ADHD in Women & Parenthood
Understanding Attention, Emotion, and Energy Through a New Lens “I want women to feel empowered, not fixed — just seen.”
At Parent in Mind, we understand that ADHD in women is often missed or misunderstood. It doesn’t always look like forgetfulness or hyperactivity. Instead, it may show up as mental restlessness, chronic overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion. Many women spend years “holding it all together” until pregnancy or parenthood brings everything to the surface.
ADHD In Women
How ADHD Presents Differently in Women
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects several key areas of life, including focus, organisation, self-control, and energy levels. Difficulties in these areas can also occur in other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Because of this overlap, ADHD can sometimes be tricky to diagnose accurately.
Many people with ADHD, as many as 3 in 4, also experience another condition at the same time, such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum traits, or bipolar disorder.
In women, ADHD often looks quite different from the typical stereotype of a “hyperactive” child. Instead, it might show up as disorganisation, feeling easily overwhelmed, or exhaustion from constantly having to double-check things. Rather than obvious restlessness, it might appear as talking a lot, being emotionally reactive, or getting irritated easily. These emotional ups and downs can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, or anxiety.
Dr Kusuma often finds that ADHD in women is mistaken for anxiety, mood swings, or even personality difficulties. That is why it is so important to take a careful look at your symptoms and experiences to make sure the right diagnosis is made. Getting an accurate diagnosis gives you the best chance of finding an effective treatment plan and feeling more in control of your life.
“It’s subtle and hard to call in one meeting. Women have often spent years masking, so it’s easy for ADHD to go unseen.”
ADHD in women often looks like:
- Struggling to start tasks or manage time effectively
- A busy, overactive mind that never switches off
- Emotional dysregulation such as frequent mood changes, low frustration tolerance, excessive excitability
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
- Difficulty coping with the many demands of modern life (household tasks, work, family, friends) leading to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy
- Anxiety-like symptoms such as worry, tension, and overthinking
Recognising these patterns and what it is can bring deep relief. You are not lazy or disorganised, your brain simply processes the world differently.
ADHD Pregnancy
ADHD During Pregnancy and Parenthood
ADHD symptoms can become harder to manage during pregnancy and post partum due to increased demands on time, focus and organisational skills.
Research suggests that women with ADHD can find it harder to maintain adequate antenatal care during their pregnancies. Due to factors such as disorganisation, difficulties with time management and planning, they may find it harder to manage tasks such as remembering appointments, following health advice (such as management of gestational diabetes), or organising all the things needed for a new baby.
After birth, the demands change again. The natural “chaos of newborn life” can feel even more overwhelming when it is already difficult to manage structure or focus.
Hormonal changes and, broken sleep, and many new responsibilities can heighten forgetfulness and, emotional ups and downs, and exhaustion. And the responsibilities of caring for a baby and/or toddlers can be overwhelming for a new mother who is struggling with lack of sleep (which makes ADHD symptoms worse).
“Everyone’s tired with a baby, but ADHD symptoms worsen when you’re sleep-deprived.”
Sleep plays a huge role in managing ADHD. When there is not enough sleep, symptoms like distractibility and emotional sensitivity often become harder to control. That is why Parent in Mind encourages gentle routines, shared caregiving, and realistic rest, helping mothers protect their energy and feel more grounded during this time.
Compassionate
Our Compassionate Approach
We begin with understanding, not with judgement. Every care plan is shaped around your individual experience, priorities, and family needs.
Treatment may include:
- Medication management adapted for pregnancy and breastfeeding safety
- Therapy and coaching for emotional regulation and self-acceptance
- Routine-building strategies that reduce overwhelm
- Lifestyle and sleep support to restore focus and energy
Dr Kusuma also helps women navigate medication decisions during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. These discussions focus on quality of life, balancing symptom control with safety and personal values.
Individualised Approach
A Gentle, Individualised Approach (Medication and Beyond)
At Parent in Mind, care begins with listening. Dr Kusuma explores what life looks like with and without treatment. How ADHD medication impacts your work and study needs, your relationship dynamics, your energy and focus, so that you can make informed, values-aligned decisions.
“We lay out the evidence and the unknowns so you can decide what’s right for you.”
Medication planning
- Decisions are shared and informed so you’re not told what to do; you’re supported to choose.
- Safety for pregnancy and breastfeeding is discussed openly, including what to monitor in a baby (e.g., sleep, appetite) if stimulants are used.
- Plans can be flexible. For example, some mothers choose brief, planned windows of medication (e.g., to complete an application or time-sensitive task) and then return to prior feeding/medication routines.
Support beyond medication
- Sleep protection & routines (with partner involvement)
- Therapy for self-criticism, emotion regulation and overwhelm
- Admin streamlining at home/work (yes — smart use of digital tools and AI can help)
- Guilt-reducing, strength-based strategies that honour creativity, empathy and intuition
Reconnecting
Reconnecting with Calm and Confidence
With the right care, ADHD does not have to mean chaos. It can become a journey of understanding yourself more deeply and finding new confidence in the way your mind works.
At Parent in Mind, we focus on helping you reconnect with your natural rhythm, so you can parent with presence rather than pressure. This is not about labels or perfection. It is about helping you feel calmer, more focused, and more supported in your everyday life.
Dr Kusuma also works closely with partners through mental health birth planning sessions, guiding families to prepare for the emotional and practical realities of new parenthood together. These shared conversations create understanding, connection, and confidence in caring for both mother and baby.
At Parent in Mind, compassion always comes first. Every woman deserves to be seen, heard, and supported with warmth and respect.
You are capable. You are enough. You deserve care that truly understands you.
Ready to Feel Supported?
If you’re navigating ADHD during pregnancy or parenthood, reach out for a gentle consultation.
Book an appointment or visit our Contact page to begin your journey toward clarity and calm.