'Mom Brain' - Debunking A Harmful Myth And Unleashing The Power Of Motherhood.

Three years ago, Mama’s Got Mojo hosted an event about the commonly used epithet ‘Mom Brain’ aimed at busting old myths and explaining the actual science behind the cognitive changes women go through during matrescence—the transition to motherhood. To this day, the negative connotations of "mom brain" still persist and continue to impact the perception of mothers in the workplace. It is crucial to continue to raise awareness about this issue and highlight the positive and unique capabilities that moms gain during pregnancy and postpartum.

As a mom, I've heard the term "mom brain" thrown around a lot, even among moms themselves when joking about brain fog and forgetfulness. The idea that becoming a mother means you suddenly become unfocused or less intelligent is harmful and needs to be debunked once and for all. In reality, motherhood requires a partiular set of cognitive skills that can make mothers stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to handle the demands of the workplace. The brain fog many moms experience is not due to a shrinkage of brain mass but rather a natural result of mothers being overworked, sleep deprived, unsupported and stretched to their limits.

Moms' brains are super powerful for several reasons. First and foremost, the physical and emotional demands of motherhood require moms to develop exceptional cognitive skills. They must constantly multitask, switching between tasks quickly and efficiently, while also remaining organized and attentive to their children's needs. This constant juggling of responsibilities builds neural pathways that allow moms to process information quickly and effectively, making their brains highly efficient.

There is a scientific explanation to all of this - a process called neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s capacity to adapt and reorganize in response to life changing events. During pregnancy a mother experiences a reduction in gray matter volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes - areas of the brain involved in social cognition, empathy, and understanding the mental states of others. This decrease in gray matter is believed to result from a process called synaptic pruning which forms and strengthens new neural connections and eliminates old ones. In layman’s terms, this is natures way of rewiring the brain to become more efficient and to focus on the most important tasks of motherhood, such as nurturing and bonding with the baby.

Research shows that new mothers have increased activity in regions of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and empathy. This means that as mothers, we can become better at reading emotions and responding to the needs of others - skills that are crucial in leadership roles that require strong interpersonal skills. This emotional awareness make them excellent communicators and problem-solvers.

Moreover, motherhood often requires a tremendous amount of creativity and resourcefulness. Moms must find new and innovative ways to solve problems and get things done, often on a tight budget and with limited resources. This constant need for creative thinking builds neural pathways in the brain that allow moms to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to complex problems.

All of these factors combine to make moms' brains super powerful, highly adaptable, and incredibly efficient. So the next time you hear someone joke about "mom brain," remember that motherhood requires a unique set of cognitive skills that make moms some of the most powerful and effective thinkers out there.

It's time for society to recognize the value that mothers bring to the workplace and beyond. Employers should see mothers as an asset and provide the support and accommodations needed to help us succeed. This can include offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to affordable childcare, and creating mentorship programs.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that fathers also experience similar, albeit less extensive, changes in their brains when they are expecting. However, you never hear anyone joking about 'dad brain,' nor is there such a thing as a 'dad penalty' at work when men become fathers. Therefore, let's stop perpetuating the myth of "mom brain." By shifting our mindset and celebrating the unique set of skills that mothers bring to the table, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture that benefits everyone.