172: The Science of Mommy Brain. With Jodi Pawluski

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.