I was excited to be sent a review copy of this new book by Victoria White from Neurodivergent Birth. As an AuDHD person and doula, the subject of neurodivergent people’s experiences of pregnancy, birth and postpartum are my special interest. I have taken Victoria’s training in both birth and lactation support for neurodivergent people, which I highly recommend. I’m also a fan of the “Why it Matters” series of short useful guides on perinatal issues, which are very accessible.

This book is really accessible for professionals who might find themselves caring for neurodivergent people in the perinatal period. It’s a great place to start if you have never specifically considered the experiences of your neurodivergent patients or clients before. It contains a thorough foundational exposition of the issues neurodivergent people face when accessing maternity services, and specific and actionable guidance on how to accommodate them. For example, there is guidance on how to make your communication with neurodivergent patients more effective; without effective communication you cannot give or obtain informed consent, so this is a major issue of patient safety. Victoria also picks up on neglected issues such as the variability of need within the neurodivergent population, and intersectional variability, which are important to be aware of when giving care. There are clear explanations of what terms mean and what they might look like in real life, e.g. what executive functioning is, what executive functioning difficulties may look like, and how they might feature in the perinatal experience.

The book contains lots of information specifically aimed at neurodivergent people too, such as specific legislation that exists to protect birthing and disabled people, how to use them, and where to get support to do so. Victoria uses examples from her own birth and postnatal experiences that beautifully illustrate the neurodivergent experience and make the reader feel understood. I also feel that some of the sections on potential issues for neurodivergent parents could be really helpful for family and partners to read, so that they can be safe and compassionate supporters.

Some features I really like about the book are that the chapter summaries are split into separate sections that apply to parents and professionals, and the number of links to additional resources such as the Neurodivergent Birth downloads page and external resources, that can really help professionals and birthing people alike to deliver and experience good care. As a doula specialising in caring for neurodivergent people I believe that we deserve and can have beautiful, happy, fulfilling experiences of pregnancy, birth and parenthood, and this book is a great tool in working towards that. I recommend it for maternity professionals and neurodivergent expectant parents alike.

If you are a neurodivergent person looking for doula care please do send me a message or book a free chat and we can see how I can support you.