The plasticity of human maternal brain: Longitudinal changes in brain anatomy during the early postpartum period

• Own resultFindingPositive thoughts on parenting did not significantly predict gray matter changes in the same midbrain region.From the paper’s own data. Not checkable against an outside source.§ Results · own data
• Own resultFindingMothers' positive thoughts on baby at Time 1 significantly predicted gray matter volume change from Time 1 to Time 2 in a cluster of the midbrain including hypothalamus, amygdala, and substantia nigra, controlling for parenting experience and scan interval, β = .44, p = .01.From the paper’s own data. Not checkable against an outside source.§ Results · own data
• Own resultFindingNo brain region showed a decrease in gray matter volumes from Time 1 to Time 2.From the paper’s own data. Not checkable against an outside source.§ Results · own data
• Own resultFindingFrom Time 1 (2-4 weeks postpartum) to Time 2 (3-4 months postpartum), mothers showed an increase in gray matter volume in a number of brain regions including superior, middle and inferior prefrontal cortex, precentral and postcentral gyrus, superior and inferior parietal lobe, insula and thalamus.From the paper’s own data. Not checkable against an outside source.§ Results · own data
• Own resultFindingMothers showed increases in gray matter volume during the early postpartum period in several key maternal motivation and behavior regions including bilateral hypothalamus, amygdala, substantia nigra, and globus pallidus.From the paper’s own data. Not checkable against an outside source.§ Discussion · own data
• Own interpretationInterpretationInteractions with the infant during the first postpartum months may be associated with the increased gray matter volumes in the hypothalamus, substantia nigra, globus pallidus, and amygdala.A conclusion the paper draws from its own results. There is no outside source to check it against.§ Discussion · own data
• Own interpretationInterpretationThe current group differences in the VBM measure indicate an increase in regional gray matter volume.A conclusion the paper draws from its own results. There is no outside source to check it against.§ Discussion · own data
• Own interpretationInterpretationThe first months of motherhood in humans are accompanied by structural changes in brain regions implicated in maternal motivation and behaviors.A conclusion the paper draws from its own results. There is no outside source to check it against.§ Abstract · own data
• Own interpretationInterpretationThe mother's positive feelings on her baby may facilitate the increased levels of gray matter volume.A conclusion the paper draws from its own results. There is no outside source to check it against.§ Discussion · own data
• Own interpretationInterpretationThe increased gray matter volumes in the hypothalamus, substantia nigra, globus pallidus, and amygdala may help mothers activate their maternal motivation and respond to infant cues.A conclusion the paper draws from its own results. There is no outside source to check it against.§ Discussion · argued, not cited

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