I’ve noticed that when I share plainly about concerns that something is neurologically or cognitively wrong in the pit bull parenting community, people assume I’m making fun of parents or mocking them.

Nope. I’m very serious. Neuroscience is my background and neuroscientific discussion belongs solidly within the dog choice topic.

When a woman gives birth, a multitude of timed, precise, intense things occur in her body and brain. She does not choose them or control them.

Analyzing the atypical thinking patterns and behaviors of parents who defend pits immediately gives us massive red flags.🚩 Something is actually wrong.

It’s not just the misinformation such as what we see in this comment. It’s not just an educational gap about #ResourceGuarding. Something on an autonomic, primal level is defective.

And based on what we know about prenatal and postnatal maternal brain development, it also means we can work to fix it.

dba

If you’re new to the topic, here are some key snippets from a medical article:

“Your brain starts to adapt in strong and protective ways as soon as your baby is born. These changes help you meet your baby’s requirements, stay safe, and build a strong emotional attachment. This change happens right away, is natural, and is based on biology. Knowing how your brain changes after you give birth can help you feel safe, supported, and confident as a new mother.

What Changes Happen in a Mother’s Brain After Birth?
Your brain changes in both structure and chemistry after you give birth. Studies show that brain regions linked to emotion, attention, and motivation become more active within a few days. These changes help you understand what your baby is trying to tell you, be aware of dangers, and act fast.

Oxytocin, prolactin, and dopamine levels go up a lot. Oxytocin strengthens bonding, prolactin supports caregiving, and dopamine supports learning through rewards. This makes your baby’s demands feel important and urgent.

Why Does Your Brain Become More Alert After You Have a Baby?

Your brain becomes more aware of sounds, movements, and changes in your surroundings. This increased awareness helps you hear your baby’s screams, see how they breathe, and feel their pain.

You might find it easier to wake up at night or feel like you’re always “on guard.” This answer is tiresome, but it is also protective. It lets you respond swiftly to possible threats, even while you’re not doing anything.

Heightened sensory awareness
Your hearing becomes more tuned to your baby’s voice, even in noisy environments.

Rapid emotional processing
You can sense distress faster and respond without conscious thought.”

BySamradni Pradhan
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shobha Gupta, IVF and Infertility Specialist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre

pfdba #safehomes #protectbabies