Book title: Mum, Interrupted: The ADHD Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond By Sarah Marsh
Review by: Fedwa Harrak
Year of publication: 2026
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Number of pages: 208
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781805013570
Sarah Marsh’s Mum, Interrupted provides a timely and engaging exploration of pregnancy, birth and early motherhood from the perspective of women with ADHD. Combining lived experience with expert contributions and practical advice, Marsh explores how ADHD can influence organisation, routines, appointments, sleep, nutrition and the transition into parenthood.
A particular strength is the book’s honest portrayal of the everyday challenges experienced by mothers with ADHD. Discussions around forgetting appointments, managing pregnancy-related tasks, packing for the baby and establishing routines are relatable and effectively demonstrate how executive functioning difficulties can become more pronounced during the transition to motherhood. Rather than presenting these challenges as personal failings, Marsh promotes understanding and practical solutions, including reminders, calendars, visual prompts and structured routines.
The book is particularly relevant to midwifery because it encourages practitioners to consider how maternity services can better accommodate neurodivergent women. Clear communication, written information, repetition of important advice and appropriate reminders may support engagement and improve the maternity experience. The emphasis on individualised support aligns well with person-centred midwifery practice.
However, readers should recognise that the book combines personal experience with expert opinion and practical guidance, rather than functioning as a clinical textbook. Some recommendations would benefit from greater discussion of the underlying evidence, particularly where advice relates directly to pregnancy health.
Overall, Mum, Interrupted is an accessible and compassionate resource that helps challenge misconceptions about ADHD and motherhood. It would be valuable for midwives seeking greater insight into neurodiversity and for women and families wanting to understand the realities of parenting with ADHD.