Eleven weeks into fatherhood, Sydney resident Lewis Burger has found himself experiencing symptoms commonly referred to as "baby brain," a condition traditionally associated with new mothers. Burger describes a noticeable increase in forgetfulness and mental fogginess since the birth of his son, Roscoe. Among the incidents he recounted was repeatedly forgetting his spare key at home over several days—a lapse he said was highly unusual for him.

His experience aligns with a growing acknowledgment that new fathers can also exhibit signs of cognitive strain and altered mental focus during early parenthood, although this phenomenon is less frequently documented in men. Burger also reported episodes of "phantom crying," where he would hear his baby’s cry even when Roscoe was asleep, prompting him to check on the child unnecessarily.

Research from Monash University sheds light on this experience, suggesting that while new fathers may feel the effects of “baby brain,” objective measures do not show actual cognitive decline within the first two years after childbirth. The study’s lead author, Navyaan Siddiqui, explains that the cognitive disruptions fathers experience may be attributed largely to environmental and psychosocial factors, such as sleep deprivation and increased daily pressures, rather than biological changes.

“The challenges that come with being a new parent, especially psychosocial ones like sleep disruption, can overwhelm capacity, even if cognition itself remains intact,” Siddiqui said.

Burger also described the difficulties he faced returning to work after his son’s birth, highlighting a sense of lost identity and shifting priorities. He noted the contrast between the purposeful routine of supporting his partner and child at home and the uncertainty of re-entering a workplace environment.

This sentiment is echoed by clinical psychologist and Fathering Project board member Dr. James Brown, who emphasizes that men experience significant biological, psychological, and social changes as they transition to fatherhood. “We do go through changes preparing us to be fathers, and those changes are biological,” Brown stated.

Siddiqui’s research also points to a broader issue regarding the support available for new fathers. He noted that men are often overlooked during the parenting transition, despite undergoing substantial adjustments themselves. “Dads would need more support as they transition to parenthood than what’s usually acknowledged,” Siddiqui added.

For Burger, despite the challenges, fatherhood has ultimately provided a profound sense of purpose. “Fatherhood means to me that I’m now responsible for shaping someone’s life, and I can’t think of a bigger responsibility. It’s a privilege,” he said.