The Wonderous Benefits of 'Baby Brain' Every Mum Should Know About

It is likely that you may have heard of the phrase 'Baby Brain' or 'Mum Brain'. Generally 'baby brain' seems to have a negative connotation, like it is a flaw that mums need to push through to overcome. Well, I am telling you these physical changes that take place are not something you can simply overcome with sheer willpower, but are an advantage and an amazing biological change we.

But, first, what is baby brain?

If you have ever been pregnant and then been blessed with the task of caring for a newborn, you might still recall those moments of absent-mindedness when you were searching for your sunglasses (which were on your head), or when you mistakenly called your partner by the name of your pet, or when you pondered over which level of the parking lot you had left your vehicle.

These experiences often cause mothers to become concerned about the condition of their minds and fear that their mental capacities are gone for all eternity. ( But please don't worry!)

Also, many mothers find themselves while pregnant sobbing when watching the news, perturbed by horror films and quickly catching onto and being influenced by the sentiments of other people.

"WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING TO ME?!"

is asked internally by many mummas and mummas to be.

Well - your brain is physically changing. A phenomenon which science has confirmed. It has been revealed that during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, our brains decrease in size by approximately 7%. Basically, it goes through a massive culling, getting rid of the things of the past it thinks you won't need anymore and making room for all the wonderous new skills and experiences that will be needed to succeed in this next huge stage of life.

Also, in the later stages of pregnancy and the early months of motherhood, your brain is flooded with a concoction of hormones that can change you feel and operate. One of these magical hormones is Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the 'love hormone' or the 'mothering hormone'. This expotentionally increases like never before.

Should 'Baby Brain' always be seen as something negative because yes, in the short term, it can make a woman feel like she is losing her marbles or have a different sense of self? I am here to tell you that we can decide to accept it and recognize the advantages it brings to the mothering experience. It could even help us to develop new abilities and to be more understanding and compassionate not just towards our babies but to people in general.

What roles does Oxytocin play?

The body and mind both experience the effects of oxytocin. During special moments like falling in love, having intercourse, and giving birth, it is produced in great amounts and reaches its highest level in the "golden hour" after childbirth. People feel a warm, pleasant sensation due to oxytocin, but it is also responsible for other vital functions such as powerful labour contractions, expelling the placenta, stimulating breast milk production, and aiding in the attachment process between mother and baby.

In order for all these processes to occur smoothly, it is essential that our bodies have an abundant supply of oxytocin in the weeks before and after childbirth.

How Oxytocin and 'baby brain' really work:

For the brain to produce copious amounts of oxytocin to aid us with childbirth, mumma-baby bonding, and breastfeeding, the logical, "masculine" portion of the brain must deactivate a bit. This part of the brain that assists with clear thinking and rationalization, along with helping to remember details like where we put the car keys, starts to diminish, thus allowing us to be in a "dopey" oxytocin-rich state.

Once you enter this space, you become more receptive to emotions and can understand non-verbal communication coming from your baby and other people. This 'feminine', feeling-oriented, compassionate, and loving part of your brain is now fully engaged, making you exceptionally sensitive to the feelings and needs of the people around you and your baby in particular, who is so dependent on you. This leads to a stronger connection with others and a greater feeling of trust and love in your relationships.

We have the potential, in this time of great plasticity in the brain, to acquire the skills to multi-task, pick up mothering abilities, and accept our new role with assurance and not worry or pressure, given the right atmosphere rich in oxytocin.

In order for everything to unfold as it should, we must embrace our 'Baby Brain' and not try to restrain it. The two main factors that suppress Oxytocin are tension (such as lack of sleep and hunger) and over-rationalization. Thus, to promote its production, we - and those taking care of us - should strive to make the environment as tranquil and stress-free as achievable in the weeks preceding childbirth and the postpartum period, making certain to have ample amounts of rest, aid, and nurture.

Therefore, if you ever forget your closest buddy's name or absent-mindedly place your phone in the refrigerator, you can take comfort in knowing that your "baby brain" is functioning as it should. You will come out the other side with an altered brain, and one that has improved for the better. You will have acquired a "super mum brain".