Is Mommy Brain Real?

We’ve all heard the jokes and we have all had our moments.  Forgetfulness, bouts of short-term amnesia, a delay in understanding new concepts; yes, it’s “mommy brain.”  Long observed and documented, plenty of research and studies have shown that there is a science behind “Mommy Brain”  and that it does indeed exist.  The twist, however, is that though it may seem to yourself and others that it is making your cognitive abilities decline, the science suggests that it triggers brain growth.

Neuroplasticity is the reorganisation of connections in response to new stimulus or experiences.  When you begin a new position at a new company, for example, after some time you may find that you have forgotten the processes you used to know by heart from your previous job or several jobs prior.  This reorganisation process happens several times throughout one’s life.  Do you really remember who you sat next to in the 3rd grade? Probably not.

Essentially, this is what happens when a woman develops “mommy brain.”  Information that is not needed is shelved to make way for what the brain needs to remember along with increased empathetic capacities so as to properly care for your newborn.  Couple that with sleep deprivation (notorious for making one forgetful) and the hormones that course through a woman throughout pregnancy and for a short period of time after, and you have the recipe for spaciness. 

What all of us moms need to remember, however, is that we need to relax.  Mommy brain is not a bad thing.  It’s just our body’s way of allowing us to forget to bring our laptops to work, but make sure that we’ve memorised our baby’s vaccination schedule perfectly.  And it does come to an end; some studies have shown that two years postpartum and brain function can return to what it once was before pregnancy.

In the meantime, however, moms who are worried about what’s happening can easily employ these tricks for creating productivity amidst the fog:

• Plan ahead

Though it may seem like a no brainer, when you’re in the thick of caring for a newborn, planning often goes out the window. You do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Unfortunately, that can cause plenty of forgetful moments. Even before giving birth, try to get into the habit of planning each week ahead, creating a one-month or two-month plan for after postpartum. Simply ask yourself: what are the things I need to remember?

• Use a planner or the reminder app on your phone

Whether written down with pen and paper or digitally on a smartphone, use whatever tools you have at your disposal to help make the planning easy and the execution of those plans smooth and seamless.  By using these tools you can help establish a routine that your body can get used to and memorise, making it easier for your brain to function since there is slightly less to think about!

• Make lists and make them visible

You can make all the to do lists you want, but if you can’t find the lists, it can be like you never made them at all!  The most popular places for lists are the kitchen door (stuck on with magnets), your dresser or mirror (use post-its!!), and even your baby’s crib if that’s the spot you’re most likely to see and remember what it is you have to do!

• Make time for self-care 

Amidst all the planning, don’t forget to find time for yourself.  This is incredibly important, and while you might want to spend every waking moment with your baby, having a half hour to just breathe and be alone or do something you enjoy can make a world of difference for your brain health.  It can also make you feel less overwhelmed.  In addition to this, take vitamins to help boost both your brain and your immune system. You can also really use the extra nutrients if you are breastfeeding!

Remember, do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.  Help with what you have to do, or help with planning and creating your schedule and routine.  Knowing that you can spread out responsibility is also a great relief on the many worries that tend to weigh on new moms.

Finally, SLEEP.  The doctors aren’t kidding.  Whenever you can, SLEEP.  Especially in those first couple of months.  The more sleep you get, the more alert you’ll be.  New mom or not, your brain needs sleep!