The Motherbrain Myth by Dr. Elke De Witte
Dam Parenting2 Jul 2025

The Motherbrain Myth by Dr. Elke De Witte

What really happens to the brain when we become parents? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Elke De Witte, author of the newly released Dutch book De Moederbreinmythe ("The Mother Brain Myth")—a must-hear conversation we couldn't wait for in English.

Dr. De Witte shares her groundbreaking neuroscience research on how the parental brain changes—not just for biological mothers, but for all caregivers. This episode is packed with insights that challenge outdated assumptions and reveal the true power and plasticity of the brain during parenthood.

Whether you're a parent-to-be, a new parent, a non-birthing caregiver, or an HR professional looking to reshape your workplace for better support and inclusion—this episode is for you.

Learn why science is now calling for a societal shift in how we treat caregiving, maternity return-to-work policies, and community support in our modern-day “village.”
Understand the real neurological transformation that happens with caregiving.

Discover why this matters not just for parents—but for everyone.

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.
Share this episode with expecting parents, new parents, caregivers, and forward-thinking HR leaders who want to build a more supportive world of work.


Find out more from www.elkedewitte.com

Episoder(186)

Nollaig na mBan: Why January Is for Pausing, Not Pushing

Nollaig na mBan: Why January Is for Pausing, Not Pushing

January 6th marks Nollaig na mBan — Women’s Christmas — a traditional Irish day that honours women’s unseen work and the need for rest after the intensity of Christmas.In this short DAM Parenting epis...

6 Jan 5min

Day 12 of parenting abroad episodes

Day 12 of parenting abroad episodes

First off - please excuse the quality! I only got to record this after arriving back from holidays, unpacked, dinner, and kid put in bed! And fireworks - oh man i didn't realise you could hear them on...

31 Des 20257min

Love & Communication Abroad: Strengthening Relationships as "Expat" Parents

Love & Communication Abroad: Strengthening Relationships as "Expat" Parents

Eva and Angela explore the realities of relationships abroad — cultural differences, distance from support networks, and the emotional labour of parenting internationally. A grounded conversation abou...

30 Des 202523min

True Compromise in Relationships: Parenting Without Resentment

True Compromise in Relationships: Parenting Without Resentment

This episode dives into what true compromise really looks like in relationships. Dr. Naomi Gibson shares tools for communication, teamwork, and emotional honesty — helping couples move from tension to...

29 Des 202537min

Fatherhood & Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

Fatherhood & Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

Recorded during Men’s Mental Health Week, this episode features two fathers sharing their experiences with NICU stays, ADHD, burnout, and emotional overload. It’s an honest conversation about the real...

28 Des 202544min

The Motherbrain Myth: How Parenthood Actually Changes the Brain

The Motherbrain Myth: How Parenthood Actually Changes the Brain

Does pregnancy really make women less capable — or is that a myth? Neuroscientist Dr Elke De Witte breaks down how parenthood reshapes the brain and why “motherbrain” deserves a rethink.Neuroscientist...

27 Des 202545min

Multilingual Parenting Without Pressure: Letting Go of the ‘Shoulds’

Multilingual Parenting Without Pressure: Letting Go of the ‘Shoulds’

This episode explores the emotional side of raising multilingual children — from guilt and comparison to burnout and fear. Mimi offers gentle, practical guidance to help families build sustainable, fl...

26 Des 202521min

Family Holidays with Kids: Managing Expectations & Emotional Load

Family Holidays with Kids: Managing Expectations & Emotional Load

As holidays approach, parents often carry invisible pressure. This episode explores how to manage expectations, balance rest with responsibility, and approach family holidays with more realism and com...

25 Des 202530min

Populært innen For unge lyttere

min-barneoppdragelse
er-det-noe-liv-med-nora-angeltveit
vitnemal
foreldreradet
snipp-snapp-snute
gravid-uke-for-uke
rss-the-molvar-maurstads
jordmorpodden-om-graviditet-fodsel-og-barseltid
rss-maren-mina
plutselig-barneteater
rss-fertilitetsradet
fodselspodden
rss-det-ma-vi-snakke-om
uroskolen
rss-trygg-av-natur
fortell-meg-om
rss-lundqvist-podden
familieliv
fodepodden-2
babyverden