Monash Study Finds No Cognitive Gap in 290 New Parents, but Fathers Report Lower Confidence
Updated
Updated · SBS News · May 28
Monash Study Finds No Cognitive Gap in 290 New Parents, but Fathers Report Lower Confidence
2 articles · Updated · SBS News · May 28
Tests on 290 new parents and 100 non-parents found no measurable differences in memory or executive function, challenging the long-used idea of "baby brain."
Monash researchers said the gap is not in cognitive capacity but in the demands of early parenthood, with stress and sleep loss leaving parents feeling mentally overwhelmed.
New fathers stood out for reporting worse memory despite matching other groups on objective tests, suggesting confidence drops as fathers take on broader childcare roles.
Outside experts said pregnancy and postpartum changes do affect the brain, but those shifts appear adaptive; support with sleep and mental load remains crucial for both parents.
Fathers report the worst 'baby brain.' What hidden biological changes are preparing them for fatherhood?
How does losing brain volume after childbirth paradoxically make you a more efficient and empathetic parent?
If 'baby brain' is a myth, why are parents more exhausted than ancestors who slept the same amount?