warning. ADHD and postpartum depression and anxiety too often go hand in hand, yet not enough people are talking about it. Your care provider may not only be unfamiliar with the realities of living with ADHD but also completely unaware of its connection to postpartum anxiety and depression.
What makes things even trickier is that many of us don’t even realize we are ADHDers until we become moms and we’re suddenly unable to manage life the way we used to. But by then, it’s too late, and we’re already drowning before we even know what’s happened to us.
ADHD and Postpartum Anxiety
ADHDers already struggle with regulating emotions, managing time, and keeping organized. Add sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, the constant demands of a new baby, and a body that's healing and changing, and you have a perfect recipe for burnout, self-doubt, and, yes, postpartum anxiety. Studies show that women with ADHD are up to five times more likely to experience a PMAD (perinatal mood or anxiety disorder) than their neurotypical counterparts.
Why Many Moms Don’t Realize They Have ADHD
ADHD in women often flies under the radar until life throws us into high-stress situations like early motherhood. Many of us don't know we have ADHD because we've learned to mask from a young age. We've adapted and survived in a system that wasn't designed for us, which usually means extra emotional labor and always feeling "less than." When we become moms, everything suddenly feels out of control, and ADHD symptoms—like impulsivity, low frustration tolerance, and disorganization—can seemingly appear out of nowhere. This makes managing life as a mom feel really hard.
This Needs to Change
ADHD moms aren’t just dealing with the regular postpartum “stuff.” We’re living with a neurotype that doesn’t align with mainstream parenting expectations. This system isn’t built for us, and that’s why we struggle. In other words, it’s not us; it’s them. The truth is, ADHD moms need support designed for ADHD brains—structured help, clear resources, and the right tools to navigate the rollercoaster of early motherhood.
Take Back Your Postpartum
If you’re an ADHD mom or suspect you might be, know that you don’t have to white-knuckle through postpartum alone. Find people who get it, because ADHD brains deserve tailored support. Whether that’s therapy, ADHD coaching, or a support group (like the one I facilitate!), these resources can help create routines that actually stick, reduce chaos, and bring some sanity back into postpartum life.
You deserve better than feeling like postpartum is a punishment. The right support and community can make a huge difference. Just because you’re ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t thrive as a mom; it just means doing it differently, in a way that truly works for you and your incredible brain.
If this resonates, join me for the weekly support group I’m hosting for neurodivergent and anxiety-prone moms. We’re real, we’re raw, and we’re here for each other.
Click the button below for info.
