Part 1: The Elasticity & Power of a Woman's Brain

Recipe: Spicy Ginger Greens & Eggs for Brain Power

Approved & supported by these incredible, celebrated & brilliant women: Dr. Rosa Keller PhD RD Nutrition Science, Dr. Ricki Pollycove Holistic OBGYN, Dr. Mandy Carrol Murphy MPH RD, and Dr. Claire Packer, OBGYN Resident

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*This newsletter is not intended to be medical advice.

Jump to Recipe: Spicy Ginger Greens & Eggs

*Recipe Notes included below: How to make it pregnancy-friendly & gestational-diabetes-friendly, and substitution suggestions for EVERY ingredient

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My mission is to bring clarity to women.

Clarity in our brains, bodies, and lives—so we can have powerful visions and achieve what we never thought possible. I know I may sound excessively optimistic, but I deeply mean this.

We as women have so much room for growth, and many of us feel like we’re oh-so close but just not quite there, and there’s a lot around us that’s hindering us. We juggle so much: too much information at once, not enough of the right info, and no clear path to action. It’s a storm of opinions, emotions, and noise from those around us. I’m very pro feedback and community, but some things require us to dive deep into ourselves, alone, to understand our needs.

The path to clarity is personal. To truly achieve greatness, you have to dig into who you are, at this moment in your life. My goal with this newsletter, WWC and Julienne is to help you do just that—to cut through the noise, clear out the guck, and make sense of what matters most for you, your health, your goals, your career, right now.

With a clear mind and understanding of what you need, you’ll most certainly find more health, happiness, and success than you ever imagined. That’s what I’m here for. Because I believe our complex brains and superhuman bodies need clarity to truly unleash the magic within.

One of the most profound revelations in recent neuroscience research is just how uniquely powerful the female brain is—especially during pregnancy.

MRIs have shown that a woman’s brain undergoes dramatic structural changes during pregnancy, adapting itself to meet the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. (source)

For example, during pregnancy, there is a reduction in gray matter in areas of the brain that are involved in social cognition and emotional processing. (source) While this might sound like a loss, it’s actually a refinement, much like how a sculptor chips away at a block of marble to reveal a masterpiece. This is why some women claim to have heightened clarity during pregnancy. (If that’s not something you’ve experienced, we will dive into ways you might be able improve this in next weeks’ newsletter.) 

White matter microstructure, a measure of the brain’s wiring, peaked at the end of the second trimester. Photograph: Daniela Cossio

This “brain sculpting” is one of the most empowering phenomena we’ve discovered.

It enhances a woman’s ability to nurture, empathize, and emotionally connect—skills that are essential for caring for a newborn but also incredibly valuable in every area of life, whether at work, in relationships, or in leadership roles. And these changes are not short-lived. Some aspects of the brain’s rewiring remain for years, allowing women to carry these enhanced abilities into all facets of their lives. (source)

The changes that occur in a woman’s brain during pregnancy and postpartum reflect not just a shift toward motherhood but a shift toward greater clarity, strength, and emotional intelligence.

This is more than “mommy brain” or the fog we’ve been taught to associate with pregnancy. Instead, the female brain is learning to prioritize, focus, and adapt—sharpening its tools to better handle the significant challenges and opportunities of life.

Women’s brains are already wired to be emotionally intelligent, and pregnancy seems to elevate this to a new level. Research shows that this is due to the increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which play a role in brain plasticity. These hormones, along with other factors, help prepare a woman to not only care for a child but also adapt to the many other demands she might face in life—whether in her career, family, or personal goals. (source)

What’s even more exciting is the lasting impact of these brain changes. Longitudinal studies suggest that the adaptive changes women experience during pregnancy continue to influence their brain function for years afterward, making them better equipped to handle stress, manage relationships, and achieve personal clarity. (source)

Whether it’s leading a project at work, nurturing relationships at home, or juggling multiple responsibilities, the female brain is powerful in its ability to rise to the occasion.

Pregnancy is just one chapter in this journey of adaptability and clarity. Our brains are designed to take charge and optimize themselves to whatever stage of life we’re in—motherhood, career, or personal growth.

This adaptability doesn’t only apply to pregnancy. Even women who haven’t had children experience brain changes that equip them to manage the mental load they carry. Women are uniquely capable of processing multiple streams of information, emotionally connecting with others, and navigating complex social dynamics—all while balancing personal needs.

The truth is, the more we understand our unique biology, the more we see how powerful we are.

We’ve long been led to believe that men’s brains and bodies were the default, that we had to model ourselves after them to succeed. Not anymore.

The female brain’s ability to adapt—whether during pregnancy or any other challenging time—proves that women have an incredible capacity to lead, nurture, and thrive in all aspects of life. This is not just about “getting through” difficult times. It’s about becoming sharper, more focused, and more in tune with ourselves and the world around us.

This research shows how crucial it is to embrace our unique strengths as women. By doing so, we can unlock greater success, clarity, and happiness in everything we do. The science is catching up, and it’s telling us what we’ve known all along: we are powerful beyond measure.

This new understanding of the female brain, especially during pregnancy, should be a point of pride for every woman.

It shows that our brains aren’t just capable—they’re designed to evolve, adapt, and overcome. Whether you’re raising a child, leading a business, ambitious in your career, or simply finding your way through life, your brain is your greatest ally.

The power of the female brain—especially during transformative periods like pregnancy—proves that we are uniquely equipped to handle life’s biggest challenges. With clarity, we can take charge of our lives, knowing that our minds will always rise to the occasion.

Let’s go!!

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If you’re interested in hearing more about The Women’s Wellness Corner, or want to bring these powerful women’s insights from experts into your workplace, take a look here and send me a note to anja@hellojulienne.com or reply to this email.

We’re building networks and safe spaces for women in the workplace, and we’d love to have you join us.

Spicy Ginger Greens & Eggs

For Optimal Pregnancy / Brain Health