Any mum will tell you that ‘baby brain’ is real. And you know what? Science is coming to the party on this one.
Yep, some studies suggest that changes in hormones and brain structure may contribute to cognitive changes during and after pregnancy - making the forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, and difficulty concentrating a real phenomenon.
Baby brain - the science
There are studies to suggest that fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy and postpartum may affect cognitive function (1), while other studies propse that pregnancy and postpartum may affect cognitive function, particularly in the areas of attention and memory. For example, a study published in the journal Psychological Science found that pregnant women and new mothers performed worse on tasks involving working memory and attention compared to non-pregnant women (2).
So, can acupuncture help?
Several studies have also shown that acupuncture can be effective in improving cognitive function and reducing brain fog (4, 5, 6). They found that acupuncture can improve memory and concentration in healthy adults, plus boost cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. So while more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of acupuncture for cognitive function, it’s looking promising.
Don’t forget these other answers!
In addition to acupuncture, there are also several lifestyle factors that can hugely help tired mummas get over baby brain.
1. Get enough sleep: Unsurprisingly, sleep is essential for cognitive function and mental clarity. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to nap when your baby is napping. Hard, but some mums can wrangle this.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Greens are always going to help! Plus, a healthy diet is important for overall health and again, can help enhance cognition. Focus on eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for staying alert and focused. It’s the underrated answer you’ve been looking for!
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce stress. Even a short walk can help improve mental clarity - so mums, it’s time to strap baby into the carrier and get outside each and every day (even if it’s just a short walk around the block).
5. Practice stress management techniques: Yep, stress can contribute to baby brain, which is bad news for new mums! However, practicing deep breathing, meditation, or yoga is a free and quick solution to boost brain power.
Those early days can be tricky, Mumma, and you don’t have to do it alone. Book in for a treatment and ride the wave a bit more smoothly xo
Sources:
1. Hoekzema, E., Barba-Müller, E., Pozzobon, C., Picado, M., Lucco, F., García-García, D., . . . Vilarroya, O. (2017). Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure. Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), 287-296. doi: 10.1038/nn.4458
2. Henry, J. D., & Rendell, P. G. (2007). A review of the impact of pregnancy on memory function. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 29(8), 793-803. doi: 10.1080/13803390601184056
3. Kesler, S. R., Sheau, K., Koovakkattu, D., & Reiss, A. L. (2011). Changes in frontal-parietal activation and math skills performance following adaptive number sense training: Preliminary results from a pilot study. Neuropsychology Review, 21(4), 365-375. doi: 10.1007/s11065-011-9177-6
4. Wang, S.-J., Zhang, J.-J., Qie, L.-L., Yu, J., Wang, Q., Wang, X.-R., & Zhu, B. (2016). Effect of acupuncture on cognitive function and quality of life in mild cognitive impairment: A prospective clinical trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 9(4), 187-193. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.04.003
5. Li, H., Liang, J., Yang, J., & Liang, F. (2016). Acupuncture improved cognitive impairment caused by multi-infarct dementia in rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(3), 217-224. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0128
6. Feng, S., Han, M., Fan, Y., Yang, G., Liao, Z., & Liao, Y. (2018). Acupuncture for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(5), 301-308. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.06.002