top of page
Search

Baby Brain Isn’t a Flaw — It’s a Strength, Says Christchurch Maternity and Newborn Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

Updated: Apr 9

The Surprising Science of Baby Brain: The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had.


Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a room, wondering why you went in there in the first place? Or opened the fridge only to forget what you were looking for? If so, you’ve probably chalked it up to the infamous “baby brain” – the mental fog that seems to accompany pregnancy and early motherhood.


A new mother snuggles her newborn baby son, photograph by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
New mums are often told to expect a fog of baby brain, but this isn't the full story. In fact, your brain is re-wiring itself to be better than ever!

What if that fog wasn’t a flaw but a developmental feature? A signpost on the way to somewhere new. What if those changes in your brain – those shifts in perception, memory, and emotion – were actually indications that your brain was working harder and smarter than ever before?


As a newborn photographer who spends time with new mums and expectant mothers daily, I hear the stories of forgetfulness and distraction. But, I also see something else. I see women becoming more intuitive, more emotionally connected, and more attuned to the subtle needs of their little ones. And science backs this up.


Let’s explore why baby brain might just be your secret weapon.


 

What Is Baby Brain?


"Baby brain" is a colloquial term often used with a hint of humour (and sometimes a hint of frustration) to describe the forgetfulness and mental lapses associated with pregnancy and new parenthood. It’s been the punchline of many jokes – the idea that having a baby turns your brain to mush.


A gorgeous expectant mother wearing a bump-enhancing fitted black bodysuit from our studio collection, photography by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
Research shows that pregnancy enhances neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise

However, neuroscientists like Dr. Sarah McKay are challenging this narrative. In her book Baby Brain, and her article The Pregnant Brain: Preparing the Mind for Motherhood, she explains that pregnancy and motherhood bring about extraordinary changes in a woman’s brain – not deterioration, but transformation.


Pregnancy increases neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to rewire itself. Hormonal and neurochemical changes enhance emotional sensitivity, empathy, and social perception. These aren’t losses, they’re gains; cognitive upgrades designed to help you navigate motherhood more effectively.


So, yes, you may forget your PIN or where you put your phone. But you’re also more in tune with your baby’s needs, able to sense their cries before they happen, and more responsive to their emotional cues.


These are signs of a brain working better, not worse.


 

The Neurological Changes of Motherhood


A gorgeous expectant mother wearing a Sari and traditional jewellery, photography by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
Pregnancy rewires the brain, enhancing your ability to bond, empathise, and respond intuitively to your baby

During pregnancy and into the early years of motherhood, your brain is adapting at a cellular level. Brain scans show structural changes that increase your ability to bond, empathise, and intuitively respond to your baby.


Remarkably, these changes are not fleeting. Years later, the brains of mothers still look "younger" than those who haven’t given birth, says Dr McKay. "As a parent, you are constantly challenging yourself cognitively, so it's hardly a surprise that we can see this has an effect on aging."


According to Dr. McKay’s research, each child you have (up to the first four children) can make your brain appear up to six months younger. This isn’t magic. It’s the result of the high cognitive load and emotional engagement of parenting which keeps your brain agile, engaged, and evolving.


In other words, that emotional intensity you feel? That mental juggling act? It’s a workout for your brain, and it's one that’s making you stronger, and more capable every day.


 

A Social vs. Biological Phenomenon


While baby brain has a strong biological basis, the societal narrative often distorts the reality. We’re told to expect decline – that motherhood will make us scattered, unreliable, or “less than.” But, these stereotypes have more to do with outdated gender roles than neuroscience.

A baby girl wearing a pink dress holds a balloon to celebrate her first birthday, photography by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
Without support, motherhood can feel overwhelming—but with it, brain changes become a source of strength.

“Baby brain isn’t a neurological problem but a social one. It’s a negative stereotypical message women have absorbed for a long time. You can’t remember everything because you are under the high cognitive load that is the steep learning curve of a new baby,” explains Dr McKay.


When mothers are unsupported, sleep-deprived, isolated, and burdened with unrealistic expectations, it’s no surprise that they feel overwhelmed. But, when supported, the very changes in their brains that society ridicules can become their greatest strengths.


 

What About Dads?


Fathers experience brain changes as well. In their 2022 article, Darby Saxbe and Magdalena Martínez García noted that the degree of brain plasticity experienced by fathers may be linked to how much they interact with their baby. Today, many fathers have a much higher degree of involvement with their children than in the past, but paternal involvement can vary greatly. "This range of involvement may explain why we found more subtle brain changes in fathers compared with those observed in first-time mothers. In fact, brain changes in fathers were almost half the magnitude of the changes observed in the mothers," the researchers stated.

A backlit artistic photograph of a baby, her Dad and older brother by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
Social, cultural, and psychological factors that determine how much fathers engage with their children may influence changes in their brains.

The study found that Spanish fathers, who, on average, have more generous paternity leave than those in America, displayed more pronounced changes than the American Dads in the brain regions that support goal-directed attention — which may help them attune to their infants’ cues.

This finding suggests that fathers would experience beneficial brain development if they could access more supportive family policies, enabling them to take a more active role in infant care and parenting.


Dr. McKay also notes that brain changes in fathers are "dose-dependent." The more time dads spend interacting with their children, the more their brains adapt and develop traits similar to mothers’ – increased empathy, responsiveness, and emotional attunement.


So, while mothers have a biological head start, both parents benefit cognitively and emotionally from active involvement in their child’s life.


 

How to Harness Your Baby Brain Superpower


How can you make the most of your upgraded mum-brain? We've drawn on our experience and hundreds of conversations with new parents and grandparents to give you five key tips:


  1. Trust Your Intuition. You’re more in tune than ever before. If something feels off, it probably is. If it feels right, go with it.


  2. Prioritise Rest and Support. A superpower still needs to recharge. Lean on your support system and rest when you can.


  3. Stay Curious. Parenting offers endless opportunities to learn and grow. Read, listen, and explore. Your brain is ready.


  4. Celebrate Your Wins. You’re managing a hundred things at once. That’s not forgetfulness – that’s brilliance.


  5. Document the Journey. Whether through journaling, voice notes, or professional photography, take time to honour this season.


A classic family portrait of a newborn baby boy with his toddler brother and parents, photograph by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

 

Embracing the Power of Now: Photographs That Tell Your Story


There is no time like the present; you don't get a do-over with kids. This transformation – this beautiful, messy, miraculous journey of becoming a parent is fleeting, and it deserves to be remembered. That’s where we come in.


Internationally awarded and recognised, we're one of Christchurch’s leading maternity, newborn, baby and family photographers. Known for our signature blend of elegance, warmth and expertise, our reputation is built on providing a thoughtful, bespoke service that makes everything feel effortless.


Yes, we said effortless. We are mothers too, and we understand how overwhelming it can all feel when you are still in the fog of baby brain (even when you know it's building into a superpower) — so leave it to us, we've got you covered.


Whether it’s your first maternity shoot or your fourth family session, each chapter of motherhood tells a unique story. A story we'd love to document for you.


A series of gorgeous framed newborn baby photographs on display in a family home, created by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

 

Ready to Capture Your Motherhood Journey with Christchurch Maternity and Newborn Photographer, Kirsten Naomi Photography?


Book your session with Kirsten Naomi Photography today – whether you’re looking for timeless simplicity or a statement portrait, let’s create artwork that honours this beautiful transformation – baby brain and all.


Christchurch Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography


A tryptic of gorgeous baby photographs, created by Christchurch Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography
This time is fleeting, and memories fade, so let's capture beautiful photos of these early days — Christchurch Maternity, Newborn, Baby and Family Photographer Kirsten Naomi Photography

Want to learn more about our photography services?

You can use the quick links below.


 

References:


McKay, Sarah. 


Bobbert, Eva-Maria.


Saxbe, Darby and Martínez García, Magdalena.

Comments

bottom of page