When I was pregnant with my first child I was amazed at how flustered I felt. I seemed to forget things easily and was often overwhelmed by emotions and stumped by the most simple of tasks. Once I had my son I was introduced to thoughts and feelings previously unknown to me. My world was boundless. I was intimidated at times but also felt a renewed sense of purpose and a confidence I had never known. It was like I had found my groove. I had instincts and an intuition for motherhood that had an impact well beyond my family.
Is this a common reaction to this life changing experience? Until recently, other moms would nod their heads knowingly but scientists were baffled. The brain couldn’t change so it had to be anecdotal…right? A recent study by scientists at Virginia’s University of Richmond are challenging this theory with new findings that suggest that pregnancy and motherhood permanently impact the brain but not by creating the confusion and forgetfullness often associated with "mommy brain". In this study the maternal brain shows a huge advantage over women without children from curiosity to self-confidence to sensory acuteness.
Studies at the University of Toronto also show that hormones released by mothers increase their emotional reaction when introduced to infant smells, especially their own. This physiological response to childbirth aids moms in developing the necessary emotional connection with their newborn but the advantages of this reaction are far reaching throughout a woman’s life.
The studies show that the effect of these changes are long-term. What we have all known to be true, that moms can and do have an incredible ability to balance many tasks, has now been proven scientifically. Therefore, the advantages to motherhood extend far beyond our ability to parent and into many other aspects of our lives. So, here’s to all of you self-confident, empathetic, self-motivated, multi-taskers out there!
Wow! Now what is my excuse?! 😉