Fatherhood ‘shrinks’ grey matter in social brain networks, study author says

What was said

"So we found that in fathers and this is similar to what's been observed in mothers, the brain is actually losing gray matter volume. So it is shrinking. So if I had stronger hands, I could probably squish this brain and make it look tinier."

Saxbe says her research found new fathers show grey matter volume reductions, particularly in the “mentalising network” involved in understanding others’ feelings and intentions, and in visual areas important for reading infant facial cues. She argues the volume reduction is not a deficit but reflects increased efficiency, and later adds her lab found more “profound” shrinkage among fathers reporting stronger prenatal bonding and more hands-on care after birth.