“Dad brain”: How becoming a parent changes the brain, with Darby Saxbe, PhD

In this episode of Speaking of Psychology, host Kim Mills interviews Dr. Darby Saxbe about the neuroscience of parenthood, exploring how becoming a parent can change the structure and function of the brain in both mothers and fathers. Dr. Saxbe discusses research indicating that parenthood leads to brain remodeling, including gray matter volume loss, which may streamline social information processing. The conversation covers hormonal changes, such as drops in testosterone in fathers, and their correlation with parental behavior and relationship quality. Additionally, they address the impact of sleep deprivation, cognitive changes associated with "mommy brain," and the potential neuroprotective effects of parenthood in later life. The discussion extends to the benefits of paid paternity leave and the need for public policies that support families, as well as the importance of diverse populations in research and the concept of "under-parenting" to reduce parental stress.