Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik cover image

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik

How Parenthood Reshapes Our Brains with Dr. Sarah McKay

Aug 21, 2023
Neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay discusses the remarkable ways parenthood reshapes our brains. She explores 'baby brain' and its effects on cognitive function, changes in fathers' brains during parenting, importance of social support, hyper vigilance in parenting, and her book 'Baby Brain' that delves into the neuroscience of pregnancy and motherhood.
20:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Objective cognitive tests do not support claims of cognitive decline in women during pregnancy and early motherhood, instead, feelings of forgetfulness or lack of focus can be attributed to factors such as anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation.
  • Neuroscience research highlights significant changes in the brains of mothers and fathers during pregnancy and parenthood, enhancing their abilities to care for and protect their babies, suggesting that both parents are biologically primed for parenting.

Deep dives

Baby Brain: Debunking the Myth of Cognitive Decline

Despite the popular belief in 'baby brain' or 'momnesia', research shows that there is no evidence of cognitive decline in women during pregnancy and early motherhood. While women may subjectively feel forgetful or lack focus, objective cognitive tests do not support these claims. Instead, these feelings can be attributed to factors such as anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation, which are prevalent during this period. Additionally, attentional shifts towards the baby's well-being and social cues can result in temporary lapses in memory. It is important to recognize that these experiences are normal and not indicative of cognitive dysfunction.

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