The Storm No One Warned Us About: ADHD & Postpartum Mood Disorders
It was 2 a.m. The baby was finally asleep, but my mind wasn’t. My body ached for rest, but I couldn’t stop the whirlwind of thoughts. Did I nurse long enough? Did I remember to change the diaper? What if I’m doing this all wrong? I stared at the ceiling, exhausted yet wired, knowing the day would begin again in just a few hours.
For many of us, postpartum isn’t just about sleepless nights and endless diaper changes—it’s a mental and emotional rollercoaster that no one prepares us for. We expected the exhaustion, the mess, and the love that makes it all worth it. But what about the guilt? The irritability? The overwhelming pressure to “get it right” when our brains struggle with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and time management?
ADHD & Postpartum: The Perfect StormWe thrive on routine, external motivation, and dopamine—three things missing in those early postpartum days. Sleep deprivation makes focus even harder. Our already sensitive nervous system is now bombarded with hormonal shifts, leading to emotional swings we can’t predict or control. We may struggle with the following:
Restlessness & Racing Thoughts – Even when the baby sleeps, our brains don’t. We overanalyze every choice, worry about things that haven’t happened yet, and feel an intense need to “catch up” on tasks we’ve fallen behind on.
Emotional Overload – One minute, we’re in awe of our baby’s tiny fingers; the next, we’re crying over spilt milk—literally. Postpartum intensifies the emotional ups and downs that ADHD already brings.
Executive Dysfunction & Overwhelm – The simplest tasks—responding to a text, folding laundry, making a doctor’s appointment—suddenly feel insurmountable. And the more we fall behind, the more guilt we carry.
Postpartum Rage & Sensory Overload – Loud crying, constant touching, and never-ending demands can push us past our threshold. We don’t mean to snap, but when our nervous system is maxed out, even a small spill can trigger a storm of frustration.
We’re told that postpartum struggles are every day, but what about when they collide with ADHD? The traditional advice—“Sleep when the baby sleeps” or “Make a to-do list”—doesn’t always work for us. But there are ways we can soften the edges of this journey and make it more manageable:
Lower the Bar & Celebrate Small Wins – Instead of “clean the house,” let’s try “put one dish in the sink.” Instead of “be the perfect mom,” let’s aim for “be a mom who shows up with love.” Small wins build momentum, and momentum builds confidence.
Timers & External Cues – Setting gentle reminders for meals, hydration, and rest can help us stay present without relying on memory alone. A simple phone alarm can nudge us into self-care without the mental load of remembering everything.
Body Doubling for Parenting – Sometimes, having a partner, friend, or even an online support group “co-exist” with us as we tackle daily tasks can make a huge difference. The presence of someone else can help anchor our focus and reduce procrastination.
Sensory Resets – When overwhelming strikes, let’s use grounding techniques: splash cold water on our hands, rub a textured object, or step outside for fresh air. These tiny actions can help reset our nervous system before emotions spiral out of control.
Because we process emotions differently, structured activities can help regulate our minds and bodies. Here are some playful ways to reconnect with ourselves and our little ones:
Sing Silly Songs – Rhythmic and repetitive tunes activate the brain’s reward system, easing stress and promoting connection. Try a fun, exaggerated version of your baby’s favourite lullaby.
Five Senses Check-In – When anxiety rises, take a moment to ground yourself by identifying five visual details, four sounds around you, three textures you can feel, two scents in the air, and finally, take a deep breath. This helps bring us back to the present.
Messy Play (Without the Stress) – Instead of worrying about the mess, lean into it. Finger painting, water play, or even letting the baby “help” with food textures can be a therapeutic way to engage our senses and embrace imperfection.
If this feels familiar, know this: we are not broken. We are not bad moms. We are simply navigating motherhood with a brain that works differently. And that’s okay. By leaning into what works for us—small wins, external structure, sensory resets—we can create a postpartum experience that feels more manageable, joyful, and, most importantly, ours.
Have you felt this way? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below. And if you need personalized guidance, book a 1:1 consultation with me here. 
We’re in this together.
Managing postpartum recovery while supporting a child with ADHD can be overwhelming. Still, certain products can provide comfort and efficiency in daily routines. Here are some valuable items:
For Postpartum Recovery Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit includes a Peri bottle, disposable underwear, an abdominal support binder, shower wipes, and silicone scar patches. It’s designed for a smoother recovery from labour and delivery. Juno Mom Natural Birth Postpartum Kit – A hospital bag essential with seven postpartum care products, helping new mothers transition smoothly into recovery Pregawear Maternity Panties – Disposable period panties designed for postpartum use, offering rash-free, leak-proof protection during heavy flow days Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle – A must-have for perineal recovery, making cleansing easier after childbirthFor Managing ADHD Symptoms Sensory Fidget Toys Kit – A collection of stress-relieving toys that help kids with ADHD stay focused and manage anxiety effectively Weighted Blanket for Kids – Provides deep pressure stimulation, which can help children with ADHD and sensory processing challenges feel calm and secure. Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Ideal for reducing sensory overload in loud environments, helping children concentrate betterThese products can ease daily challenges for moms recovering from childbirth and managing an ADHD child. Choosing appropriate tools can significantly impact both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
