Early Brain Development in Pregnancy with Neuroscientist, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum
"It's our birthright to be deeply connected to our babies and to grow from it." - Dr. Kirshenbaum
What if the most important thing you could do for your baby’s brain… isn’t something you buy, schedule, or optimize — but in the way you nurture & feel?
This week, I sit down with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum — neuroscientist, author of The Nurture Revolution, and former doula — to talk about what modern neuroscience says about pregnancy, birth, infant sleep, and the first three years of life. We talk about how your emotional experiences during pregnancy shape your baby’s brain, why nurture is not “soft” but biologically essential, and what moms really need to know about stress, bonding, sleep training, and early brain development.
If you’ve ever worried about doing enough, getting it right, or messing up your baby, you're going to love this discussion and I hope more than anything, it puts your mind at ease. I feel like I cannot say this enough, but YOU are the perfect mother for your baby AND you're doing better than you think you are!
Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
2:57 – From future MD to neuroscientist & doula
Why Dr. Kirshenbaum walked away from the traditional medical path — and what drew her to study early life, birth, and the developing brain instead.
6:08 – The science behind what doulas actually do
How emotional support during birth and postpartum isn’t just “nice” — it’s neurologically powerful for both mom and baby.
8:08 – Pregnancy literally shapes your baby’s brain
The surprising link between a mother’s emotional experiences and her baby’s brain wiring — and why this starts before birth.
13:38 – The first 0–3 years: the most critical window
Why these early years build the foundation for lifelong mental and emotional health — and what helps those brain circuits grow… or get injured.
16:22 – What “nurture” really looks like (and the sleep training debate)
Dr. Kirshenbaum’s perspective on responsive parenting, emotional safety, and why she believes sleep training may be more harmful than helpful.
20:25 – How moms actually get rest without ignoring their baby
What’s normal in infant sleep, how to read your baby’s cues, and how rest can exist without rigid schedules.
23:28 – Why 90% of the world doesn’t obsess over baby sleep
The cultural truth about infant sleep — and how letting go of control may bring more peace than any sleep program ever could.
25:30 – “Did I already mess this up?”
What happens if nurture wasn’t ideal early on — and the hopeful truth about how the brain can still grow and heal.
29:35 – How moms regulate stress (for themselves and their baby)
From meditation to movement to touch — and the beautiful science behind why soothing your baby also soothes your own nervous system.
32:40 – Support for modern motherhood
The programs Dr. Kirshenbaum offers — and her vision for how we can better support mothers and babies in the future.
37:32 – The Nurture Revolution
What her book teaches about presence, connection, emotional safety, and becoming the nurturing anchor your baby’s brain needs.
41:36 – The one thing every mother needs to hear
A message that will stay with you long after this episode ends.
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Links & Resources
- My Essential Birth Course
- 3 FREE Exercise Guide
- Dr. Kirshenbaum's Website
- Connect with Dr. Kirshenbaum on IG
ALL my love, 
