How Can Lactation Consultants Support Neurodivergent Mothers in the Perinatal period
Recently listened to an online presentation by Dr Deborah Carrington a Perinatal GP and IBCLC hosted by LCANZ focusing primarily on ADHD and Autism.
Some of the take home messages
:Every neurodivergent person is unique.
:You cannot tell from looking at someone if they are neurotypical.
:Many women may have wondered and sought a diagnosis prior to having a baby but having an assessment and getting a diagnosis is difficult and can be expensive.
:Self diagnosis is valid and needs to respected.
:Women can put a great deal of energy into masking their anxiety sometimes all their lives but when they have a baby with the enormous amount of change and sensory challenges it can become overwhelming.
:Home can be the safest place so bear this in mind when doing home visits and why some women may find clinics overwhelming.Need to consider how clinics are set up to reduce sensory overloads.
: Neurodivergent mum’s often have
-intense empathy and sensitivity and may struggle to tolerate their baby’s crying
-good at problem solving
-strong sense of fairness and justice and integrity
: Is it PND /Postnatal Anxiety or Autistic Burnout?
: Challenges with Breastfeeding
: A feature with ADHD and Autism can be not picking up on signals hunger/thirst. May need to set alarms or get support people to assist with this.
: Reducing sensory Loop ear buds- can diminish /reduce the intensity of baby crying
: Arranging protected alone time.
: Nipple/breast pain can be heightened
: Consider discomfort of pumping.
: Being touched can be distressing
:Hands off assistance.
:Consider medication safety but get the right advice !
:Neurodiversity affirming practice
-don’t expect eye contact
-respect sensory needs in our clinics etc
-language is important- person with autism or on the spectrum or high/low functioning is old language . Use the right terms - autistic
Additional resources
Podcasts
Two sides of the spectrum -The Sensory Experiences of Autistic Mothers
The Neurodivergent Woman- Perinatal maternal mental health and neurodiversity