Monash University Researchers Release Findings
The largest study on ‘baby brain’, conducted by Monash University, has found no evidence to suggest that new parents experience a decline in cognitive abilities compared to non-parents. This comprehensive research involved 150 birth-giving mothers and 150 non-birth-giving fathers.n
Researchers from the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health examined cognitive differences up to two years postpartum. The study, published in Cortex, used a comprehensive battery of cognitive assessments to compare these groups with non-parent controls.n
Dr. Kelsey Perrykkad of Monash University stated, “The study found no significant cognitive differences between new parents and non-parents, suggesting the absence of so-called ‘baby brain’ effects.”n
Gender Bias and Sleep Influencen
A gender bias emerged, with male non-fathers reporting better subjective memory than other groups. According to Navyaan Siddiqui, the lead author, “This self-promotion bias appeared to be lost in fathers, driven by lack of sleep.”n
Dr. Perrykkad explained that while subtle cognitive changes can occur during pregnancy, there is no consistent evidence of measurable cognitive decline during the postpartum period. She emphasised the importance of supporting new parents, as experiences of ‘baby brain’ are often linked to sleep and wellbeing.n
The study found no effect of time postpartum on cognitive measures. Parents’ cognitive abilities remained stable up to two years after birth, even when sleep deprivation might be expected to decrease performance.n
Siddiqui noted that “before the study, expectations were that mothers and fathers would show subjective and objective reduction in cognition compared to non-parents.” Perrykkad added, “It’s crucial not to dismiss what new parents are telling us about their experiences.”n
Interestingly, there was no evidence of cognitive decline related to the age of the baby, despite assumptions that sleep deprivation would have an impact. Perrykkad highlighted that the evidence is inconsistent regarding cognitive function changes during the postpartum period, indicating a potential mismatch between self-reported experiences and objective measures.n
The full study can be accessed in the journal Cortex under the title: ‘Baby brain? Evidence for no objective cognitive differences between mothers, fathers and non-parents in the post-partum period.’
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:59 am
