If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why, misplaced your keys for the third time today, or completely blanked on a simple word mid-conversation, you’re not alone. Many moms describe feeling mentally foggy, forgetful, or overwhelmed — often referring to it as “mom brain.”

While it may sound like a joke, mom brain is a very real experience for many women during pregnancy and motherhood.

What Exactly Is “Mom Brain”?

Mom brain refers to the mental fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating that many women experience during pregnancy and after giving birth. Research suggests that hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, stress, and the mental load of motherhood all play a role.

Pregnancy causes major hormonal shifts in the body, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone, which can affect memory and cognition. At the same time, new mothers are often dealing with interrupted sleep, physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and the constant responsibility of caring for a baby.

In short? Your brain is doing a lot.

The Mental Load of Motherhood

One of the biggest contributors to mom brain is the invisible mental load mothers carry daily.

It’s not just remembering school schedules, doctor’s appointments, lunchboxes, and grocery lists. It’s also managing emotions, routines, responsibilities, and everyone else’s needs — often all at once.

Even when moms appear calm on the outside, their minds are constantly multitasking in the background. Over time, this mental overload can lead to fatigue, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing.

Sleep Deprivation Changes Everything

Lack of sleep has a major impact on memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. Newborn wake-ups, night feeds, teething phases, and disrupted sleep routines can leave moms running on empty for months — or even years.

When your brain is exhausted, simple tasks suddenly feel harder. Forgetting things becomes more common, and concentration can feel impossible.

The good news? This doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re tired.

Is Mom Brain Permanent?

For most women, mom brain improves over time as routines settle, sleep improves, and stress becomes more manageable. However, if feelings of mental fog are severe, ongoing, or accompanied by anxiety or low mood, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional.

Sometimes symptoms associated with mom brain can overlap with postpartum depression, anxiety, or burnout.

How Moms Can Support Their Mental Wellbeing

While there’s no quick fix, small lifestyle habits can help ease mental overload and improve focus:

• Prioritise rest whenever possible
• Write things down instead of trying to remember everything
• Share responsibilities with your partner or support system
• Stay hydrated and nourished
• Make time for movement and fresh air
• Be kinder to yourself

Most importantly, remember that you are not “losing yourself.” Your mind and body are adapting to one of life’s biggest changes.

You’re Not Alone

Motherhood changes every part of life — including the brain. Forgetfulness does not make you a bad mom, and struggling to keep up mentally does not mean you’re not coping.

In many ways, mom brain is a reflection of just how much mothers carry every single day.

And sometimes, the strongest thing a mom can do is admit she needs support too.

When it comes to gifting moms, we often default to flowers, chocolates, or another scented candle. While thoughtful, most mothers will tell you the same thing: what they really want isn’t more “stuff” — it’s support, rest, and to feel seen.

This year, let’s shift the focus to gifts that truly matter.

1. The Gift of Rest

Sleep is one of the first things moms sacrifice and the last thing they reclaim. A meaningful gift could be as simple as arranging childcare for a few hours so she can nap, read, or take a quiet walk. If you’re thinking bigger, consider a spa voucher or a wellness day experience. Rest is not indulgent — it’s essential for physical and mental health.

2. Time to Prioritise Her Health

Mothers are experts at booking appointments for everyone else while postponing their own. A powerful gift is encouragement (and practical support) to prioritise her health — whether that’s a full wellness check-up, a dental visit she’s been delaying, or a consultation she’s put off.

Good health is the foundation of everything she does for her family. Supporting preventative care, regular screenings, and access to quality healthcare is one of the most meaningful ways to say, “You matter too.”

3. Practical Support That Lightens the Load

Sometimes the best gift doesn’t come wrapped. Hiring a cleaning service for a day, gifting a meal delivery subscription, or organising a week of ready-made family dinners can relieve the invisible mental load moms carry daily. Reducing stress isn’t just helpful — it directly impacts emotional wellbeing and overall health.

4. Experiences Over Objects

Many moms would choose memories over material items. A family picnic, a weekend getaway, or even a simple planned day out can mean more than another gift set. Experiences create connection — and connection is a powerful contributor to mental wellness.

5. Space to Invest in Herself

Whether it’s a fitness membership, a yoga class package, a creative workshop, or a course she’s been wanting to take, gifts that support her growth send a powerful message: you are more than your responsibilities.

Physical activity, creative expression, and learning new skills are proven to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Encouraging her to take up space in her own life is one of the most valuable gifts she can receive.

6. Emotional Support and Recognition

Sometimes what moms want most is acknowledgment. A handwritten letter expressing gratitude, a heartfelt message from her children, or simply hearing “I see how much you do” can be deeply meaningful.

Emotional wellness plays a vital role in overall health. Feeling appreciated, supported, and understood strengthens resilience — something every mom relies on daily.

At Medshield, we believe caring for moms goes beyond one special day. Supporting women’s health at every stage of life — through accessible healthcare, preventative benefits, and wellness support — ensures that mothers can continue showing up for their families while also caring for themselves.

This Mother’s Day (or any day), consider giving a gift that truly makes a difference. Because when moms are supported, healthier, and cared for, the whole family benefits.

We have a little girl, Abby, who is 18 months old and has down syndrome.

We found out that there would be a >1:4 chance that she might have Trisomy 21 at our 12 week ultrasound scan. This came as quite a big shock because one hopes to go to these check ups and be told that everything is normal. However, that was not us. This statistic was further increased when we did a NIPT test and her diagnosis was then fully confirmed at birth.

The whole journey of finding out that our baby girl was very likely to have down syndrome was very emotional because so much was unknown. For me this was a very overwhelming thought. What would schooling look like, what would relationships look like, will she have friends?

I think when it comes to things being ‘different’, we all think that we are accepting of it, until the ‘different’ affects us directly.

We had no idea what life would look like, and we still don’t quite know what the future has in store in terms of how Abby will develop.

But one thing we have come to realise is that we can only do our best each moment of every day and then the future will unfold as it is meant to.

The sad thing is that there are many misconceptions when it comes to down syndrome and unfortunately there is a big gap between receiving the medical diagnosis and being referred to some form of counselling. Or simply being put in touch with families who have a child with down syndrome.

I really hope that our story can shed some light on the fact that individuals with down syndrome are so much more than what the ‘original internet search’ might reveal.

Abby has shown us that she is one strong and very capable little girl when given the tools to do so. It does involve more therapy than a child without down syndrome would go to, but the extra work just makes it so much more rewarding and there is so much joy when she progresses from milestone to milestone. Abby is currently going to speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and she even started swimming lessons!

This journey definitely was not what we had imagined, but through all its ups and downs, we have the most beautiful, joyful little girl that we would not change for the world!! She is such a happy little girl and spreads so much joy wherever she goes!- and no- she is not always happy. She has her moments of big emotions just like any other toddler! (A bit of a myth about individuals with down syndrome is that they are always happy)

By Mariella Sawyer,
Pro Triathlete, Registered Dietician and Mom. 

Constipation is a condition that many people experience at some point in their lives, but it’s not often spoken about and it can significantly impact day-to-day life and well-being. December is recognised as Constipation Awareness Month and we’re here to break down the causes and how to better manage and prevent constipation through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments and medical interventions when necessary.

What is constipation and what causes it?

Let’s take a quick look at what constipation actually is and what defines it. Having a regular, normal bowel movement is closely linked to your overall health. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, accompanied by symptoms like hard, dry stools, difficulty passing stools or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can be a sign of underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Think constipation is just something women or pregnant people experience? Let’s take a look at the causes of both occasional or chronic constipation and what you can do about it.

Common causes of constipation include:

Diet

Having a diet low in fibre is a key cause of constipation as well as insufficient water intake. So staying well hydrated, drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day, in combination with a diet high in fibre will help to combat constipation.

Lifestyle
Living a more sedentary lifestyle is linked to constipation. The WHO recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, with an ideal of 300 minutes.

Ignoring the urge
Delaying bowel movements can lead to hardened stools over time. While it can be

Health conditions
Certain health conditions or illnesses can often be associated with constipation. For example, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) often alternates between constipation and diarrhoea. Other conditions like hypothyroidism can be associated with a slow digestive system and people who suffer from diabetes can experience issues with bowel movements as high blood-sugar levels can wreak havoc with your gut health.

Medication
Painkillers, antidepressants and iron supplements have all been associated with constipation as a potential side effect.

Stress
Modern research has shown a real link between the brain and gut health. Stress and anxiety can have a disruptive impact on our digestive system and bowel movements – one of which may be constipation.

Pregnancy
Constipation is a common symptom during pregnancy, affecting up to 40% of women. This is mostly due to hormonal changes, reduced physical activity and pressure from the uterus. It’s also true that the normal hormonal fluctuations which occur within the menstrual cycle may also impact non-pregnant women at different times in the month and may cause constipation.

The key preventative measures you can take are to:
1. Increase fibre intake through fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. Try these high-fibre oat cookies or this high-fibre vegan bolognese and make sure to purchase whole-grain pasta or rice.

2. Stay adequately hydrated with plain water.
3. Increase physical activity and exercise – try to go for daily walks and visit our workout resource centre for a host of workout routines, videos and information.
4. Try to manage your stress as best you can. How do you know when it’s time to seek therapy or professional support? Read this article for more information.

If your symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it’s time to visit a doctor. Also be mindful of other symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexpected weight-loss, any other sudden bowel movement changes or pain.

Studies show that breastfeeding not only builds immunity, but can help prevent diseases like diabetes, certain cancers and even obesity. Read more below for why breastfeeding exclusively within the first 6 months of an infant’s life is so important.

Stats show that 2 out of 3 infants are not fed exclusively on breastmilk for their first 6 months of life, despite the fact that breastmilk is ideal, clean, safe and contains essential antibodies that help to protect against many common childhood illnesses. Studies consistently show that breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months can create significant positive health impacts for your child.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast milk may have longer term health benefits than previously thought. Feeding your infant on breast milk exclusively may help to reduce the risk of your child becoming overweight or obese and developing noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Here, we share the benefits for both child and mother.

What is Exclusive Breastfeeding?

The WHO states that exclusive breastfeeding means no other food or drink, not even water, except breastmilk (including milk expressed or from a wet nurse) for the first 6 months of life, with the exception of rehydration solution (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines).
Predominant breastfeeding means that the infant’s predominant source of nourishment has been breastmilk (including milk expressed or from a wet nurse as the predominant source of nourishment). The infant may also have received liquids such as water and water-based drinks, fruit juice and ritual fluids.

Both the WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 6 months of life and here’s why:

1. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions, supporting healthy growth and development.
2. Continued exclusive breastfeeding helps maintain the infant’s immune system, reducing the incidence of infections like respiratory illnesses, ear infections and gastrointestinal infections.
3. The act of breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, which is essential for the child’s psychological development and well-being.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

Boost Your Baby’s Immunity

Colostrum, the first form of milk produced immediately following delivery, is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which plays a pivotal role in immune defence, by coating the baby’s intestinal tract and preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream.

Reduce Risk of Diabetes

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that breastfeeding for more than six months was linked to a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes by 30% and type 2 diabetes by 40% compared to those who were breastfed for less than six months or not at all.

Cancer Prevention For Baby & Mom

Breastfeeding can actually help protect both the baby and the mother from developing certain cancers. Studies show that for infants, the risk of developing childhood leukaemia and lymphoma is lower among those who were breastfed and that for mothers, prolonged breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Lower Risk of Obesity
A review by the WHO concluded that children who were breastfed for longer periods had a 12% lower risk of being overweight or obese compared to those who were not breastfed. This is thought to be due to the self-regulation of milk intake by breastfed infants and the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds in human milk on metabolism.

If you have any concerns or questions, speak to your medical doctor for further advice.
For more information on breastfeeding, visit https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ or the WHO site: https://www.who.int/