Raising Good Humans What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Parent (Including Dads) w/ Dr. Darby Saxbe
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Dec 19, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Dr. Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and USC professor, delves into the neurological changes that occur in both mothers and fathers during the transition to parenthood. She emphasizes that caregiving reshapes brain structure and enhances attachment, while also increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Dr. Saxbe critiques societal support for new parents, advocating for communal care systems. The conversation highlights the unique contributions fathers bring to parenting and the importance of building supportive networks.
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Parenthood Is A Major Neuroplastic Window
- The transition to parenthood is a major neurobiological and social window of change called matrescence or patrescence.
- Darby Saxbe highlights concurrent shifts in brain structure, hormones, relationships, identity, and routines that create both risk and opportunity.
Caregiving, Not Pregnancy, Drives Brain Change
- Structural brain changes occur in caregivers regardless of pregnancy, driven by time and energy spent caregiving.
- Saxbe found men who spend more time as primary caregivers show pronounced brain remodeling similar to mothers.
Caregiving Can Raise Mental-Health Risk
- Increased parental brain change correlates with stronger attachment but also higher depression and anxiety for fathers.
- Saxbe warns caregiving's mental-health costs reflect societal failure to support caregivers, not a reason to avoid caregiving.