The Power of Motherhood: How giving birth change? Your Brain

Depression and anxiety are not the only the psychological outcomes following the birth of your child. After generations of casually noticing changes in the psyche of females after giving birth, it has finally been confirmed by scientists that a woman’s brain does process alterations due to a surge of multifarious hormones that run through your body during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.  

Your braing rows

Shortly after giving birth, there will be a limited but significant, decrease in the volume of gray matter found in the brain. It has also been observed that women who act more zealous about their children showed a greater volume increase in brain areas such as the amygdala, hypothalamus, parietal lobe and prefrontal cortex than women who acted less eager about their new-borns, showing a direct relationship between their attitudes and the growth in question. 

less gray matter, means more attachment

Although the decrease in gray matter is essential in helping the mother bond with her new-born, dramatic decrease leads to hostility towards others. Just like mama bear would act hostile towards strangers approaching her baby cubs. This decrease usually lasts up to two years following the birth of the child, and in some severe cases, it might be permanent. 

Your mothering skills naturally develop 

Since your brain grows in volume, specifically in areas that are directly linked to emotions, reasoning, empathy and judgment, you become a smarter mother the natural way. These growth areas in more enthusiastic mothers are found in the female’s mid-brain, an expansion that also leads to a stronger impetus towards raising the child; meaning, a mother whose brain is more affected by these growths is more likely to raise a psychologically sound child.   

You get “high” on your baby

Your body prepares your maternal instincts during pregnancy and after you give birth by releasing dopamine through an area called the substanstia nigra, which acts as an artificial courier of euphoria, triggering the same feeling you have when you overdose on chocolate. However, these signals are temporary and are only sparked when you’re near the baby: your body’s perfect plan of forcing you to nurture your child as long as it needs. 

PostPartum Depression Means You’re More Sensitive 

As an effect of increased sensitivity in the amygdala, responsible for empathy and emotions, postpartum depression might evolve. Your brain receptors are more sensitive; so all your feelings are exaggerated, including the good and the bad. The neurological process of falling in love romantically is oddly similar to that of emotionally bonding with your child, caused by a surge of oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone”.