Mom Brain: Yes, It’s Real — Here Are Tips for Improving It

An estimated 80% of moms experience “mom brain,” the forgetfulness and concentration difficulties that come with pregnancy and motherhood. Ask a mom to describe the condition and she might mention anything from having a hard time finding words and engaging in conversation to lapses in judgment, missed appointments and emotional breakdowns. Science hasn’t quite caught up with how impactful mom brain can be on a woman’s work-life balance … yet. To understand what we know and what we’re still learning about mom brain, we talk to a clinical psychologist who is also a mom to two young girls.  Expert: Dr. Jessica Rohr, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Women’s Mental Health Interviewer: Melissa Schafer  Notable topics covered: Mom brain isn’t just a colloquialism: How the brain changes during pregnancy Why objective research findings don’t always match the subjective experiences of moms Why mom brain research is in its infancy: A deep dive into the historical exclusion of women in medical studies Whether “dad brain” also exists Neuroplasticity: One of the benefits that comes with the cognitive changes in motherhood Does mom brain ever go away? Navigating the shift from seeking perfection to simply being a good person and mother What spouses, loved ones and friends can do to support a new mother How to reframe conversations like, “I want you to want to do the dishes.” Tips, tools and workarounds for overcoming the challenges of mom brain If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.