Is Mum Brain A Myth?
Hi Mobsters
It’s Leah here from The House of Hormones!
Let’s talk about mum brain! You know, that fuzzy, forgetful feeling where you walk into a room and can’t remember why, or call your child by the dog’s name (again). It’s become the punchline of parenting, but let’s set the record straight: mum brain isn’t a sign you’re losing the plot, it’s a real, hormonally driven phenomenon. And no, it doesn’t mean your brain is broken.
What is Mum brain? Scientifically speaking, mum brain is the nickname for the mental fog many women experience during pregnancy and early motherhood. But it doesn’t stop there, perimenopause, monthly hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and general life overload can all contribute. Your brain is basically juggling flaming hormonal torches while managing snack schedules, school runs, and Zoom calls.
The culprits? Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and oxytocin all play starring roles in your brain’s daily performance. Oestrogen, for example, helps regulate memory and mood, and when levels fluctuate (as they do in pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause), your sharpness can take a temporary holiday.
It's not just in your head, but it is your brain. Recent studies show actual structural changes in a mother’s brain after childbirth, grey matter is reshuffled to support bonding, empathy, and survival instincts. But that upgrade sometimes comes at the cost of remembering where you put your keys... or why you opened the fridge.
And when you layer in broken sleep, constant multitasking, and the mental load of motherhood (you know, the running list of dentist appointments, uniform days, and who's eaten a vegetable this week), your brain can get a little... foggy.
You're not alone, and you're not broken. First things first: there’s nothing wrong with you. Mum brain is common, normal, and often temporary. But there are ways to support your brain and hormones so they work with you, not against you.
Try these hormone-happy tips:
Sleep (when you can): Quality sleep helps regulate cortisol and supports memory. Not always easy with little ones, but even a consistent bedtime routine can help.
Eat for your brain: Omega-3s, leafy greens, berries, and good fats are brain boosters and support hormonal health.
Move your body: Even a brisk walk can boost endorphins and improve mental clarity.
Talk it out: Sometimes just saying, “I feel foggy today” out loud helps take the pressure off.
Lets stop calling it Mum Brain like its a bad thing! Your brain is working hard, just not always in the ways you can see. It’s rewiring to protect, nurture, and manage the chaos. So if you forgot your PIN or left the tea in the microwave (again), be kind to yourself.
Mum brain isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature. And like all features, it comes with updates (hello, perimenopause).
But with the right knowledge and support, you’ve got this.
Leah x
About Mums Who Build (The MOB)
Founded by Rebecca Coxshall and Georgie Harris in East London, Mums Who Build is a hybrid online and in-person community for entrepreneurial and career-returning mums. Anchored by our three pillars—Wellbeing, Connection, and Financial Fitness—we host a free weekly Big MOB Mum Meet-Up, every Friday in East London, Walthamstow. expert virtual workshops, and offer the MOB+ membership for exclusive resources. Whether you’re exploring hormone health, seeking business-building advice, or craving peer networking, join like-minded mums online and in person to access practical support and build the life you want in motherhood.
