Resilient Minds: Supporting Maternal Brain Health

GoMo Health and the Center for BrainHealth focused on what matters most: meeting women where they are, making brain science easy to understand, and empowering them to take ownership of their mental and emotional well-being.

Resilient Minds: Supporting Maternal Brain Health in Times of Crisis

Table of Contents Introduction. ...................................................................................................................4 Program Overview: ....................................................................................................10 The Overlapping Crises Mothers Face ..................................................................14 Prioritizing Survival:...................................................................................................20 Sleep: ............................................................................................................................22 The Need: ....................................................................................................................24 Program Purpose and Goals...................................................................................26 Steady in the Storm: ..................................................................................................32 Program Results..........................................................................................................36 Conclusion: .................................................................................................................38

Introduction

E very day, mothers are called upon to be caregivers, decision-makers, and emotional anchors for their families. Yet, in today’s world, those responsibilities are often carried out amid a constant stream of crises—both personal and global. From family health challenges, financial strain, and caregiving demands at home, to unrelenting exposure to natural disasters, global conflict, school shootings, racial and political unrest, and the rise of youth mental health challenges, the emotional load mothers carry has never been greater.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a striking example of how global events can amplify uncertainty, isolate communities, and drive record levels of anxiety and depression among pregnant and postpartum women. But the pandemic was just one of many challenges that contribute to chronic stress. These events, compounded by the intensity of modern-day parenting, create a mental and emotional environment that places mothers at high risk for cognitive overload, emotional exhaustion, and impaired brain function. When left unmanaged, this ongoing stress impacts more than just mood; it reshapes brain health. It weakens memory, sleep quality, emotional regulation, and executive function, all of which are critical for mothers as they navigate daily life and nurture those around them. However, there is hope. The brain is adaptable, and with the right support, it can strengthen resilience. Science shows that intentional strategies, grounded in neuroscience and designed for real-world applications, can help protect and restore brain health.

This white paper examines the science of maternal brain health and introduces evidence-based strategies and tools applied through the maternal brain health program by GoMo Health and the Center for BrainHealth ® at The University of Texas at Dallas. The goal is to equip mothers with practical, personalized solutions for reducing cognitive strain, improving emotional balance, and building long-term resilience, no matter what crisis arises next. Get a quick glimpse into the heart of the program; watch this one-minute video that welcomes participants and gives them a preview of what to expect.

The Partnership The maternal brain health program, created by GoMo Health and the Center for BrainHealth, combines research from the Center for BrainHealth with the BehavioralRx ® precision engagement approach from GoMo Health. This partnership translates decades of brain health research into science- backed strategies, reaching new and important audiences with actionable directives for everyday life. Center For BrainHealth Founded in 1999 as a cognitive neuroscience research and translational science institution, the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas has made tremendous progress in advancing the science of brain health: how the brain best functions as it learns, reasons, and innovates; ways to protect it from decline; and methods to repair and regenerate brain systems by adopting science-backed healthy habits. Acclaimed cognitive neuroscience experts at the Center for BrainHealth have been at the forefront of brain health research for decades, with hundreds of publications in prestigious scientific journals. They are boldly impatient to bring their proven discoveries to the public. Their proprietary training program, Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART TM ), which was studied in randomized controlled trails in both clinical and healthy populations throughout the lifespan of the Center, provides the foundation for the cognitive

BrainHealth Empowerment with Jennifer Zientz, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Programs & Head of Clinical Services at the Center for BrainHealth

Click on the thumbnail or visit: https://vimeo.com/1105171968

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tools presented in this program. SMART is a strategy-based training program that teaches individuals to use their brains to be more strategic, innovative thinkers. Use of the tools has been shown to improve not only cognitive performance but also aspects of psychological well-being and daily function. GoMo Health At GoMo Health, we understand that health is more than just a diagnosis. It’s deeply personal. Behind every data point is a human being navigating life’s challenges, emotions, and decisions. That’s why we take a whole-person approach, supporting both the physical and emotional sides of health and wellness. Our science-based methodology, BehavioralRx, is grounded in behavioral and cognitive science and built to meet people where they are. It helps them feel seen, heard, and empowered. Since 2014, we’ve partnered with healthcare providers, payers, employers, and life sciences companies to bring compassionate, personalized engagement into everyday life. Whether someone is managing a chronic condition, recovering after treatment, or simply trying to stay well, our scalable solutions are designed to ease the burden, build resiliency, and restore a sense of control. This approach leads to less burnout and more joy for care teams. And for the people they serve, it creates better outcomes and a better quality of life. In 2025, the company strengthened its commitment to security and trust by earning the HITRUST Risk-based (r2) Certification. This

The maternal brain health program combines the Center for BrainHealth’s clinical brain health research with the GoMo Health BehavioralRx approach to precision engagement. This partnership translates decades of brain health research into science- backed strategies, reaching new and important audiences with actionable directives for everyday life; equating to access and scalability of our science-backed cognitive tools we have not been able to achieve alone,” said Jennifer Zientz.

Improving brain health is not just about avoiding illness; it’s about creating the conditions for mental energy, emotional strength, and cognitive flexibility: qualities that help mothers respond more effectively to the unpredictability of life. For additional insights into the GoMo Health BehavioralRx science, check out this video from CEO and Founder, Bob Gold, and, Shelley R. Schoenfeld, Chief Marketing and Client Services Officer:

is the most rigorous certification within the HITRUST portfolio and was awarded for its Personal Concierge and GoMo Chat products on Microsoft Azure. BehavioralRx is based on the guiding principle that no two people are identical; therefore, their care plans cannot be either. When considering optimal management of clinical conditions, there are not only the commonly discussed social determinants of health (SDOH) but also personal determinants, including confidence in the ability to follow a care plan, circle of support, and, most importantly, outlook. By considering emotional, behavioral, physical, and metabolic factors together, precision care can effectively treat the whole person. What Is Brain Health? The Center for BrainHealth defines brain health as the continual promotion of the brain’s optimal development through cognition, well-being, connectedness to others, and a sense of purpose. For mothers, maintaining brain health means being able to think clearly, manage emotions, adapt to change, and stay mentally present, even in high-stress situations.

Click on the thumbnail or visit: https://youtu.be/bB2eN-YeoZk.

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Program Overview: GoMo Health Science- Driven Coping Model

A t the heart of the GoMo Health approach is the belief that resilience can be taught and strengthened through consistent, practical support. In partnership with the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas, GoMo Health created the maternal brain health program: a digital, personalized intervention that simplifies the science of brain health and delivers it directly to mothers at every stage of their parenting journey.

Key Features of the Program + Tailored content delivered via text: no apps or downloads required + Weekly brain health challenges personalized to the mother + Science-backed practices that can be applied in everyday routines + A focus on prevention and self-empowerment, rather than just symptom management The program guides mothers through an evolving journey, starting before pregnancy and continuing up to the age of nine. The postnatal phase includes targeted education and support for mothers managing smoking cessation and substance use disorder (SUD), as well as ongoing guidance to support their child’s health and development through their ninth birthday. Monthly topics and micro-challenges are designed to build understanding and skills over time.

Personalized support throughout the program offers small, meaningful steps that nurture resilience, strengthen emotional balance, and support cognitive well-being at every stage of the maternal journey.

The Science of Precision Engagement Within the maternal brain health program, GoMo Health utilized BehavioralRx technology to determine the activation strategy, approach, and content delivered. The techniques used include:

REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY

NURTURING TECHNOLOGY

Activation through simplifying

Guided motivation

Complex brain health topics are simplified and broken down into step-by-step actionable instructions that are delivered one at a time.

Through frequent, supportive messaging, participants are gently guided toward information that promotes brain-healthy lifestyle changes.

ENVIRONMENT OF NEED TECHNOLOGY

TAILORING TECHNOLOGY

Activation through “in-the-moment” customization

Intervening at the right moment

Messages are tailored to the mother’s current month of pregnancy or postpartum.

Brain health topics are delivered to coincide with a mother’s prenatal/postpartum journey to give her the best opportunity to be able to digest the information and apply it.

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INFLUENCE TECHNOLOGY

Activation through shared decision making

Each mother decides how many brain health challenges she receives each month. The intent is to provide information at a frequency that feels right and achievable.

WANDER AND WONDER TECHNOLOGY

Activation by increasing memory persistence and recall via mental and physical activities that stimulate contextually relevant neuroreceptors High-level brain health topics are broken down into actionable suggestions that mothers can apply to their daily lives. Check- in messages are used to assess whether the mother has practiced a concept and if it is helping her.

The Overlapping Crises Mothers Face

D ig a little deeper, and it becomes evident that while many of the world’s most urgent crises unfold, mothers feel their impact in deeply personal ways. News of violence, climate disasters, and geopolitical conflict doesn’t just spark concern; it triggers protective instincts, worry for their children’s futures, and a deep sense of responsibility to maintain stability at home, even when the outside world feels anything but stable. At the same time, mothers must filter and respond to this nonstop stream of external stress while juggling everyday responsibilities, from navigating health care decisions and supporting their children’s development to managing work, finances, and household routines. The emotional labor required to absorb, interpret, and react to global events, while staying present and grounded for their families, creates an invisible mental load that is both heavy and constant.

“This chronic stress impacts daily performance, creating highly distractible brains that have difficulty making good decisions and recognizing irrelevance. It also impacts the health of the brain, with an inundation of cortisol (stress hormone) and a correlation to atrophy of specific brain regions.”

JENNIFER ZIENTZ, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Programs and Head of Clinical Services at the Center for BrainHealth

This cumulative strain taxes the brain’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, and recover between stressors, leaving mothers increasingly vulnerable to burnout. Without opportunities to pause, reset, or feel safe in their environment, mothers may find themselves functioning in survival mode, not because they are weak, but because the weight of constant crisis is neurologically unsustainable. This dual burden leads to cognitive overload, where the brain is required to respond to too many demands at once. According to neuroscience research, this kind of overload can: + Reduce the brain’s ability to plan and solve problems + Heighten emotional reactivity and stress sensitivity + Disrupt sleep and recovery, weakening overall resilience. Without the opportunity to reset, the brain becomes stuck in a cycle of alertness and exhaustion, leaving mothers drained and struggling to keep up with daily life.

“The brain is similar to the body’s large muscle groups—it needs periods of silence to reset, not only to reduce stress but also to prime it for whatever comes next.”

JENNIFER ZIENTZ, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Programs and Head of Clinical Services at the Center for BrainHealth

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Cognitive Reframing for Strengthening Resilience

The Impact of Prolonged Stress on Maternal Brain Health Stress is a natural part of life, and in short bursts, it can actually enhance focus and motivation. But when stress is constant and unrelieved, it starts to wear down the brain. When exposed to stress for long periods of time, the brain shifts into survival mode. The amygdala, the brain’s internal alarm system, stays on high alert, scanning for danger, even in the absence of an immediate threat. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that helps a person think clearly, make decisions, and maintain emotional balance, has a harder time doing its job.

Mothers are encouraged to build mental flexibility, the ability to see challenges from different angles. By practicing cognitive reframing, they can learn to shift from rumination to problem- solving, and from fear-based thinking to possibility thinking. + COGNITIVE RESETS: Taking brief brain breaks every 90 minutes to prevent fatigue + GUIDED VISUALIZATION: Rehearsing calm responses and visualizing mental safe spaces + MINDFULNESS MICROPRACTICES: Breathing or doing a grounding exercise for three to five minutes

The body’s reaction to stress is not a personal failure; it’s biology, and it can show up in ways that feel deeply familiar.

THIS CAN LEAD TO: + Difficulty concentrating and prioritizing tasks + Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability + Poor sleep, memory loss, and reduced patience.

+ EVENING GRATITUDE REFLECTIONS: Focusing attention on what went well to rewire stress responses

DATA FROM THE GOMO HEALTH MATERNAL BRAIN HEALTH PROGRAM REFLECTS THIS IMPACT:

42%

42% of participants reported a reduction in stress symptoms since the start of the program.

58%

58% of participants saw a decrease in depressive symptoms.

98% of participants expressed satisfaction with the program.

98%

These outcomes show that the brain can recover and grow stronger with the right support in place.

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Making Brain Health Feel Personal: Engagement That Meets Mothers Where They Are

GoMo Health and the Center for BrainHealth knew that if they wanted to reach mothers in a real and lasting way, they had to make the science clear, compassionate, and personal. Talking about brain health can feel intimidating, especially when life is already overwhelming, so the program breaks it down into bite-sized, neuroscience lessons that connect to everyday life. For many of the participating mothers who are navigating complex realities like high emotional loads, limited resources, and Medicaid coverage, it is essential that every word, message, and tool feels achievable, trustworthy, and supportive. That’s where BehavioralRx comes in. It’s the science behind how GoMo Health engages participants: not just in what is said, but how, when, and why. BehavioralRx uses a blend of behavioral psychology and cognitive neuroscience to help people feel seen, supported, and capable of taking action, whether it’s remembering to take a breath in the middle of chaos or choosing rest over perfection. It’s grounded in trust, motivation, and connection: the very things that create space for real, lasting change.

Prioritizing Survival: How the Brain Responds to Crisis

LONG-TERM EFFECTS: + Executive Function Breakdown: Difficulty making decisions and organizing thoughts + Emotional Exhaustion: Reduced capacity for empathy and patience + Reduced Adaptability: Inability to shift mental focus or recover after setbacks The brain’s priority in any crisis is survival. Research from the Center for BrainHealth shows that prolonged stress can make it harder to think clearly and regulate emotions, especially for mothers, whose caregiving instincts are constantly engaged. That’s why understanding how the brain responds to stress is so important: it reinforces that these reactions are not weaknesses but signals that the brain needs care and recovery. Neuroscience shows that without periods of cognitive rest and emotional regulation, the brain struggles to regain its balance. That is why intentional brain health habits become essential.

Fight-or-Flight: The Brain’s Emergency Response

During times of crisis, the brain prioritizes survival. Often, global crises can feel personal, resulting in mothers perceiving them as threats to their families’ safety and stability. The maternal brain is wired for protection, making it more vulnerable to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and disrupted decision-making. Being in a constant state of alert can weaken resilience and impair cognitive function over time. Whether the threat is a household emergency or a global tragedy, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that activate the “fight-or-flight” response. While helpful in the short term, prolonged activation keeps the brain in a hyper-alert state, making it difficult to think clearly or remain calm.

Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Brain Health

S leep isn’t a luxury; it’s one of the six essential pillars of brain and body health, alongside nutrition, physical activity, stress management, social connection, and the avoidance of harmful substances. Among them, sleep plays a uniquely powerful role in restoring brain function and emotional balance. During REM sleep, the brain processes emotions, files memories, and clears out mental “waste,” making room for focus, flexibility, and calm. As Sleep Scientist Dr. Matthew Walker puts it: “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.” According to Jennifer Zientz, research from the Center for BrainHealth supports this. “Our studies show that when people improve their sleep through intentional, structured habits— like better wind-down routines, light exposure, and periodic downtimes for the brain during the day—they experience noticeable improvements in clarity, decision-making, and

emotional control. In contrast, chronic sleep disruption makes the brain more reactive, less resilient, and more prone to anxiety and overwhelm.”

To support healthier sleep and hormonal balance, consider these evidence-based strategies that promote nervous system regulation and reduce stress before bedtime: + Align circadian rhythms by reducing evening blue light exposure and establishing consistent wind-down routines. + Practice mind-body relaxation techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system before bed. + Minimize stimulation, including limiting screen time, especially as it relates to multitasking throughout the day, which can raise cortisol.

The Need: Why Supporting Maternal Brain Health Matters Now More Than Ever

M aternal anxiety, depression, and emotional overload aren’t new, but today’s world adds an unprecedented layer of complexity to managing them. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in three pregnant women reported moderate to high levels of anxiety (Statistics on Rates of Postpartum Depression, n.d.). These aren’t distant headlines; they hit close to home, triggering real fear, emotional strain, and a sense of powerlessness that’s hard to shake. Research from the Center for BrainHealth shows that chronic exposure to distressing information can weaken executive function, increase emotional reactivity, and disrupt decision- making: all essential skills for motherhood. And while the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these issues, it wasn’t the starting point. Global instability and local tragedies continue to amplify stress for mothers, especially when the safety of their children, homes, and futures feels uncertain. Today’s mothers are navigating a mental load that includes not just caregiving and finances, but also constant crisis management, from concerns about school safety to uncertainty about the world their children are growing up in. The need for tools that support emotional regulation, cognitive clarity, and resilience isn’t optional; it’s mandatory and urgent.

Program Design: Strengthening Cognitive and Emotional Coping for Maternal Brain Health This interactive program supports prenatal and postpartum mothers with science-backed tools to strengthen brain health. Integrated into the GoMo Health Perinatal Concierge Care, the Maternal Brain Health program offers personalized support alongside education on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wellness. Mothers receive weekly text messages with simple, engaging tips, as well as videos, exercises, and reflections designed to build healthy brain habits. The content is easy to understand, accessible on any device, and grounded in real-life challenges mothers face every day. Whether it’s learning to manage stress, improve focus, or navigate the emotional ups and downs of life and parenthood, the program helps mothers take small steps that lead to a lasting, meaningful change for themselves and their families. At the end of each month, participating mothers are asked to complete a brief, voluntary survey to gauge their their receptivity to, comprehension of, and ability to apply the information presented. Upon completing the monthly challenges and survey, they receive an electronic certificate of completion, in recognition of their commitment to prioritizing brain health.

Program Purpose and Goals

A t its core, this program empowers mothers with the knowledge and confidence to care for their brains the same way they care for their loved ones. By making brain science easy to understand and apply, the maternal brain health program helps mothers build habits that support mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience, especially in their toughest moments. When mothers understand how their brains work and how to care for them, they’re better equipped to move through stress, overwhelm, anxiety, and isolation with greater compassion and strength.

Beyond its central mission, the program aims to: + Offer tools that feel relevant, helpful, and supportive throughout the motherhood journey. + Help mothers see how what they’re learning directly improves their well-being and day-to-day life. + Explain the science in a way that’s simple and easy to understand: no decoding or guesswork required. + Build real confidence, not just in knowing the information, but in applying it. + Spark new insight; every mother in the program should walk away having learned something that shifts her perspective, even if just a little.

1. DEFINING BRAIN HEALTH AND HEALTHY BRAIN HABITS

Six Core Topics These themes are first introduced during pregnancy and then revisited after delivery with practical, real- life examples for application, which are called weekly “challenges.” Each topic is broken down into small, relatable segments that make brain science easy to understand and the tools simple to use. Each topic is grounded in science but brought to life with everyday wisdom; because brain health shouldn’t feel like another item on a to-do list. It’s about feeling recognized and supported as participants move through the beautiful, messy, and demanding moments of motherhood. These evidence-based themes were chosen with care to help mothers survive the chaos and reclaim calm, clarity, and a sense of connection with their families and themselves.

The program begins with the most important relationship of all: the relationship mothers have with their own brains. + Brain Health Empowerment: Mothers play an active role in the well-being of their brains. That’s not pressure; it’s power. + Brain Health Myth-Busting: Common myths, like “Mom brain means you’re losing your intelligence,” or “You should be able to handle everything on your own,” are debunked and replaced with truths that foster self-compassion and remind mothers that brain changes are normal, temporary, and manageable with support. + Positive Brain Health Habits: Simple, achievable tasks, such as deep breathing, taking moments of rest, or pausing screen time, can be practiced daily to nourish the brain, both inside and out.

Test your knowledge! Brain myth-busting time! True or False: Hormones have a lot to do with pregnancy but very little to do with how you think. Find out here: https://gcv.io.123456

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“Reframing mistakes and potential threats as learning opportunities wires the brain to possibility thinking, rather than training it to ruminate in negative thinking cycles.”

3. HOW STRESS AND ANXIETY IMPACT THE BRAIN

Stress isn’t a character flaw; it’s biology. However, when mothers understand how stress works, they can begin to heal. + Brain Breaks: Simple, three- to five-minute intentional moments of disconnection can help reset the nervous system throughout the day. + Stress and the Brain: Chronic stress and anxiety don’t just feel bad; they change how the brain works. The good news is that these changes can be reversed with small, mindful shifts. + Why Doing What Matters … Matters: When mothers engage in meaningful activities, even just one small thing. it sparks dopamine, the brain’s natural reward system. This is the brain’s way of saying, “This feels right.” + Possibility Thinking: Focusing on what’s possible rewires the brain and opens new paths forward, helping mothers calm their stress response and unlock their brain’s most creative and flexible thinking.

JENNIFER ZIENTZ, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Programs and Head of Clinical Services at the Center for BrainHealth

2. UNDERSTANDING WHY LESS IS MORE FOR THE BRAIN

When the brain is overloaded, it’s common to disconnect from oneself, others, and what matters. + Giving the Brain Room to Breathe: Fewer distractions create space for clarity, calm, and deeper focus. + The Brain-Drain of Multitasking: What may seem productive is, in fact, slowing down the brain. + Information Overload: It’s okay to pause. Recognizing when the brain has had enough is a powerful form of self-care.

4. FLEXIBILITY OF THINKING CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE BRAIN Humans are wired for connection; and it’s not just emotional, it’s neurological. + Social Relationships: Strong, healthy bonds serve as fuel for a healthy brain. + Strengthening Connections: Small actions, like listening deeply or showing up consistently, help build deep relationships. + Power of Doing Something New: Shared, new experiences light up the brain and bring joy. + Giving and Receiving Advice: Vulnerability + perspective-taking = brain growth and stronger relationships.

6. THE IMPACT GRATITUDE HAS ON THE BRAIN

Resilience doesn’t mean never bending; it means learning how to bend without breaking. + Flexibility of Thinking: Practice loosening the grip on “one right way.” Most problems have more than one solution. That’s a gift. + Reframing: Teach the brain to shift from shame and fear to learning and growth. + Rumination: Gently guide the brain back to reality when the mind lingers on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. + Escaping Status Quo: When mothers stretch beyond what’s familiar, their brains come alive.

Gratitude activates the brain’s calming pathways, helping the nervous system move out of stress and into balance. + Gratitude: Naming what one is thankful for, even in hard seasons, reshapes the brain for hope. + Prenatal Gratitude Meditation: This meditation offers a gentle moment to breathe, reflect, and feel grounded in the present. + Postpartum Gratitude Exercise: Gratitude toward others deepens connections and builds resilience. + Ways to Show Gratitude: Thoughtful actions that express appreciation also strengthen emotional and social intelligence.

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Steady in the Storm: Maternal Brain Health Strategies for Uncertain Times

T he maternal brain health program provides strategies and emphasizes achievable practices to improve cognitive clarity and emotional balance: + Cognitive Rest: Taking three- to five-minute “brain breaks” to reduce overload + Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Lowering stress hormones and increasing calm + Journaling and Reframing Thoughts: Rewiring negative thought loops into more constructive ones

The Brain’s Toolkit: Strategies for Maternal Brain Health Techniques for Mental Resilience In times of crisis, coping strategies don’t need to be complicated to be effective; they just need to be practical. These small, science-backed practices help calm the brain, ground the body, and give mothers a sense of control. The GoMo Health Maternal Brain Health program equips mothers with a set of brain-based coping tools they can use in the moment and over time. These strategies are designed to be simple, scalable, and effective, particularly for women juggling the unpredictable demands of motherhood.

Want to learn more about delivering the maternal brain health program to your members or patients? Text BRAIN to 43386 to schedule a time to connect with our team.

Together, these tools build what’s known as cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and emotionally regulate even in difficult circumstances.

Daily rituals for stress reduction: + Five-minute mindfulness exercises to lower stress responses + Evening gratitude reflections to train the brain for resilience + Music and sound therapy to shift the brain into relaxation mode In natural disasters or emergencies, to regain calm, practice anchoring breathwork, visualize a safe place, or focus on what can be controlled. For example, practice breathwork to regulate adrenaline spikes after traumatic events. During social unrest or global conflict, limit exposure to media and redirect emotional energy toward connecting with and caring for loved ones. For example, create mental “safe spaces” through visualization techniques. When anxiety about the future becomes overwhelming, engage in activities that promote meaning and purpose, or practice “one small win” thinking to build confidence. Carve out a small pocket of time for yourself, like listening to a favorite song or stepping outside for sunlight.

Find a space outside your bedroom to charge your phone, creating more time and mental energy for quality sleep. Instead of staying up late on Instagram and waking up to the stress of new emails, maintain a device-free zone reserved for sleep and peace of mind.

These tools are intentionally designed to fit into real life, not to add to the mental load.

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Program Results

T he impact of the maternal brain health program has been both measurable and meaningful, with results drawn from electronic patient- reported outcomes (ePRO), clinical data, and neuroscience metrics.

Reported Outcomes:

98% participant satisfaction 90% retention rate 58% decrease in depressive symptoms 42% reduction in stress symptoms 31% increase in working memory 27% increase in flexible thinking 23% improvement in complex reasoning

These outcomes reflect not only improvements in emotional well-being but also enhancements in cognitive function, a critical measure of maternal brain health and resilience.

“I only wish I had known when I was pregnant what I know now. Truly a life-changer.”

MATERNAL BRAIN HEALTH PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

Conclusion: Empowering Mothers to Strengthen Their Brain’s Coping Abilities

G oMo Health continues to changing work, empowering more mothers with the skills to cope during crises, regulate stress, and reclaim their mental clarity, day by day, moment by moment. collaborate with the Center for BrainHealth to scale this life-

With six evidence-based core topics that start in pregnancy and carry into life after birth, the program offers brain science in small, doable steps that feel real and approachable. Each topic weaves together research and lived experience to help mothers create healthy brain habits, ease stress, nurture meaningful relationships, and practice gratitude. These tools help find calm in the chaos when things feel messy, and build the kind of resilience that allows mothers to stay deeply connected to themselves and the people they love. GoMo Health and the Center for BrainHealth focused on what matters most: meeting women where they are, making brain science easy to understand, and empowering them to take ownership of their mental and emotional well-being. When caregivers are given the right tools in the right way, they build lasting resilience and don’t just learn about brain health—they live it.

SOURCES Ahmad, M., & Vismara, L. (2021, July 18). The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Mental Health during Pregnancy: A Rapid Evidence Review. Retrieved from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8297318/

Harvard Health Publishing (2024). Understanding the stress response – Overview of fight-or- flight physiology (adrenaline and cortisol effects)

Arnsten, A. (2009). Nature Reviews Neuroscience – Review of stress signaling, noting chronic stress weakens PFC/hippocampus and strengthens amygdala (stress feedback imbalance)

Statistics on Rates of Postpartum Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved from Postpartum Depression: https://www.postpartumdepression.org/ resources/statistics/

Erhart, A. et al. (2024). Psychoneuroendocrinology – Study on postpartum mothers showing high cortisol linked to reduced prefrontal activation and more intrusive parenting

Chapman, S. B., Aslan, S., Spence, J. S., Hart, J. J., Bartz, E. K., Didehbani, N., Keebler, M. W., Gardner, C. M., Strain, J. F., DeFina, L. F., & Lu, H. (2013). Neural Mechanisms of Brain Plasticity with Complex Cognitive Training in Healthy Seniors. Cerebral Cortex, 25(2), 396–405. https:// doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bht234 Chapman, S. B., & Mudar, R. A. (2014). Chapman SB, Mudar RA. Enhancement of cognitive and neural functions through complex reasoning training: evidence from normal and clinical populations. Front Syst Neurosci. 2014 Apr 28;8:69. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00069. PMID: 24808834; PMCID: PMC4009420.

Center for BrainHealth, UT Dallas – Educational resources on stress (e.g., breathing to reduce noradrenaline) and cognitive training for military spouses/caregivers (ongoing programs aimed at reducing chronic stress effects).

Center for BrainHealth, UT Dallas. (2019). Final Report to the USAA Foundation, Inc. – KPIs. Summary of brain performance outcomes and program impact data.

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