Motherhood is often described as a life-changing experience, but there’s a word that truly encapsulates the profound physical, emotional, and psychological shifts that accompany it: matrescence. Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, matrescence refers to the process of becoming a mother—a transition as fundamental as adolescence, yet rarely acknowledged.
What is matrescence?
Matrescence is the holistic transformation that a woman undergoes as she steps into motherhood. It affects every aspect of her being: hormonal, psychological, social, and even spiritual. Much like adolescence, it is marked by rapid and sometimes tumultuous changes, requiring time for adjustment and self-discovery.
Physical Changes
Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery bring dramatic physiological changes. From fluctuating hormones to sleep deprivation and healing after birth, a mother’s body undergoes intense changes. However, unlike adolescence, where bodily changes are widely recognised and accepted, postpartum changes are often expected to be “bounced back from”, rather than honoured as part of a profound transformation.
The Emotional and Psychological Evolution
New mothers often experience conflicting emotion; love, joy, fear, anxiety, and even grief for their past selves. The identity shift can be overwhelming, as mothers navigate the loss of autonomy, changes in their relationships, and the immense responsibility of caring for a new life. The expectation to feel instant and constant bliss can make the experience even more isolating for those who struggle.
Matrescence also intersects with mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Recognising matrescence as a natural process, rather than something to be endured alone, can help mothers feel validated and supported.
The Social and Cultural Shifts
Society often romanticizes motherhood, while simultaneously undervaluing the labour, emotional toll, and identity shifts it entails. Many mothers feel pressure to return to work, maintain a social life, and meet unrealistic expectations of juggling everything. Matrescence calls for a reevaluation of these societal norms, advocating for better support systems, from paid parental leave to mental health care.
Embracing Matrescence with Compassion
Understanding matrescence can help new mothers embrace their journey with more self-compassion and less guilt. Here are some ways to navigate this transition:
Acknowledging the change Just as adolescence takes years to navigate, so does matrescence. Accept that change is inevitable and ongoing.
Seek support: Whether it’s through friends, family, therapists, or motherhood communities, connecting and speaking to people is vital.
Redefine self-care: It’s not about pampering yourself, but about asking for help, setting boundaries, and making time for yourself without guilt.
Advocate for change: Recognizing matrescence in public discourse can shift the conversation around motherhood, making it more realistic and supportive.
The future
The concept of matrescence is gaining traction, yet there’s still much work to be done in acknowledging and normalising this experience. By bringing this term into the conversation, we can move toward a more compassionate, informed, and supportive approach to motherhood—one that values the journey as much as the destination.
Motherhood is not just about raising children; it’s about the rebirth of the mother herself. Understanding matrescence allows for a more holistic, kind, and empowering view of this incredible transformation.
Useful websites
Matrescence – the birth of a mother
Matrescence – the challenges of becoming a mother
Release – what happened to me after I had my baby
