Dopamine works differently in the postpartum brain.

Normally, dopamine gives us energy for activities that promote our individual survival: gathering a meal, securing a paycheck, pursuing a goal, etc. We get a good feeling and the energy we need to keep moving toward something worth pursuing.

In early parenthood, we experience the effect of dopamine when we think about or are in contact with our children. Our babies become rewarding because our physiology is interested in the survival of our offspring, the carriers of our DNA.

We are more than the individual we once were and our brain chemicals know it!

(Thank goodness for the surges of dopamine energy that get us up in the middle of the night to care for our babies!)

In the postpartum time, oxytocin rewards us for having our needs met by our trusting and trustworthy community. When we connect to and allow our needs to be met by others, we get the warmth and relaxation of oxytocin.

Let your brain chemicals lead you toward thriving. You will think your baby is the cutest and most important being on the planet and that will give you energy for the job. Don't fight or dismiss that thought; use it instead.

When the dopamine-hungry ghosts come calling, trying to convince you to get up out of bed and provide for yourself, know their source and come back to your body and your support system. Allow others to care for and nurture you and you will have the oxytocin you need for bonding with and feeding your baby and for healing.