Prevention for ADHD and positive parenting starts from pregnancy. There is much that mothers can do to ensure that their baby will get the best start in life and be healthy in both their body and their mind. Expectant mothers should give attention to good nutrition, avoid all alcohol, that is ally alcohol, smoking or illegal drugs. To the greatest extent possible, pharmaceutical drugs should be avoided. If it is possible to do without antidepressants during pregnancy, then one should consult with one's doctor about that possibility.
The fetus can remember things heard in the womb. Music, television programs, voices outside the womb, are heard by the fetus. Expectant mothers (and fathers in the same home) should expose the fetus to soft, rather than harsh music. Rock and roll, heavy metal, hard core music, or other intense music, can have a damaging effect on the fetus, especially if played with the volume high. Mothers should expose the fetus to softer, gentler music, as if the baby was already born. Adults can remember music that they heard while in the womb of their mother, and some babies have been born "addicted" to soap operas. What a fetus takes in through the senses is truly astounding. The fetus can feel pain and recalls from a needle in the womb from as early as 2 1/2 months. Mothers need to be aware of the sensitivity of the fetus.
Expectant mothers should have regular doctor visits and follow suggestions. To the extent possible, avoid extremely stressful situations of lifestyle. Good nutrition is of importance.
All of this can have an implication on the future mental health of a baby and child. In a positive way, a mother's diligence and foresight can influence positively the babies future chances of success. Some situations with ADHD children, have roots in the womb.
This is not to say that nothing can be done after the fact. There is much that both parents and educators can do for children who display symptoms of ADHD, without needing to resort to pharmaceuticals, with their distressing side effects.
Mothers, then, can be happy that they do have a certain amount of control in the health of their baby, both after and before birth. What is more, breast feeding can help a mother bond to her baby and vice-versa, as well as help a baby to form emotional attachments and a feeling of security, which is a helpful prevention in terms of ADHD. Secure emotional attachments are a deterrent for symptoms of ADHD as the baby becomes a child.
