How Parenthood Changes the Brain

How does the brain change when you become a parent?

Even if you don’t have children, you likely know friends and family who are parents. A new baby brings a lot of changes to your routine, sleep, and lifestyle. But the brain has the amazing ability to adapt in preparation for parenthood. And whether you’re a new parent or simply want to learn what friends and family are going through, understanding the neuroscience can help everyone provide better support for new moms and dads.

I’m excited to do a deep dive on this topic with our guest today. Dr. Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist, speaker, and founder of Think Brain and the Neuroscience Academy’s suite of training programs. She’s also the author of Baby Brain: The Surprising Neuroscience of How Pregnancy and Motherhood Sculpt Our Brains and Change Our Minds (For the Better).

Both men and women show myriad biological changes both during pregnancy and after the baby is born. This reshaping of the parental brain reflects the amazing power of neuroplasticity and equips you with new capabilities to match the demands of parenthood. Listen in as Dr. McKay shares the fascinating research about how pregnancy and caring for a new infant physically alters the brain for both moms and dads.