Parenthood and Brain Adaptations

This chapter examines how parenthood affects brain structure and hormonal changes in both mothers and fathers, highlighting phenomena like 'dad brain' and 'mom brain.' It discusses the implications of these changes on social processing, caregiving motivation, and mental health, as well as the adaptive nature of shifts in libido and cognitive focus. Emerging research suggests that parenthood may confer neuroprotective benefits, offering a nuanced perspective on cognitive transformations associated with parenting.