By Shannon Bussnick
The journey of motherhood is nothing short of transformative, a path that reshapes our identities while presenting us with new hurdles to overcome.
For me, this transformation is undeniable. Motherhood has shifted my focus from self to selflessness, an empowering yet daunting transition.
It strips away layers, revealing our core of empathy, resilience, and boundless love. And just when we think we’ve reached the depths of it, it surprises us again and again.
But alongside this ever-evolving love lies another side of the coin. One that is less spoken of.
Motherhood can sometimes overwhelm our senses, leaving us feeling anxious amidst the endless demands of nurturing, household chores, and self-care.
Balancing “me time” with caring for our children and managing household tasks often feels like juggling multiple performances simultaneously. The constant pull in different directions can easily fuel self-criticism and a heightened fight-or-flight response.
Postpartum, women undergo significant changes, not only physically but also in their brain structure, impacting emotions and empathy. The “maternal brain,” as scientists call it, is fine-tuned to be responsive to a child’s needs, often compromising the mother’s own.
The study, “Neurobiology of the maternal brain: Reward and social networks across stages of the maternal cycle” further elaborates on the neurobiological changes that occur in the maternal brain during the various stages of the maternal cycle.
The research sheds light on how these changes impact a mother’s emotions, behavior, and caregiving abilities, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between neurobiology and maternal behavior.
One of the key findings of the study is the significant structural modifications that take place in the maternal brain, particularly in regions associated with reward processing and social networks. These alterations equip mothers with a heightened sensitivity to their infants’ needs, enabling them to respond promptly and effectively. However, this increased responsiveness often comes at the expense of the mother’s own well-being, as her focus shifts predominantly towards the care of her child.
Understanding these neurobiological adaptations is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems to assist mothers during the postpartum period. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by mothers and addressing their specific needs, healthcare providers can, too, play a vital role in promoting maternal mental health and well-being.
Due to these substantial changes during the postpartum period, self-care becomes essential for mothers, supplementing moments of tranquility alongside a new, often more demanding reality.
Navigating this reality requires intentional actions.
Whether it’s better time management, daily mindfulness practices, or relinquishing control and embracing life’s unpredictability, finding balance is key to alleviating the weight that burdens us.
Mindfulness techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and grounding practices serve as immediately accessible lifelines for navigating the challenges of motherhood. Additionally, engaging with fellow mothers fosters a sense of community and support.
Here are some strategies for balancing responsibilities while nurturing oneself:
1. Structured Flexibility: Plan your day but remain open to life’s unpredictability.
2. Self-Care Rituals: Incorporate small self-care habits into your daily routine.
3. Mindful Delegation: Share responsibilities with your support network.
4. Tech-Free Time: Dedicate device-free intervals to focus on your children and yourself.
5. Celebrating Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments.
Motherhood changes us profoundly, illuminating the beauty and complexity of this transformative journey: physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Amidst times of uncertainty, there is growth, and within fear and worry, there exists unwavering strength and ever-evolving love—immense and boundless.
In both the simple and more complex seasons of raising little ones, remember to prioritize self-care, mama. Fill your cup first, and the rest will follow.
Vienna Lane
References
• Bridges, R. S. (2015). Neuroendocrine regulation of maternal behavior. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 36, 178-196.
• Kim, P., Feldman, R., Mayes, L. C., Eicher, V., Thompson, N., Leckman, J. F., & Swain, J. E. (2016). Breastfeeding, brain activation to own infant cry, and maternal sensitivity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(9), 1013-1024.
• Nehls, S., Losse, E., Enzensberger, C. et al. Time-sensitive changes in the maternal brain and their influence on mother-child attachment. Transl Psychiatry14, 84 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-02805-2
• Snyder, R., Shapiro, S., & Treleaven, D. (2019). Attachment theory and mindfulness. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(9), 2334-2342.
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