172: The Science of Mommy Brain. With Jodi Pawluski

Is 'Mommy Brain' real or just a myth? Listen in and discover the science behind it with my guest, Jodi Pawluski! Click here for the show notes and extra resources. So often the ‘Mommy Brain’ gets a bad wrap, but did you know everything happens for a reason!? Today I’m talking with a neuroscientist to understand the science of the mommy brain better.   What We Talked About: The brain changes that occur in mothers during parenthood Societal and environmental pressures that disproportionately affect mothers Effects of perinatal mental illness on both mothers and their offspring Oxytocin and bonding without breastfeeding Why parenting skill is built through experience Changes in brain structure and function when learning to care for a child. Things to Remember “Parenting is accepting the diversity and working to find what works for you and your child within your household.” “Motherhood itself has a special list of pressures and to-do's.” “Your brain can only do so much.” “Acknowledge all the amazing things that occur in our brains during pregnancy and the postpartum period and not see it as a deficit.” “Your brain is functioning when it has the capacity and the environment to function well when you're pregnant or postpartum.” “Pregnant women are much better at memory for parenting-related things.” “Becoming a parent can increase the chances of mental health struggles.” “Our brain is really valuable in our transition to parenthood and we need to acknowledge that.” - Jodi Pawluski   Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

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The Art of Parenting provides parents and caregivers support and encouragement as we nurture and guide the next generation. Do you struggle with your child’s demanding or frustrating behaviors? Do you find yourself spread way too thin trying to figure out this whole “parenting puzzle” (such as tantrums, hitting or biting, wanting a better relationship with your child, sibling rivalry, potty training, co-sleeping, etc.)? The Art of Parenting podcast, with your host Jeanne-Marie Paynel, is intended to help you decipher children's needs and learn how to better provide for them. I’ll be sharing simple tips and tricks that will make a huge difference in your home while giving you the support and encouragement you deserve to enhance and enrich your parenting experience. Each week I’ll be helping you find clarity and solutions to your toughest parenting problems through Q&A sessions and inspirational conversations with world-renowned experts in a variety of fields. Topics range from Montessori and RIE parenting methods to positive discipline, respectful and conscious parenting, minimalism and more! Parenting was never meant to be done alone and The Art of Parenting is here to debunk the general consensus that it has to be hard.