mommy brain: we explain everything

Postnatal depletion is the common phenomenon of tiredness and exhaustion, associated with a feeling of "baby brain".

The term "baby brain" encompasses symptoms of poor concentration, memory difficulties and emotional lability (emotions fluctuate far more easily than before — for example, crying for no reason [1]). Another term that exists is "brain fog", or "mental fog", which refers to a cluster of symptoms such as memory difficulties, an inability to concentrate, trouble processing information, fatigue and scattered thoughts.

A study showed that neurobehavioural performance deteriorates from the second week postpartum through to the end of the 12-week study period compared with the control group, despite improvements in postpartum sleep [2].

These observations can be partly explained by disruption to the sleep cycle in postpartum women, but given that this state persists, it can be assumed that other explanations exist for this phenomenon. Studies point to several explanations, including a hormonal impact, direct changes in the mother's brain, as well as the role of nutrition.

Many changes occur after giving birth. Some of them are partly responsible for mommy brain. 

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for normal brain function. It is the primary omega-3 fatty acid found in the brain's grey matter (the site of mental processing and information storage), accounting for approximately 15% of all fatty acids [5].

The depletion of cerebral DHA is heightened by the physiological demands of pregnancy and lactation. Moreover, after one reproductive cycle, an 18% reduction in brain DHA levels has been observed [6]. After pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers have greater DHA deficiencies than those who do not breastfeed, yet neither group returns to normal DHA levels by 6 weeks postpartum [7]. Thus, even when taking the best breastfeeding food supplement, make sure you have good DHA intake, even if you are not breastfeeding. 

Furthermore, studies show that a suboptimal intake of DHA reduces DHA levels in the brain [8].

Jolly Mama DHA

Omega Mama, our pregnancy omega-3, contains schizochytrium microalgae oil, which is naturally rich in DHA and vegan. One capsule provides 250 mg of DHA, to cover your needs and support your body before, during and after pregnancy.

Nore spread Crazy nut and our breastfeeding snack Cho-chocolat also contain this oil.

Baby Bump, our prenatal vitamin, also provides 200mg of DHA per day, derived from ultra-pure and stable fish oil.

As Dr Oscar Serrallach explains, postnatal depletion is partly due to the fact that the placenta transfers many nutrients to the growing baby during pregnancy, drawing on maternal reserves (particularly for B vitamins and DHA)[14]. This transfer of nutrients may partly explain the mommy brain. 

Stock up on magnesium with our magnesium food supplement ! A formula with 100% magnesium bisglycinate, for optimal absorption and no digestive discomfort. 

And to replenish all the nutrients depleted during pregnancy, our post-partum food supplement Post essential is made for you. With 17 vitamins and minerals, it will help to cover your needs. It also contains a patented active ingredient, Extramel®, which helps to reduce stress and improve wellbeing and mommy brain. 

Use lists and set reminders so you don't forget anything.

Sleep when you can. Your body is working hard and you need rest. After birth, sleep is disrupted and sleep deprivation can have cumulative effects, so rest whenever you can.

Don't hesitate to ask for help.

Try not to worry — do what you can to de-stress.

Be patient. Give your mind the space it needs to make these remarkable changes and adaptations. Know that you are not alone, and that these changes are proven to be normal.