Imagine being still not quite middle-age and having memory loss issues. You’re misplacing things more often than usual. You’re in the middle of a sentence and forget what you’re point was during a conversation. You may even unknowingly miss more than 1 or 2 appointments during a period of time. This may have someone concerned about possibly having the early signs of dementia. Being a mother, though, something else could be happening.
Although “Mommy brain” is considered a state of being “forgetful, absent minded, or easily distracted” for new mothers, this condition may continue later in life as your children grow older. Physical and mental health is very important, especially if you’re a parent. Not only are you taking care of yourself, but you are also responsible for your children. So there are factors that can possibly explain this phenomenon such as diet, multitasking which could lead to stress, and sleep deprivation.
What you eat is essential to survive. Just because mothers may not be carrying the baby inside them anymore doesn’t mean that the extra nutrients needed from the prenatal vitamins are no longer needed for the mother as well. Sometimes, mothers long after the children are past breastfeeding age make sure that the children are fed and content but they may forget to feed themselves properly. Taking the leftovers from the children’s plates is not enough for a healthy meal. Not having enough fiber and protein in your diet can affect how your brain may function.
The to-do list for a mother can be long. Between making sure the children get out to school on time, making sure there’s enough food and supplies in the home, and that the household chores are taken care of, multitasking can definitely be a drain on the brain. The to-do list can even be longer if you’re a single parent. Providing for the family on your own can also cause even more brain fatigue than usual later in life.
All the above could follow up with sleep deprivation. Mothers are usually very concerned that everyone is provided for and the household is properly in order. Sometimes it can be hard to turn the brain off to get the rest needed to refresh for the next days to come. If the body doesn’t get the time it needs to rejuvenate, then this could cause some memory loss issues.
Considering the changes a woman’s body has gone through and the more responsibility after having children, “Mommy Brain” can possibly continue even much after being a new mother. Experts say that there may be ways to decrease the condition with a healthy diet, limiting your time multitasking, and getting the proper sleep. Taking time out for yourself can sometimes help too. Some people may even say there’s a “chance of returning to the way you were”. The reality is that things are going to be different for a woman after having kids. Try to do the best you can with what you have and find joy in the blessings in your life.
TDM 