The study investigates the time-sensitive changes in the maternal brain and their influence on mother-child attachment following childbirth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted on 20 healthy postpartum women at various time points over 12 weeks, with a control group of 20 nulliparous women. The results show that the first 6 weeks postpartum are crucial for significant changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness, particularly in regions involved in socio-emotional processing and stress regulation, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes are associated with hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone levels, which decrease significantly after childbirth. The study also found that the maternal brain can be reliably distinguished from the nulliparous brain based on GMV changes, especially in the left amygdala. Additionally, the GMV changes from 9 to 12 weeks postpartum predict the extent of maternal attachment, including the absence of hostility. The findings suggest that the maternal brain undergoes further maturation and specialization during the delayed postpartum period, contributing to the development of maternal behavior and bonding.The study investigates the time-sensitive changes in the maternal brain and their influence on mother-child attachment following childbirth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted on 20 healthy postpartum women at various time points over 12 weeks, with a control group of 20 nulliparous women. The results show that the first 6 weeks postpartum are crucial for significant changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness, particularly in regions involved in socio-emotional processing and stress regulation, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes are associated with hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone levels, which decrease significantly after childbirth. The study also found that the maternal brain can be reliably distinguished from the nulliparous brain based on GMV changes, especially in the left amygdala. Additionally, the GMV changes from 9 to 12 weeks postpartum predict the extent of maternal attachment, including the absence of hostility. The findings suggest that the maternal brain undergoes further maturation and specialization during the delayed postpartum period, contributing to the development of maternal behavior and bonding.