5 Tactics to Improve Memory After Pregnancy
After giving birth, you’ve got a million things to think about. Who has time for forgetfulness? Whether you call it momnesia or pregnancy brain, that pesky postpartum forgetfulness is actually very common. One study shows that hormonal changes could be the reason for momnesia, while others chalk it up to lack of sleep and stress.
Whatever the reason, forgetfulness after pregnancy is too bothersome to forget! Try these five tactics to improve memory after pregnancy. You’ve got enough on your mind without the stress of . . . what we were talking about? Oh, improving memory!
- Eat brain foods. The best foods to improve your brain function include eggs, walnuts, cranberries, whole grains, cheese, and spinach. These foods include vitamins and minerals like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, folate, and iron—all of which will help your brain work better and slip up less frequently.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping can be uncomfortable when you’re pregnant, especially in the last trimester, and especially challenging once baby is born. But we encourage you to make an effort to get plenty of sleep. This will help your brain and overall wellbeing. As an additional aid, try melatonin supplements and foods rich in melatonin (like cherries, bananas, and warm milk). Naturally occurring melatonin functions as a sleep-aid for your body, but always consult your doctor before taking any new supplements during pregnancy.
- Focus on one thing at a time. In your day-to-day life, you may be a superwoman, juggling work, home life, family, and pets. But with so much going on inside of your body, be kind to your brain. Don’t stretch your thoughts in too many directions. Psychologists say that memory consolidation is prevented when one event follows too soon after an initial learning event. So, for example, if you’re trying to learn new information or remember something, don’t try to send a text and surf the web at the same time!
- Exercise lightly. You know your body’s limits better than anyone, so don’t push yourself by exercising strenuously while you’re expecting. However, light exercise does help to send additional oxygen to the brain, which will benefit your brain function and speed along your ability to memorize and retain information. If you’re feeling a little scatterbrained, get moving!
- Become a list-maker. Do you love organization and list-making? You’re probably already doing this! If not, consider making lists at the beginning of each week to assemble your activities for the upcoming week. When you have a flash of memory that reminds you of something you may forget, write it down. Go over your list each evening to make sure nothing has slipped your mind.
Like we said, after giving birth, you’ve got a million things to think about. Take baby weight off that list of concerns. The Band Specialist’s postpartum compression wrap, the Cinch Tummy Wrap, can help you regain your pre-pregnancy body with less stress and strain, so you can focus on your memory, your job, and of course, your new family.
