Understanding Matrescence: The Journey into Motherhood

Motherhood is often portrayed as a magical, love-at-first-sight experience, filled with joy and fulfillment. But for many women, it’s also a time of profound change and complexity that goes far beyond sleepless nights and diaper changes. This period of transformation is called matrescence, and it's as natural as adolescence—yet far less recognized.

What is Matrescence?

Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael (fun fact - she also coined the term “doula”) in the 1970s, matrescence refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological transformation a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother. It’s not just about giving birth but also about the identity shift that follows. Much like adolescence, matrescence is a time of hormonal upheaval, bodily changes, and emotional highs and lows as a woman navigates her new role (Orchard, Rutherford, Holmes, & Jamadar, 2023).

During matrescence, the brain and body undergo neuroplastic changes that prepare a woman for her new role, reflecting a shift from independence to supporting dependents. Research shows that brain changes during pregnancy are similar to those seen in adolescence, highlighting matrescence as a sensitive neurodevelopmental period. While hormonal changes gradually resolve postpartum, the environmental and behavioral shifts of motherhood continue throughout a woman's life. Understanding the cognitive changes during this transition, from potential cognitive decrements in pregnancy to cognitive improvements in later life, requires recognizing motherhood as an influential and ongoing developmental stage (Orchard, Rutherford, Holmes, & Jamadar, 2023).

Although matrescence is a normal developmental process, but it feel incredibly disorienting. A mother may experience joy, grief, pride, and anxiety—all in one day. She might feel a loss of her previous identity while grappling with the expectations of her new one. In short, matrescence is the messy, beautiful, complicated, and often overwhelming journey into motherhood.

The Impact of Western Society on Matrescence

In Western society, women are often expected to “bounce back” after childbirth, both physically and emotionally. The cultural narrative emphasizes independence, productivity, and maintaining a perfect image, making it difficult for new mothers to express vulnerability or struggle.

Social media can amplify this pressure, showcasing curated snapshots of motherhood that rarely reflect the full reality. The cultural emphasis on perfection contributes to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, as many mothers feel they are failing to meet an impossible standard.

Moreover, when women who do find the courage to express the difficult parents of motherhood, the lack of community support structures and practical support (“the village”), which were traditionally present in many cultures, leaves women to navigate matrescence largely on their own. This isolation can exacerbate the emotional challenges of this life transition, leading to increased anxiety and stress, while the practical barriers to tending to one’s needs and development as a mother can contribute impaired physical and mental health.

All this to say - becoming a mother is a challenging journey for many women.

Redefining Motherhood: A Path Forward

To better support women through matrescence, we must redefine societal expectations around motherhood:

• Normalize Emotional Complexity: Accept that ambivalence, grief, and joy can coexist. It’s okay to mourn the life you once had while embracing your new identity as a mother.

• Community Support: A supportive community of other mothers can provide a sense of shared experience, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide practical support such as childcare. This takes time - but by both giving and accepting help from those around us, we can slowly create space where mothers have space to take care of both themselves and their children.

• Mental Health Advocacy: Education about matrescence and its impact on mental health is crucial to helping women understand their experiences and seek help when needed.

• Self-Compassion and Flexibility: Encourage self-compassion and flexibility in defining what it means to be a “good mother.”

Embracing the Journey of Matrescence

Matrescence is a complex journey of transformation, not a destination. By understanding and normalizing this process, we can help mothers navigate the emotional challenges of motherhood with greater self-compassion and support.

If you’re experiencing the emotional turbulence of matrescence, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to seek help and to redefine what motherhood looks like for you. Just as adolescence is a journey into adulthood, matrescence is the journey into motherhood—complex, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

Would you like to learn more about matrescence or need support in navigating this transformative time? Reach out to us at Mind Made Well, where we provide compassionate and understanding care for mothers at every stage of their journey.

Sources:

Orchard ER, Rutherford HJV, Holmes AJ, Jamadar SD. Matrescence: lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain. Trends Cogn Sci. 2023 Mar;27(3):302-316. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.12.002. Epub 2023 Jan 4. Erratum in: Trends Cogn Sci. 2023 Oct;27(10):974. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.06.002. PMID: 36609018; PMCID: PMC9957969.