Baby Brain’ is a measurable phenomenon.
It's real…it really is, and we're going to talk about it.
Talking about the brain isn't really all that glamorous but it is fascinating…ok so maybe it’s my medical background which makes me so interested, but please read on…you may learn a thing or two.
As women, we are set up our whole life learning that we can do everything a man can do. I 100% agree with this, and as a mother of a girl I want her to know that we are equal with our male counterparts. However, we aren’t 100% equal. As women we are made differently, our bodies are unique and we are capable of the most incredible, super powered growth and transformation…we grow humans for God's sake!
When we become a mother, nothing we have done in our life truly prepares us for this next stage. We are never taught about the changes that occur in our bodies and in our life.
Let's look at this scientifically for a moment.
When we have a baby there are many elements of our bodies that change. We all know that. It’s obvious. But one of the less obvious changes is that the actual size and structure of our brain changes during this time. Scans have shown that the brain of a woman before and after she has had a baby literally looks different.
This is why the word ‘Baby Brain’ should not have a negative connotation. Baby Brain should be about embracing and celebrating the incredible power of the feminine brain and the abilities it has-just as the female body does. Baby Brain should be referring to the value it adds and how it enhances the female brain not only during this transformation but also for the rest of her life. This change during pregnancy and motherhood is totally intentional, and just as mother nature intended. There is huge value in Baby Brain. Need some more convincing…read on my friend.
It is true; we do indeed have decreased cognitive function during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or are a mother you will know that you experience decreased memory and certainly less capabilities for maths whilst pregnant. This is often frowned upon in society or even by ourselves. However, when we become mothers we have an increased capacity for empathy and compassion. Our brains and hormones change in such a way that we become better at reading body language and subtleties given by others. The changes in your brain are positive. You aren’t stupid or loosing brain cells during this time but in fact are gaining so many more abilities and capabilities.
Ok so some more science… the brain continues to grow our whole life and there are two distinct growth stages for women. 1, when we are a baby and 2, when we become a mother. During both these stages the brain is open and ready for incredible growth and learning. So there is no wonder we can become overwhelmed and exhausted during this time. There is a significant growth in our senses (you may notice how heightened your senses of smell and taste becomes whilst pregnant).
Another significant change is around L. O. V. E. and the hormone responsible for it. Oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone produced and released by the brain normally when we hug and orgasm. When we are pregnant and have had a baby our brain produces more oxytocin and receptors that helps with childbirth, bonding and empathy and breast milk production.
Baby Brain enables you to be come more tolerant of monotony and boredom (this is why we can listen to nursery rhymes on repeat!). This, my dear friend is why Baby Brain is PERFECT for motherhood, and not a bad thing.
Over time the changes in our brains as mothers e us to become better at assessing risk and multi-tasking. We become braver and more efficient with our time. The changes in our b enable us to become more perceptive and have a better awareness of our surroundings. This actually dates back thousands of y ago and with the evolution of mothers. We needed to be more alert and aware to protect our babies as a matter of survival of the species. We had to be more sensitive if food smelt bad or have h awareness if there was danger approaching.
Another change that occurs is that we become more driven and ambitious. During this time mothers often want to further their c or start a business (I know I did). This is awesome but can also create its own issues and inner turmoil. If we want to further our careers or ourselves when we are mothers it tends to go against the cultural expectation of what is ‘expected’ of a mother. This can therefore create friction. Do we do what is expected of us or what we truly desire? Either way, this drive and ambition can produce some incredible outcomes.
So, Baby Brain. It’s there…it exists…it’s fricken awesome; It allows us to do what we need to do as mothers. So let's embrace it, own it. Isn’t the woman’s body incredible?
And as always, be kind to yourself, you are the best job you can!
