Main description:

This is the first book of its kind to be written specifically for autistic parents, whilst also providing essential reading for health and social care practitioners, enabling them to provide reasonably adjusted care with the best outcomes for autistic people and their babies. Written by an autistic mother who experienced a mental health crisis following a poorly supported pregnancy and childbirth, she gives voice to the experiences of many autistic parents in order to address the issues they collectively and uniquely face. The outcome is a practical, insightful and solution-focused guide to empower autistic parents from pre-conception right through to the first few months with baby, and to inform health and social care staff whose job it is to offer support and to meet their needs at these critical times. This sensitively illustrated book provides the information, resources and confidence autistic parents need to advocate for themselves, as well as developing positive relationships with the professionals involved in their care.

Contents:

1. Your rights in pregnancy and childbirth
2. Autistic identity
3. Ready for a baby?
4. Getting pregnant
5. Conception, fertilisation and the beginning of life
6. Diet
7. Medication
8. Exercise
9. Sleep
10. Preparing for appointments
11. Feeling baby move
12. Finding out the sex of your baby
13. Where do you want to give birth?
14. What to pack for hospital
15. What is it like to give birth?
16. Writing a birth plan
17. Care after birth
18. Miscarriage, stillbirth and grief
19. Mind, emotions and wellbeing
20. Feeding baby
21. Being a new parent
22. Fourth trimester plan