Mom Brain: Pregnancy and Postpartum Edition

If you’ve ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why, put your phone in the fridge, or found yourself staring blankly at a text message you meant to reply to hours ago, welcome to the world of Mom Brain—a very real phenomenon that kicks in during pregnancy and continues well into the postpartum period. While it’s often joked about as forgetfulness or absentmindedness, mom brain has a scientific basis, and understanding it can help new mothers navigate this phase with grace.

What is Mom Brain?

Mom brain refers to the cognitive and emotional changes that happen due to hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the mental load of caring for a newborn. It’s not just about forgetfulness—it’s an entire rewiring of the brain that prioritizes bonding, caregiving, and survival instincts over everything else.

The brain literally shrinks during pregnancy, particularly in areas associated with social cognition and emotional intelligence. But don’t panic—it’s actually a good thing! These changes are designed to help mothers tune into their babies’ needs and strengthen their ability to nurture and protect them.

The Science Behind Mom Brain

Your brain is undergoing some major transformations, and here’s why:

1. Hormonal Overhaul

Pregnancy floods your body with progesterone, estrogen, and oxytocin—all essential for growing and bonding with your baby. These hormones affect memory, emotions, and even decision-making. After birth, estrogen levels plummet, and prolactin takes over to support milk production, often leaving moms feeling foggy and emotionally sensitive. Oxytocin is famously called as the love hormone but it is also the ‘amnesia hormone’. It helps you forget the ordeal you went through during childbirth. Had it not been for this effect, we would never produce more kids!

2. Sleep Deprivation

No surprises here! Newborns don’t understand the concept of night and day, and frequent night wakings disrupt deep sleep cycles. The result? Poor concentration, slower cognitive processing, and of course, forgetfulness.

3. Increased Mental Load

A mother’s brain is wired to anticipate, plan, and worry about everything related to the baby—feeding schedules, diaper changes, developmental milestones, and even minor changes in the baby’s cry. This constant hyper-awareness means there’s less bandwidth for remembering where you left your coffee mug (again).

4. Evolutionary Design

Studies suggest that mom brain isn’t a flaw—it’s an upgrade. The brain shifts focus from unnecessary distractions to nurturing and responding to the baby’s cues. This is why mothers become highly attuned to their baby’s needs, picking up on hunger cues, sleep signals, and discomfort even before their baby cries.

Pregnancy Brain vs. Postpartum Brain

Mom brain isn’t limited to postpartum life—it actually starts during pregnancy! Here’s how it evolves:

• Pregnancy Brain: Forgetting appointments, misplacing keys, and feeling mentally sluggish are common. The brain is already rewiring itself for motherhood.

• Postpartum Brain: New moms experience heightened emotional responses, difficulty focusing on non-baby tasks, and a constant feeling of mental exhaustion.

How to Navigate Mom Brain: Practical Tips

1. Accept It, Don’t Fight It

Instead of beating yourself up for being forgetful, recognize that your brain is prioritizing what matters most—your baby. Give yourself grace!

2. Make Lists (Lots of Them!)

Use phone reminders, sticky notes, or a planner to track important tasks. Writing things down frees up mental space for more pressing concerns.

3. Get More Sleep (Easier Said Than Done, Right?)

While uninterrupted sleep may seem impossible, naps and adjusting to your baby’s sleep schedule can help minimize brain fog. A new mother gets to have her rest while our team at Orya Care guides her through this challenging phase of life.

4. Eat for Brain Health

Postpartum recovery requires nutrient-dense foods rich in omega-3s, iron, and healthy fats to support brain function. Think salmon, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

5. Move Your Body

Gentle yoga, stretching, and short walks improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain, helping with mental clarity. At Orya Care, our yoga therapist will personalise a yoga plan for you depending on your ability, health and stage of recovery.

6. Lean on Your Village

A strong support system—be it family, friends, or a new mom’s group—can ease the mental burden and provide much-needed emotional reassurance.

7. Laugh It Off

Forget where you parked? Left the laundry in the washer (again)? Laughter is the best remedy for mom brain mishaps. Give yourself permission to find humor in the chaos.

Mom Brain and Bonding: The Silver Lining

Though it may feel frustrating, mom brain isn’t just about forgetfulness—it’s also about forming deeper emotional connections with your baby. The structural changes in the maternal brain enhance empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills, making mothers more intuitive caregivers.

What’s even more fascinating? Studies show that fathers and primary caregivers also experience brain changes! The more they engage with the baby, the stronger their emotional and cognitive adjustments become. Fathers have higher prolactin levels which tempers the masculinizing effects of testosterone and makes them more nurturing.

Can Mom Brain Be Reversed?

Good news—mom brain isn’t permanent! As hormone levels stabilize and sleep improves, cognitive function bounces back. Many moms report that they feel sharper and more efficient than ever before, likely because parenthood hones multitasking skills like nothing else.

If forgetfulness lingers well beyond the postpartum period, consider checking for nutrient deficiencies (like iron or B12), thyroid imbalances, or postpartum depression, which can also impact memory and focus.

Embracing the Beautiful Chaos

Mom brain is not a flaw—it’s a feature. It’s proof of the incredible transformation happening within you, designed to prioritize your baby’s survival and well-being. At Orya Care, we understand the physical and emotional shifts of motherhood. Through Ayurveda, yoga therapy, and holistic postpartum care, we help mothers embrace this phase with balance, nourishment, and support. Because while your brain may feel foggy, your instincts have never been sharper.

So the next time you find your phone in the pantry, take a deep breath—you’re doing an amazing job. Your baby doesn’t need a perfectly organized mom, just one who loves fiercely and embraces the journey, mom brain and all.