#321 | Spoil Your Baby: The Neuroscience of Thriving Baby Brains with Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum, PhD

Neuroscientist and author of The Nurture Revolution, Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum, PhD, joins us today to discuss the profound impact of nurturing care in the first three years of life. Drawing from decades of brain research, Greer explains how responsive, connected parenting in early life lays the neurological foundation for emotional regulation, mental health, and lifelong resilience—and why this critical window is so often misunderstood, underestimated, or dismissed. We also explore the neurobiology of fatherhood: how the dad's brain transforms during the postpartum period, how these changes depend on direct contact with the baby, and why emotional and hormonal shifts in men—though delayed in comparison to those in mothers—are no less critical. Greer shares research on baby-wearing, skin-to-skin, and how even daily rituals like bathing or making a habit of smelling the baby cause a rapid and necessary rewiring of the paternal brain toward deeper connection and long-term involvement. We also discussed trends in parenting, from the "be home by dinnertime" style of the 80s to the scheduled, anxious, overbearing parents who followed that generation. We considered the impact of parents who place excessive emphasis on a school-age child's emotions day in and day out, at the risk of foregoing important opportunities for teaching resilience. This conversation challenges outdated notions of independence, debunks harmful myths around bonding and separation, and makes a strong, evidence-based case for what Greer calls the "nurture revolution”. Click here to watch this episode in full video format on YouTube . Dr. Greer on Instagram Nurture Neuroscience ********** Our sponsors: Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups. Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort. Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20% Send us a text Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription order DrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supply Primally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits : <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive content IG @downtobirthshow Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.