Dr Sabina Brennan chats to award-winning BBC science journalist Melissa Hogenboom about her new book The Motherhood Complex and the science behind mothering. Melissa and Sabina chat openly and honestly about how challenged they felt as mothers of two young children. There's a good dose of science and myth busting too - as Melissa says - becoming a mother may be an everyday occurrence but it is an extra-ordinary experience. If you are a mum, have a mum, or plan to be a mum then this episode is for you. Melissa Hogenboom explains how the changes we experience during pregnancy and motherhood shifts our sense of self, and changes how others see us. From the way our brain changes during pregnancy and the psychological impact of our changing body, to the true cost of the motherhood workplace penalty and the intrusion of technology on family life, Hogenboom's book and our chat in this episode shares how external events and society at large shape the way we see ourselves and impacts upon the choices we make. #mother #mum #mothering #motherhood #motherhoodcomplex #pregnancy #parent #parenting #parenthood #mentalhealth #brain #neuroscience #thepill #psychologist #neuroscientist #science #sciencejournalist Visit www.sabinabrennan.ie for the Super Brain blog which shares the full transcript, links to Melissa's website and book as well as some video clips from the podcast recoding Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.