Left Brain, Right Brain & Prenatal Testosterone
We are all familiar that the two hemispheres in our brain (left & right) work together to control different aspects of our motor functioning, sensory perception and output, logic, artistic capabilities, athletic capabilities, personalities, etc... Research has shown that connectivity in and use of the right hemisphere is negatively impacted by prenatal testosterone, according to neuroscientist, Judith Lauter. Dr. Lauter discusses the importance of a hormone free prenatal environment in order to facilitate right brain development in the fetus. She discusses this in her book, How is Your Brain like a Zebra, in which she describes ways expecting parents can reduce exposure of prenatal T by reducing stress in their lives. Recommendations include behaviors that are generally accepted as healthy practices for all individuals, but Dr. Lauter discusses pregnancy is a crucial time to practice healthy eating, sleeping and exercise habits along with dialing stress back to a minimal level. And of course no drinking, smoking or drug use would be advisable during this time or during breastfeeding. For the months and first several years following childbirth, Dr. Lauter suggests breastfeeding and holding babies as much as possible. She cites the practices of indigenous tribes that breastfeed until 4-5 years old, allow children to sleep in the same room and provide constant holding. Western practices, as a majority, have moved away from this approach to child rearing as we are encouraged to return to work as soon as possible after child delivery, but she warns neglecting to provide proper nurturing post childbirth may be detrimental to activity within the right hemisphere of our offspring. For those of us who may have been exposed to prenatal T and perhaps did not experience the good fortune of a nurturing environment, Dr. Lauter stresses that right brain development can be facilitated through spending time outdoors, interacting socially with diverse groups of people, physical touch, such as hugging, exercise and proper nutrition.
