Speaking of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology
American Psychological Association
“Dad brain”: How becoming a parent changes the brain, with Darby Saxbe, PhD
36 minutes Posted Jun 11, 2025 at 7:30 am.
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Show notes

Becoming a parent is a huge life transition. Now, researchers are finding evidence that parenthood actually changes the brain – and these changes happen to fathers as well as to mothers. Darby Saxbe, PhD, talks about the hormonal and brain shifts that occur in new moms and dads; the advantages and risks these changes confer; why paternity leave matters; and how to support people as they become parents.


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