If you've ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why the heck you were there or called your child downstairs only to forget why you did so, you're not alone.

Or maybe you’re a person who is frequently misplacing her phone or forgetting where she set down her coffee -- sometimes multiple times a day?

Many moms jokingly call it "mom brain" or "mommy brain" and describe it as the mental fog, forgetfulness, and constant mental juggling that comes with motherhood.

However, “mom brain” isn't just a feeling, it's a biological shift. Pregnancy, postpartum, and the demands of parenting all contribute to significant changes in the brain.¹ Research shows that maternal brains undergo structural and functional changes, particularly in the areas responsible for empathy², memory³, and multitasking.⁴

So, is mom brain a permanent affliction? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding no.

With so much for mothers to juggle,from part- or full-time work to childcare and postpartum challenges, the important question is: how can mothers effectively manage, and even overcome, mom brain?

While it’s normal to feel scattered, there are ways to sharpen focus and reduce forgetfulness: 

• Prioritize sleep (when possible!): Sleep deprivation is a huge culprit. Even short naps or going to bed earlier can     help
• Write it down: Keep a planner, use sticky notes, or rely on phone reminders to track important tasks
• Simplify tasks: Reduce decision fatigue by prepping meals beforehand, delegating chores, and sticking to routines
• Practice mindfulness: Taking a few minutes to breathe, meditate, or focus on one task at a time can improve your concentration
• Exercise & nutrition: Movement boosts brain function and eating brain-healthy foods (like omega-3s and     antioxidants) can assist memory

You could also consider trying brain training with Thinkie. Thinkie uses real-time neurofeedback to track your brain activity levels, adapts gameplay to your specific needs, and tells you which brain exercises are required to sharpen your brain. Boost your memory and focus and stay sharp with Thinkie! With Thinkie, “mommy brain” becomes a Super Healthy Brain!

Structural changes in the maternal brain have been observed in regions associated with empathy and social information processing. These include increases in gray matter volume⁵ in the superior temporal gyrus, thalamus, and insula. Additionally, the amygdala, which plays a role in emotional processing and empathy, shows structural growth during the postpartum period.

¹ Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy

² Human Maternal Brain Plasticity: Adaptation to Parenting

‍³ Brain plasticity in pregnancy and the postpartum period: links to maternal caregiving and mental health

‍⁴ Parenting and the Brain

‍⁵ Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy