Neurodiversity + Pregnancy + Birth

Supporting positive pregnancy and birth experiences for neurodivergent women and families is a core focus of my work. Pregnancy can be completely overwhelming, especially when you’re Autistic or have ADHD (or both!). You may feel that the birth workers you’re meeting just don’t understand. Maybe you’re struggling to advocate for yourself. Maybe you’re being told you “have to” do this, and “need to” do that, but different care professionals are telling you conflicting things.

I’m here: to listen, to support, to advocate.

I understand that each neurodivergent pregnant person has their own needs and challenges. I’m here to listen, to help you work out what you need in pregnancy and birth, and to advocate for you with medical professionals if needed. I want to support you to feel confident in making the right choices for yourself.

You may find yourself struggling with:

• Body changes & intense new physical sensations

• Appointments in unfamiliar locations

• Worries about sensory sensitivities such as bright lights and noises in hospital

• Medical staff who don’t understand your needs

Whatever your unique circumstances, I am able to work with you to support a positive pregnancy and birth experience.

My Story

When I had my son in 2014, I didn’t know yet that I was autistic. As a high-masking individual, I coped in public and with new people in new places by playing the role that I thought was expected of me. In pregnancy, this meant I found myself passively agreeing to things, even when my own research told me that it wasn’t medically necessary or, indeed, best practice.

Looking back, I struggled so much with the conflicting advice: who was right? Who should I listen to? This person is clearly wrong, but in a position where they are supposed to be right. What do I do with that?

I was unable to advocate for my needs. The birthing room on the Labour Ward was bright and hot, my two worst sensory sensitivities.

What would have helped me would have been someone to listen, to validate my feelings, to help me advocate for myself and what I needed and wanted.

After years of research, study, and training, I am so pleased to be able to hold this space for other neurodivergent birthing people.

I can support you to feel in control of your pregnancy and birthing experiences, to use your regulatory tools as much as you need to, to advocate for your needs and wants in labour. Wherever you end up birthing, you can have an experience that works for your needs. Whether that’s a home-birth in your own environment, or a planned c-section where you feel in control and can plan ahead, I can help you navigate your experience and hold space for you.

Ash x

Email: ash@birthmagic.co.uk

Contact Me