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How can midwives and practitioners create a more positive and supportive birthing experience for neurodivergent mothers?Find out more about The Open University's Health and Social Care courses and qualifications. Challenges for neurodivergent mothersMothers with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), may experience unique challenges during pregnancy and childbirth.These challenges can increase the risk of birth trauma if they are not supported effectively.For example, some studies related to maternal health warn that the consumption of certain foods or an unhealthy diet during pregnancy may impact on the unborn baby's neurodevelopment, which means how the foetal brain is growing (Zupo et al ., 2024).For some neurodivergent mothers, who are struggling with the sensory physical changes in their bodies, along with changes in taste buds, tiredness, and the overwhelm of planning for bringing up a child, focusing on healthy eating and avoiding processed foods may be difficult.Neurodivergent mothers may be at greater risk of postnatal depression after birth, also.The Birth Trauma Association found some statistics around this: 'A 2020 study reported that 60% of women with autism experienced postnatal depression, compared to the average rate of 12%.Similarly, a 2023 study showed an independent association between ADHD and depression and anxiety disorders postpartum.'