An unexpected ADHD diagnosis following her daughter’s traumatic birth (Erica Shoemate’s story)

When Erica Shoemate gave birth to her daughter Nia, she was told
Nia wouldn’t survive. But today, Nia is 7 years old — and
that traumatic birth became a turning point in Erica’s
life. 


Erica shares how her postpartum experience led to diagnoses of
anxiety and PTSD, and eventually ADHD. A former national security
analyst turned maternal health strategist and policy advocate,
Erica reflects on the layered stigma of mental health in the
Black community. She also talks with Laura about ADHD and
hormones. And she shares the comment her husband made that
sparked her ADHD evaluation.


Related resources


Erica’s website, www.ericalshoemate.com

A guide to ADHD and hormones

From the Hyperfocus podcast: Did my ADHD make me more
likely to have postpartum depression? 

ADHD and pregnancy



Timestamps


(00:00) Intro 


(02:09) How Erica’s pregnancy journey led to her ADHD
diagnosis 


(10:07) What Erica’s diagnosis has taught her about herself


(16:10) Why Erica speaks openly about her ADHD diagnosis 


(21:26) Erica’s maternal health advocacy work


For a transcript and more resources, visit the “ADHD Aha!” show
page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email
us at adhdaha@understood.org or record a message for us
here. 


Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like
ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work,
donate at understood.org/give


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