Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy

In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Chelsea Conaboy to explore what really happens to the brain during pregnancy and postpartum. Drawing from her groundbreaking book Mother Brain, Chelsea unpacks the myth of maternal instinct and shares what neuroscience is revealing about the profound brain changes that take place when we become parents.

Together, they dive into the emotional and psychological realities of new parenthood, the shifting identity of caregiving, and why understanding the science of the parental brain is a powerful step toward building more compassionate cultural narratives and systems that support families.

Inside this episode:

The major neurological shifts that occur in pregnancy and postpartum
Why “maternal instinct” is more myth than science
How caregiving changes all parents’ brains, not just mothers
The impact of identity shifts and anxiety in early parenthood
How brain science supports better parental leave policies
The role of sleep, stress, and societal pressure on new parents
Why the transition to parenthood is a developmental stage
Why understanding your brain helps you give yourself grace
And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy
Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @chelseaconaboy
Between Us Substack

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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