E90: The Intellectual Domain of the Fourth Trimester

More than 80% of new mothers report changes in memory and attention during the postpartum period—often referred to as “mom brain.” On top of that, the average new parent manages over 100 daily tasks related to their baby's care, contributing to what researchers call the “maternal mental load.”

In the intellectual domain of the fourth trimester, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore how new parents cognitively adapt after childbirth. Perinatal mental health specialist Jamie Hales joins the conversation to unpack the neurological and intellectual shifts that shape early parenthood. From navigating the cognitive overload of caregiving to reshaping personal identity, the discussion offers insight into how people make meaning of their birth experiences and mentally transition into their new roles.