Memory Issues

My memory still is mushy. I think it is because I still am not getting enough sleep.

Happy memories!

Sorry to tell you this but you have what is called mommy brain. Some of it will get back to normal but you will never again be the woman who could remember an enitre shopping list or song , etc. Tjose days are gone - welcome to the mommy brain club.

Never! My daughter is 17 months and I'm still challenged. I think thats all in the fine print when you sign the "papers" into parenting. :D Though I will say it has gotton a little better, but not by much. I like to call it mommy alzheimers.

My youngest turns 9 tomorrow and though I'd say, no it's not the same, I'd say it's as effective and works differently and that's what you have to adapt to.

Becoming a mother causes natural physical changes in how the mind compartmentalizes what is "important." So that's part of it. And initially, nothing is more important than baby.

Part of it is lack of sleep. I take melatonin to help me. And part of it is the brain now taking on a new dimension of multi-tasking. Phosphatidyl Serine really does help and I do recommend it, even though it is expensive.

Subsequent injury and illness also affects how we experience memory, and boosting your immune system will always help. I was in an awful car accident (shouldn't have walked away) that took it's toll on my short-term memory as well. Not consistently, but with stress, some elements of everyday life would just not register as important enough to stay in my short-term memory. At that point, my body trying to heal itself became the most important use of life energy, in addition to my life commitment as a mother - hence remembering something like getting orange juice at the store if it wasn't on my list didn't make the cut on what was important to use brain energy for. But it is coming back. Pregnancy is actually treated by the body as a trauma. Thyroid and immune system cells are produced differently during that time, just as during other "emergency" states of injury. With a good immune system, it takes about a year for the average human body to recover physically from pregnancy - about the same as recovering from even minor surgery.

I also swear by chiropractic care. I firmly believe my mind is in better shape when there is no pressure, even subtle alignment pressure, on my spinal chord. The more free and clear that area is, the better my brain seems to function.

Just remember - motherhood makes you multi-dimensional now. Part of your brain is always actively making certain that your child is safe and cared for. And each child adds a new dimension taking up it's section of the hard drive. It's a natural state. But leaves you feeling literally a bit divided. It's OK. We moms prove ourselves time and time again at being able to accomplish incredible things and in mass quantities - all the things that matter most. We multi-task to incredible levels. We rise to the occassion of whatever is required of us and for the sake of our families, almost without need of thought. It is what it is. Brain's rewired for mommyhood now.

I am the mom of four kiddos. For me, I found that I had terrible memory problems, but for only about six months. Calendars and to-do lists didn't help. I would forget something that I was preparing to do a few minutes before. For example, I was on the phone with my older daughter's Girl Scout troop leader discussing their meeting, and then a couple of hours later, forgot to take my daughter to it. Just be patient with yourself, and know that other moms understand what you are going through.

NEVER!
I would guess. I was amazing at remembering birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, names and everything. People usually relied on me for memory.
I gave birth January 2007 and the few cards or calls I have made to people have ALL been late and th rest I have completely forgotten. Some say write it down, make a list but but dagnabit, I forget the list!
I would not trade life without my daughter but I have to keep deodorant and essentials in my desk drawer b/c I have forgotten even that! LOL
Seriously, don't stress. Keep a journal to write things down as you think of them and get rest when you can.

what memory?? i have 4 kids, i did have 5, but i forgot where i put the last one. just kidding. your memory may never be the same, but ample sleep will help. i know that's easier said than done, but you will function better, do things more quickly and more acurately if you are well rested. even if you can't take a nap, try to put your feet up and rest a few minutes when your baby naps. it's something you will struggle with forever as a mom, but you can take better care of your family, and other responsibilities when you take care of yourself

My first kid blew me away. Here I was a successful Marine Sgt, top of my game. I would never cry (well not im front of anyone) I had my emotions all in check. then after the baby came I started having a hard time controlling these emotions! I was like what was wrong with me? I think I heard someone say that when our body undergoes chemical changes to make a baby it takes a couple years to get back to normal functioning. I asked my doctor at the time and she said that it varies from person to person and the best way to help our selves is to make sure we are getting all the nutrition we need (to make us less ditzy or less flaky). I know it can be very frustrating at times. But Ive learned to "adapt and over come" (did I mention I write on my dresser & bathroom mirror w a dry erase marker to remind me of important things?) So enjoy the mush! : )

NOTHING about my memory or organizational skills has been the same and my kids are 17 and 14. I swore they sucked my brains into their bodies while they were developing. Taking good vitamins helps some....but it'll never return to "normal". SORRY!!! But ENJOY the kids!!!!

I COMPLETELY understand!!! I have felt the exact same way. My baby is almost 11 months old and my brain hasn't returned. I have to write everything thing or else I forget and then I forget where I Put the notes!!! I feel like I'm going crazy most of the time!! I saw an episode on the Today show a couple of months back that described exactly when you are describing and they call it "Mommymnesia". Your brain has undergone hormonal changes that contribute to forgetfulness and it's worse if you're breastfeeding (due to the oxytocin release.Oxytocin makes mommies forgetful!).
I just take a deep breath and try to chill out (because I'll cry if I don't!!!)
Good luck and welcome to the group!!! What did you say your name was again and what was your topic??? LOL!!!!!

As everyone else has pretty much said... don't look for it anytime soon. I have two (almost 4 and almost 1) and I still feel as dumb as a rock. lol! What has helped me, lots and lots of lists. The other advantage is that you are able to see everything that you are accomplishing over the course of a day/week. I set my to do list for the week and then I don't set myself up for frenzied days and that way I feel I am able to get more done. Don't worry you are not the only one that feels this way. Hang in there, you'll get used to it.

sorry to say. Mine is still off. Maybe it's the sleep deprivation!

-mom of 5 y.o and 3y.o.

ha! "mom-nesia" is what my friend calls it. i think some of it is hormonal, some of it is like what the other post-er said, get a good diet, stay hydrated, exercise, all of that. but it also is just this strange thing that happens when you are no longer spiritually self-contained. ya know? your whole being has shifted with having your baby, your thoughts are not just your thoughts anymore. all that said, i do feel a lot more like "me" now that my kids are a little older (7 and 3). all is well...

Well..... I hate to tell ya it never comes back totally... but, I don't think it went anywhere...to began with.... just that part of your brain is busy with other things.. Children things...and as your children grow there will be more children issues... Good bad and in the middle... and once they are grown.. then its the children and grandchildren issues that occupy that part of your brain.... so no it never comes back you see glimpses of it.. from time to time... like the sun peeking out the clould... than OOPPPPS!!! its gone again...But, don't feel bad... it happens to all of us... I will be 54 in 26 days.. my oldest grand daughter will be 18 next April... So, beleive me I have forgot alot of things in those years since my first child... Just take a couple of deep breath... and oh!! Well!! can't remember everything...

ummmm..never?? and it only get's worse when you have more kids!! there is a reason our teenagers constantly tell us how dumb we are!!! ;-)

Okay...on a serious note...

Pregnancy kills off brain cells (your kids drain everything) so there is a chance not everything will come back to the way it was...But once your child sleeps through the night and you are settled into a good routine, things should get better. Do your best to get as much rest each night (6 - 8 hours is recommended) so you are fresh each morning. If you are a SAHM, then take a nap when your kid does. Often slowing brain functionality is simply your body's way of telling you to get more rest...

Make sure you have a good support system in place that allows you time to yourself at least weekly if not a half hour or so each day...Even if it means leaving the little one with the hubby or another familoy member...Or you could trade with another mom, you watch her kid(s) while she gets time to herself while she in turn watches yours while you get time to yourself...

I hope these suggestions work for you ;-)

My youngest is about to turn five and I think that I started thinking more clearly sometime last year! Maybe it has something to do with the kids becoming more independent so I don't have to constantly be 100% focused on them. I also started taking an Omega-3 supplement. That helped a TON.

Wait. What was the question? (grin)

Hope this helped!

For me, it was memory failure that initially began due to fatigue and lack of sleep. My youngest is 10 and I am still having problems with remembering the smaller things going on...though it is gets much better with time. What helps me is to keep a master calendar on the refrigerator that helps prevent me from missing important events or school activities. I truly believe that it is not my memory that is failing but the fact that as a mom I have a very full plate to deal with now. Before I was a mother, I only needed to worry about myself. Now that we are mothers, our memories are consumed with taking care of other individuals that cannot take care of themselves, as well as family. This is a huge responsibility that many refer to as a full time job. I know plenty of moms that feel the same way. Congrats and things will get easier with time.

Seriously - I have no idea.

My girls are 4 and 2.5, and now I'm 7 weeks away from #3 joinging the family.
My ability to focus, and any advanced critical thinking went out the window when I was 1/2 way thru pregnacy #1. I'm starting to think I'll never see it again.

On the bright side, taking a magnesium-calcium supplement and some amino acids seems to help over all. So do naps.

Good luck! :)

my only child is 23, and I didn't notice anything back when I had him, but I am 48 now and I'll tell you, sometimes I think my brain is on vacation! I forget all sorts of stuff all the time! I really started to notice it when I am teaching yoga! I would start to have trouble remembering the names of things like body parts, left from right etc! I would just draw a blank! I started to joke with my students that I was having brain farts! I started taking ginko biloba and it helps but some days even with the ginko I can't remember things! In my own defense I tell my students, that I have to remember alot of words, names body parts etc, and recite them along with all the directions on how to do it all, while cueing their breaths and maintaining the up-side down postures myself! It's a lot to ask of anybody! Phew! yeah good luck with that, If you figure out where your brain went will you tell it to tell mine to come back home.... all is forgiven.. just come back home! Laughing, but it's just so sad! LOL!

3 kids later, and still goofy. Don't know when my mind will return, if ever. :-) I anxiously await that day.

Try some Omega 3 and Ginko Biloba
Luck

I had my son in january of this year. my brain is just returning .... not quite there by any means. But it is comming back i find when i talk to chrilden it is much easier to communicate than with adults!!! do you think God planed that one or what . congrats on your baby and best of luck to getting your brain back or most of it!!!

Dear A.--I'm not a medical person, so I'm not sure what is going on with you post-pregnancy. But what you're describing is what happened to me when I found out I was going through early menopause. (DON'T GET FRANTIC--I'M NOT SUGGESTING THAT YOU ARE, TOO!) What I AM saying is that your hormones may be messed up. Are you taking the pill? You need to talk to your doctor and describe your symptoms. It may be as simple as prescribing something for a short while until you return to "normal". Hope this helps.

my memory was non-existent til my little girl turned one....and even now, its not what it used to be. good luck!

Unfortunately your mind never works the same. :-) Maybe when the kids grow up and leave home? LOL

A., I'm 33 and the mom of a little girl (also born on 9-25-07) I totally relate to what your saying. The effect this last pregnancy has on my memory is frustrating. I was told I should give myself a year for everything to get back to normal! Hoping and praying!

I have a friend who asked me shortly after we both gave birth to twins..."Do you feel like you've given birth to your brain and they have it somewhere studying it?" All I can say is you are not alone and while I don't think it gets better, you do learn to adapt. A good sense of humor doesn't hurt, either.

I am a mommy to four (10, 6, 4, and 3). I would swear that I pushed out some of my brain with each baby. lol I don't think you ever get it all back. I make lots of lists and keep detailed calendars in more than one place. I still need reminders from my DH. It is frustrating at times, but much less frustrating than my kids are a blessing. I think the trade-off is worth it. =) I am naturally blond anyway, so I just blame it on that too!