172: The Science of Mommy Brain. With Jodi Pawluski

The Art of Parenting

Is 'Mommy Brain' real or just a myth? Listen in and discover the science behind it with my guest, Jodi Pawluski!

Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

So often the ‘Mommy Brain’ gets a bad wrap, but did you know everything happens for a reason!? Today I’m talking with a neuroscientist to understand the science of the mommy brain better.

What We Talked About:

• The brain changes that occur in mothers during parenthood

• Societal and environmental pressures that disproportionately affect mothers

• Effects of perinatal mental illness on both mothers and their offspring

• Oxytocin and bonding without breastfeeding

• Why parenting skill is built through experience

• Changes in brain structure and function when learning to care for a child.

Things to Remember

“Parenting is accepting the diversity and working to find what works for you and your child within your household.”

“Motherhood itself has a special list of pressures and to-do's.”

“Your brain can only do so much.”

“Acknowledge all the amazing things that occur in our brains during pregnancy and the postpartum period and not see it as a deficit.”

“Your brain is functioning when it has the capacity and the environment to function well when you're pregnant or postpartum.”

“Pregnant women are much better at memory for parenting-related things.”

“Becoming a parent can increase the chances of mental health struggles.”

“Our brain is really valuable in our transition to parenthood and we need to acknowledge that.”

- Jodi Pawluski

Click here for the show notes and extra resources.