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EP 146 Why Pregnancy Hits Harder for Neurodivergent Mums

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Manage episode 520073104 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

You are not imagining it.

Pregnancy, birth, and early parenting are more overwhelming for many neurodivergent mums — and no one tells you why.

In this eye-opening episode, doula and neurodiversity advocate Alix Myers joins Dr Olivia to unpack the hidden challenges that make the perinatal journey feel so intense. If you ever wondered why you struggled more than other mums, this episode finally gives you the answers, validation, and tools you deserve.

✨ What You Will Learn

🧠 Sensory Overload in Pregnancy

Why hormonal shifts amplify sensory sensitivities — and how to make your body feel safer and calmer.

🏥 Creating a Neuro-Safe Birth Plan

How lighting, sound, communication style, and advocacy can completely change your birth experience.

🤐 The Hidden Danger of “Masking” in Labour

Why so many neurodivergent women go quiet under stress, and how this leads to medical teams missing signs of distress.

🍼 Feeding Without Overwhelm

Practical guidance for breastfeeding, chest feeding, or bottle feeding — without sacrificing your mental health.

🧩 Executive Function in Postpartum

Why everything feels 100 times harder, and how simple systems can reduce chaos and protect your wellbeing.

🤝 How Partners Can Truly Support You

From non-verbal cues to boundary-bouncing — what your partner really needs to know.

💛 Why This Episode Matters

If pregnancy or early motherhood felt harder than it “should,” this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and solutions. You will walk away feeling understood, supported, and far less alone.

Contact Alix Myers Virtual Doula

💬 Connect with Us

🎄 Early Christmas Gift: Join my free webinar on Keeping Calm During the Holidays
📅 Tuesday 9 December at 12:00 pm (UK time)
👉 Click here to receive the Zoom details.

🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

Ready to go deeper?
Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome & Warrior Mom Recharge Station (00:00:00)

2. Guest Intro And Doula Journey (00:02:14)

3. What A Doula Does And Why It Helps (00:05:15)

4. School Struggles, Diagnosis, And Validation (00:08:05)

5. Sensory Realities In Pregnancy (00:12:20)

6. Birth Planning For Sensory Safety (00:16:35)

7. Hospital Gaps And Advocacy (00:21:10)

8. Postpartum, Burnout, And Basics First (00:25:02)

9. Executive Function And Building Support (00:29:05)

10. Feeding On Demand Without Shame (00:34:00)

11. Partners As Boundary Bouncers (00:39:00)

12. Preparation, Roles, And Routines (00:44:30)

13. Three Top Tips For Neurodivergent Parents (00:48:30)

14. How To Reach Alex & Final CTA (00:51:30)

149 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 520073104 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

You are not imagining it.

Pregnancy, birth, and early parenting are more overwhelming for many neurodivergent mums — and no one tells you why.

In this eye-opening episode, doula and neurodiversity advocate Alix Myers joins Dr Olivia to unpack the hidden challenges that make the perinatal journey feel so intense. If you ever wondered why you struggled more than other mums, this episode finally gives you the answers, validation, and tools you deserve.

✨ What You Will Learn

🧠 Sensory Overload in Pregnancy

Why hormonal shifts amplify sensory sensitivities — and how to make your body feel safer and calmer.

🏥 Creating a Neuro-Safe Birth Plan

How lighting, sound, communication style, and advocacy can completely change your birth experience.

🤐 The Hidden Danger of “Masking” in Labour

Why so many neurodivergent women go quiet under stress, and how this leads to medical teams missing signs of distress.

🍼 Feeding Without Overwhelm

Practical guidance for breastfeeding, chest feeding, or bottle feeding — without sacrificing your mental health.

🧩 Executive Function in Postpartum

Why everything feels 100 times harder, and how simple systems can reduce chaos and protect your wellbeing.

🤝 How Partners Can Truly Support You

From non-verbal cues to boundary-bouncing — what your partner really needs to know.

💛 Why This Episode Matters

If pregnancy or early motherhood felt harder than it “should,” this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and solutions. You will walk away feeling understood, supported, and far less alone.

Contact Alix Myers Virtual Doula

💬 Connect with Us

🎄 Early Christmas Gift: Join my free webinar on Keeping Calm During the Holidays
📅 Tuesday 9 December at 12:00 pm (UK time)
👉 Click here to receive the Zoom details.

🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

Ready to go deeper?
Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome & Warrior Mom Recharge Station (00:00:00)

2. Guest Intro And Doula Journey (00:02:14)

3. What A Doula Does And Why It Helps (00:05:15)

4. School Struggles, Diagnosis, And Validation (00:08:05)

5. Sensory Realities In Pregnancy (00:12:20)

6. Birth Planning For Sensory Safety (00:16:35)

7. Hospital Gaps And Advocacy (00:21:10)

8. Postpartum, Burnout, And Basics First (00:25:02)

9. Executive Function And Building Support (00:29:05)

10. Feeding On Demand Without Shame (00:34:00)

11. Partners As Boundary Bouncers (00:39:00)

12. Preparation, Roles, And Routines (00:44:30)

13. Three Top Tips For Neurodivergent Parents (00:48:30)

14. How To Reach Alex & Final CTA (00:51:30)

149 episodes

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