logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
42m 27s

172: The Science of Mommy Brain. With Jo...

Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M. Ed.
About this episode

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.

Up next
Dec 2024
181: Dare to Feel. With Alexandra Roxo
What if motherhood didn't mean losing touch with your sensual self? Listen in and uncover insights with Alexandra Roxo. Click here for the show notes and extra resources. As we become parents our own needs often go out the window, but they don't need to. Today's guest shares her ... Show More
43m 36s
Dec 2024
180: Heliotropic Parenting. With Dr. Harry Cohen
Your child's growth can be powered by your positivity. Listen in and learn how to embrace heliotropic parenting today with Dr. Harry Cohen. Click here for the show notes and extra resources. My guest today shares important business mindset and strategies to be an effective and co ... Show More
35m 20s
Dec 2024
179: Sleep Secrets. With Katie Sullivan
Struggling with newborn sleep routines? Listen in and discover the secrets with my guest, Katie Sullivan. Click here for the show notes and extra resources. Sleep seems to be a hot topic when it comes to living with little ones. My guest today shares her secrets to having good sl ... Show More
33m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 13
The missing skill that helps parents and kids stay calm: Interoception
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1255388/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Last week, we uncovered how your child’s behaviour is really their nervous system communicating.</p><p>Today, we’re going deeper, <em>inside the body,</em> to ex ... Show More
39m 12s
Jan 2025
How to parent yourself first and break unhealthy cycles with Bryana Kappadakunnel
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1255388/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>This episode explores the profound impact of childhood experiences on parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and emotional healing. Bria ... Show More
43m 42s
Mar 2025
Why am I so angry? Parenting SOS with Dr Caroline Boyd
On this month's Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Clinical Psychologist and expert on maternal rage Dr Caroline Boyd.Anger is a natural response to the overwhelming demands of motherhood in today’s society. Many of us feel pressure to be supermums - calm, coping and in control at al ... Show More
42m 31s
Jun 2025
Being a Conscious Parent: Breaking Generational Patterns
Being a conscious parent is one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys we can take. It requires the courage to look in the mirror, ask tough questions, and do the deep inner work needed to break generational cycles. It’s often easier to place blame on our children or part ... Show More
44m 11s
Aug 2024
How to Raise Happy Confident Kids
<p>Do you want to raise kids who are confident in who they are?</p> <p><br></p> <p>Join me in this episode where I dive into the importance of <strong>self-skills, confidence and relationship skills</strong> to help kids have a <strong>deep knowing of who they are </strong>and wh ... Show More
14m 31s
Jul 2021
005: Transforming Anger into Calm with Afshan Tafler
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this week’s episode, I sit down with Afshan Tafler, who is a holistic Life Coach, Conscious Parenting Coach and IFS Practitioner.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Afshan helps you master emotional stress so you can trans ... Show More
49m 49s
Mar 2023
065: How the Child's Sense of Self & Boundaries Help with Emotional Regulation
What do boundaries have to do with emotional regulation? In this episode we are exploring the connection between the Sense of Self and the child's sense of psychological Boundaries and what they have to do with the child's emotional regulation. We explore why there can be no ment ... Show More
25m 47s
Nov 2024
How to F**K like a Goddess with Alexandra TTL | 46
<p dir="ltr">Shownotes</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">What f**king like a goddess truly means</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How women's emotions can change the planet</p> ... Show More
55m 51s
May 2024
When Children Move Out - 213
It's hard to picture your active toddler moving out. But it happens faster than you can imagine. Letting go of our children as they venture into adulthood is a bittersweet journey that all parents must face. This transition involves understanding how children naturally seek indep ... Show More
30m 41s