ADHD and childbirth

[DouLaura]

I have a student/client who has ADHD. I was wondering if anyone has
seen this add any different dynamics to the labor and delivery. She is
very easily distracted and hospitals being fairly distracting
places....just kind of wondering what anyone has seen work.
Thanks!
Laura

[syncreo]

I haven't experienced this but here would be my suggestions. I would think you are going to have to work extra hard at getting her to focus so having some good grounding techqniques would be helpful. Maybe ask her if blocking out stimuli is helpful - if so you can use a rebozo to wrap around her eyes to block out visual stimuli (be sure to ask if this is something she would like and be extra careful that it won't trigger a trauma memory), using water is good because by slipping down in the tub the water provides a cocoon and blocks out auditory stimuli.

This is assuming that cutting down on distraction is good for her - perhaps the distraction can work to her advantage. I would ask her about how this has worked for her in other painful or stressful situations.

Very interesting question.
Cheers,
Shawna

[CatieDoula]

As someone with ADHD I would recommend asking her what she normally does for relaxation exercises or in stressful/painful situations as the PP said. But I would think that is something you normally ask. People with ADHD don't have a hard time focusing on things they are interested in or want to focus on...it is things that they don't find interesting. Motivation can sometime be an issue as well as mood swings and getting frustrated/agitated easily. Depending on when she was diagnosed, she may have self-esteem issues.

Do you know if she was medicated before her pregnancy? If she was and went off, is she treating herself herbally? Is she planning on breastfeeding? If so and she has gone off her meds does she plan on using some alternative treatments?

If you (or anyone else) have any other ADD/ADHD question please feel free to ask. I am very open about what I have gone through and I am more than happy to answer any questions that I can.