There’s a Term for That: ‘Matrescence’
If you are a mother or know a mother, I’m sure you’ve heard that the transition into motherhood is akin to a rebirth. Some characterize it as an emotional rollercoaster, while others describe it as a full transformation of oneself. I recently learned that this very unique but ubiquitous stage in life actually has a name: matrescence.
Similar to adolescence, a period of significant physical and psychological change for young people, matrescence refers to the transformative process that women undergo as they transition into motherhood. It's a time of physical, emotional, and psychological shifts as women adapt to the demands of motherhood. Common experiences of matrescence include:
Physical Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and physical recovery from childbirth.
Emotional Changes: A rollercoaster of emotions, including joy, love, anxiety, and sadness.
Identity Shifts: A redefining of self, as a woman transitions from her previous identity to that of a mother.
Relationship Changes: Shifts in relationships with partners, family, and friends.
When I stumbled upon this term while listening to a podcast, my first thought was – FINALLY.
I felt seen. I felt heard. I felt understood.
Finally, there is a much-needed shift that recognizes the significant impact that motherhood has on a woman's identity, relationships, and overall well-being. The interesting part of this process is that it’s not exclusive to birthing mothers; it also affects mothers that adopt or undergo surrogacy.
This idea of profound change occurring as part of the transition to motherhood presents a unique opportunity to further study the biological changes that occur in women. According to the PubMed Central article, Matrescence: Lifetime Impact of Motherhood on Cognition and the Brain by ER Orchard et al., “the maternal brain undergoes significant structural and functional neuroplasticity as well as cognitive adaptations across the peripartum period. The brain is transformed – in preparation for, and in response to – a developing child.” These dynamic changes are especially worth exploring because maternal behaviors have a direct linkage to the wellbeing of their offspring.
Raising awareness on matrescence is certainly a step in the right direction to normalizing the psychological transition women experience when they become mothers while helping new parents make sense of it all. By shifting the focus to the mother, we can:
Acknowledge the Sheer Depth of Change: Motherhood is a major life event that can be both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging.
Promote Self-Care: Recognizing the demands of motherhood can encourage women to prioritize their own needs and well-being.
Reduce Stigma: By openly discussing the challenges and joys of motherhood, we can help reduce the stigma associated with maternal mental health issues.
Strengthen Support Systems: Understanding the complexities of matrescence can lead to stronger support systems for new mothers.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a women’s health advocate, especially maternal health, that is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges faced during motherhood - while celebrating the joys :-) - to ultimately create a supportive and more compassionate environment for mothers. By embracing this concept, we can better understand and support women during this truly transformative period.
Do you have any experiences with matrescence that you'd like to share? Send us a message here.
