Matrescence

Matrescence: the process of becoming a mother. This term encompasses the physical, psychological, social, biological, cultural, and emotional changes that occur after the birth of a child. And whether we like it or not, it is a journey we are on for the rest of our lives.

Dana Raphael said, “The critical transition period which has been missed is Matrescence. The time of mother-becoming... Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of a woman... The amount of time it takes to become a mother needs study.”

Dr. Aurelie Athan then said, "Women who transition through preconception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond, experience an acceleration in multiple domains true of any developmental push: bio-psychosocial-cultural-spiritual." She further elaborates, "A theory of matrescence provides a destigmatizing and agentic lens for mothers of all kinds to identify, explore, cope with, and shape their destinies according to their own individual differences." This same gift was once given to adolescents who, before they were named as such, were merely thought to be children going mad on the way to adulthood. It also gave birth to a new field. Matrescence, while at its infancy, holds this same potential.

Dr. Alexandra Sacks says, “Like adolescence, (matrescence) is a transitionary period. Being pregnant is like going through puberty all over again: your hormones go nuts, your hair and skin don’t behave the way you’d like, and you develop a new relationship with a body that seems to have a mind of its own. The difference? Everyone understands that adolescence is an awkward phase. But during matrescence, people expect you to be happy while you’re losing control over the way you look and feel.”

A study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth highlights that "matrescence involves a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social changes, which can significantly impact a mother's identity and well-being" . Similarly, research from the Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology emphasizes that "the transition to motherhood is a critical period that warrants more attention, as it influences maternal mental health and the mother-infant bond" .

I so very clearly remember the first time I heard the word matrescence. I was having a postpartum massage with Marisa from The Innate Mama in my bedroom at home six weeks after my second son was born. My husband had taken the kids to the park for an hour so I could receive this massage that was initially meant to be a pregnancy massage, rescheduled due to the fact that I went into labor earlier than expected.

Just through general chatting with Marisa about my experience so far as a mother, she casually mentioned the word matrescence and the work of Dr. Sophie Brock and Amy Taylor-Kabbaz. Through my googling, Instagram following, and podcast listening, I finally felt like someone understood what I was feeling and had put it into words! Matrescence. This is my matrescence. I am not alone.

Dr. Aurelie Athan has been quoted by saying that "words create worlds" (it is one of Amy's favorites to share), but oh my! This word matrescence has changed my world.

Like so many before me, my curiosity and craving for more knowledge had me signing up to become a Mama Rising Facilitator through Amy's coaching course when my baby was six months old. How else was I supposed to spend my parental leave?

Through my work as a coach, I will forever be spreading the word matrescence, always getting a little spark of joy when someone asks, "Huh? What is matrescence?" Because if words create worlds, then this word is going to change our world and the future for our children.

When you first heard the word matrescence, and maybe today is that day, what was your initial response? How did this word impact your world?