At The Neurodiversity Practice, we are so aware how labour and birth experiences can be challenging for neurodivergent people, influencing family life in the early years and beyond.

Neurodivergence encompasses a variety of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, differences in sensory processing as well as other differences in attention, focus, understanding and communicating your needs. These differences can also influence how a person perceives pain, processes information, communicates with health professionals and responds to the intense physical and emotional experiences of labour and birth.

Sensory Sensitivities

Many neurodivergent people have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can be especially pronounced during labour. Bright lights, loud noises, or even the texture of hospital bedding can become overwhelming, leading to increased stress or anxiety.

Traditional labour environments, such as a busy hospital, may not be conducive to a calm, focused experience for someone who is sensitive to sensory stimuli.

Communication Needs

Neurodivergent people may have different communication styles, which can become even more crucial during labour. Some may find it difficult to express pain or discomfort in the way healthcare providers expect, while others might struggle with verbal communication under stress.

This can lead to misunderstandings during the birth experience or a feeling of being unsupported at this critical time.

Emotional Regulation

The intense emotions associated with labour can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent people, especially those who experience emotional dysregulation. Managing fear, anxiety, or overwhelm during labour at a time when it is difficult to communicate your needs and preferences requires thoughtful preparation and support, linked to the person’s needs.

Managing fear, anxiety, or overwhelm during labour at a time when it is difficult to communicate your needs and preferences requires thoughtful preparation and support

Common Challenges During Labour and Birth

While each neurodivergent person's experience of labour and birth is unique, several challenges can occur:

Pain Perception and Management

Neurodivergent people might perceive pain differently, with some experiencing heightened sensitivity to pain and others having a higher pain threshold. Traditional pain management techniques, such as epidurals or breathing exercises, might not be as effective or accessible for everyone. Or it could be that the emotional response to pain, including anxiety or panic, may be more intense.

Overwhelm and Sensory Overload

Labour can be an overwhelming experience due to its intense and often unpredictable nature. For someone with sensory processing challenges, the combination of physical sensations, medical interventions and environmental factors can lead to sensory overload. This may present as a shutdown (where the individual becomes non-responsive) or a meltdown (an intense emotional reaction to overwhelming stimuli).

Communication with Healthcare Professionals

Miscommunication or a misunderstanding from healthcare providers can increase stress during labour. Neurodivergent people might not communicate their needs or pain levels in typical ways. This may result in inadequate pain relief or emotional support.

Healthcare providers who are not familiar with neurodivergence may misinterpret these communication differences as noncompliance or anxiety. This ‘mismatch’ can be very challenging for a neurodivergent person and leave them with a sense they are not being listened to or supported.

Emotional Stress and Anxiety

The unpredictability of labour can heighten anxiety, particularly for those who thrive on routine and predictability. The fear of not being in control, combined with the physical demands of labour, can make it difficult for a neurodivergent person to remain calm, focused and receive the support on offer from healthcare providers.

Strategies for a Positive Labour and Birth Experience

01: Personalised Birth Plan

A well thought out birth plan can help ensure that the needs of a neurodivergent person can be catered for during labour and delivery. This plan should include the person’s preferences, such as dimmed lighting, minimal noise, the presence of a familiar support person who understands neurodivergence and preferred communication methods. It's also essential to communicate this plan to the healthcare team well in advance. An alert on local systems may help.

02: Choosing the Right Environment

The birth environment can significantly impact a neurodivergent person's experience. For some, a home birth or a birth centre might provide a more controlled and sensory-friendly setting than a hospital. If a hospital birth is preferred or necessary, consider creating a calming atmosphere with familiar objects, dim lights and soft music.

For some, a home birth or a birth centre might provide a more controlled and sensory-friendly setting than a hospital.

03: Advocacy and Support

Having a strong advocate present during labour, such as a partner, doula, or trusted friend, can make a significant difference. This person can help communicate the neurodivergent person’s needs, preferences and concerns to the medical team, ensuring that their wishes are respected and their comfort is prioritised.

04: Tailored Pain Management Techniques

Pain management should be tailored to the individual's sensory and emotional needs. This might include exploring alternative methods, such as hypnobirthing, water births, or acupressure, in addition to traditional pain relief options. It's essential to discuss these options with healthcare providers well in advance to ensure that they are available when needed.

05: Preparation and Education

Preparing for labour through childbirth education classes that are tailored to neurodivergent people can be helpful. These classes can address sensory and communication needs, helping to reduce anxiety by providing clear, step-by-step information about what to expect during labour, birth and what might happen afterwards.

Preparing for labour through childbirth education classes that are tailored to neurodivergent people can be helpful

06: Post-Labour Support

The immediate postpartum time can be just as overwhelming as labour itself. Planning for sensory and emotional support during this time, such as ensuring a quiet recovery space, having a support person available, access to what they find soothing, opportunities to connect with their baby that fit for them, can help ease the transition and promote a positive postpartum experience.

Final thoughts

Labour and birth are personal experiences. For neurodivergent people, they can come with challenges, needs and vulnerabilities that can be improved with additional support. Providing an inclusive and supportive birthing environment, can make a significant difference and as neurodivergent people become parents.

Whether you're a neurodivergent person preparing for birth, a partner or friend offering support, or a healthcare professional working with neurodivergent people, understanding the impact of neurodivergence on labour and birth is key to ensuring a positive and empowering experience.

At The Neurodiversity Practice, we understand that the right preparation and advocacy, neurodivergent people can navigate the journey of labour and birth with confidence and compassion. With the right support, neurodivergent people can have the best start as they become parents and start a new chapter in their lives as a neurodivergent family.

Neurodivergence, labour and birth