In this conversation Johanna interviews Perinatal psychologist Ashlee Wells and together they explore the topics of perinatal mental health, matrescence, and the impact of ADHD and autism on women in the context of motherhood. Johanna starts with an introduction about Birth Trauma Awareness Week which is themed around consent. Ashlee shares a bit about her own AuDHD and how important it has been to take time to process and to understand herself and her needs. We discuss primary and secondary emotions, and the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent women and the need for support and validation in their motherhood journey.

• Perinatal mental health issues can have a significant impact on women during the motherhood journey.


• Matrescence is a transformative period that involves physical, psychological, and social changes, and it can be challenging for women to navigate.


• ADHD and autism can affect women differently than men, particularly in the context of motherhood.


• Understanding primary and secondary emotions is important for managing anger and other challenging emotions during the postpartum period.


• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD and autism, leading to difficulties in attention, mood regulation, and executive functioning.


• Neurodivergent women need support, validation, and understanding in their motherhood journey.

Visit Ashlee Wells via her website www.wellspsychology.com.au or on her instagram @wells_psychology

(For more info on birth trauma visit COPE or ⁠https://birthtrauma.org.au/birth-trauma-awareness-week-2024⁠)

perinatal mental health, matrescence, ADHD, autism, consent, primary emotions, secondary emotions, hormonal changes, neurodivergent women, support, validation