Whether it’s a first baby or the latest newborn in a growing family, women for years have complained of brain power problems tied to their pregnancies.
From short-term memory loss to outright forgetfulness, pregnancy seems to affect the brain as significantly as it does the reproductive system.
Is “Mom Brain” real?
“New mothers tell us all the time that they have uncharacteristic symptoms like frequent disorientation and trouble with focus and concentration,” says Dr. Jessica Rohr, women’s health director at Houston Methodist. “While ‘Mom Brain’ may not be an official diagnosis, it’s a very real condition.”
It also isn’t confined to one specific period. Mom Brain’s pattern of cognitive changes can be experienced during pregnancy, postpartum and while raising children.
Dr. Rohr should know. She has two toddlers, the youngest born during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has experienced similar symptoms herself. Unrealistic — and unhealthy — societal expectations don’t change with a baby in the picture, she says.
The “Perfect Mom”: Motherhood’s biggest myth
It still seems that mothers are expected to dedicate themselves to caring for the children and, in many cases, working full time.
Plus, today’s emphasis on intensive parenting encourages mothers to handle 100% of their baby’s emotional and physical needs, an all-consuming expectation in direct conflict with a balanced life and family.
“Add to these responsibilities housecleaning, chores and maintaining romantic relationships with partners — all while you’re expected to look great — can make for overwhelming, impossible and unhealthy to-do lists,” says Dr. Rohr.
Tasks outnumber time to complete them; the brain is overloaded; and up to 75% of new mothers are distressed they’re not what they used to be and don’t understand why.
As a mother, have you experienced this? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
Cc Patti Muck