The Neuroscience of Nurture: How Parenting Rewires Your Mind with Rocio Zunini

In this episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by Rocio Zunini, a neuroscientist and expert in early childhood development and parenting, to explore the incredible transformations that take place in the brain when we become parents. We dive deep into the neuroscience of parenting, discussing how pregnancy, birth and postpartum rewire our minds, fostering deeper empathy and connection, and enhancing our ability to nurture and respond to our children.

Rocio shares her own personal experience growing up in an alloparenting environment in South America, comparing it to her time as a mother in the Western world. We explore how our cultural approaches to parenting shape the way we bond with our babies and regulate our nervous systems. Together, we uncover the importance of building a support village to help parents not just survive, but thrive during the postpartum period.

You’ll also learn about alloparenting, how attachment theory has evolved, and the importance of having multiple caregivers for both parents and babies to create a calm, connected postpartum experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Parenting and Brain Changes: The neuroscience behind how parenting rewires the brain and strengthens emotional bonds.

• Alloparenting: What it is and how it benefits both parents and babies by reducing the burden of caregiving.

• Attachment Theory: How early attachment relationships influence infant development and why multiple caregivers can be beneficial.

• Postpartum Support: Practical tips on how to build a postpartum village and outsource help during the early weeks with a newborn.

• Cultural Differences in Parenting: Rocio’s insights from growing up in South America and the value of community caregiving.

Resources Mentioned:

• Rocio Zunini on Instagram

• Rocio Zunini’s upcoming course: The Parental Brain Program for Professionals starting on October 31st

• Nurture Revolution Certification Waitlist (April 2025) by Rocio Zunini & Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

Follow Us:

For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum and visit my website for free resources, training programs, and more 

Download my free e-book for Doulas & Birth Professionals ‘Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families.’