Feeling forgetful? The most probable explanation for your "mommy brain" is a simple one: You're tired and distracted. "As the mother of a 6-month-old, you're likely to be sleep-deprived and focused more on your baby's well-being than anything else," says pediatrician Jennifer Shu. "It's natural that you're letting less important things fall by the wayside."
There's also a chance that your hormones might be making your memory a bit fuzzy, particularly if you're breastfeeding, but there's not much research to back this theory up. One important caution: If your memory problems are accompanied by anxiety, a lack of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, or other signs of a mood disorder, you may need to be evaluated by an expert for postpartum depression.