Motherhood is often described as the most beautiful chapter in a woman’s life. But what we often don’t talk about is the profound transformation it brings—across mind, body, and soul. This shift, known as Matrescence, is a journey that deserves far more understanding and compassion than it currently receives.
If you’ve never heard the term before, you’re not alone. Matrescence is often compared to Adolescence, a transition we as a society understand well. We’ve built an entire narrative around the hormonal, emotional, and identity shifts that teenagers go through. We don’t expect them to glide through without a few wobbles, so why do we expect mothers to?
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence describes the physical, hormonal, and emotional changes a woman experiences as she transitions into motherhood. Like adolescence, it is a profound shift—a liminal space where the old self merges into the new. Hormones play a significant role, altering a mother’s emotions, priorities, and even her brain structure. This is no fleeting phase either; the effects of matrescence can last months or even years.
The term Matrescence was first coined in the 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael, who recognised that this transition is not just physical but also deeply psychological and social. More recently, psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks has popularised the concept, explaining in her TED Talk that "matrescence is as real as adolescence, and the changes are just as significant." What the video here.
The truth is, it’s normal to feel wobbly during the transition into motherhood—and that’s okay.
But today’s societal shifts are amplifying the challenges of this profound change. Many women are having children later in life, after years of building independence, advancing their careers, and experiencing the world. When motherhood arrives, it can feel disorienting to navigate this new identity while balancing the weight of responsibility. Questions like “Who am I now?”, “Why do I not feel as ambitious as I used to?”, and “Why do I not look the same?” often surface, leaving many women grappling with a profound shift in priorities and self-perception.
Adding to this, the decline in close-knit community structures means many women are left to navigate motherhood alone, without the support networks that once provided guidance and reassurance. Safety and trust are also increasingly hard to come by, with fewer familiar faces to lean on. Economic pressures add another layer, as mothers feel the need to juggle career demands and financial responsibilities while raising a family. Meanwhile, the overload of information available online can feel overwhelming, with endless, often conflicting advice that fuels self-doubt and decision fatigue.
Are we underestimating just how much these societal changes are amplifying the effects of Matrescence?
Myths That Hold Us Back
Let’s dispel some common myths about motherhood that can create unnecessary pressure:
The Body Bounce Back
The pressure to "bounce back" after childbirth can be overwhelming, but the truth is, your body is doing something far more important than meeting aesthetic standards. It’s nourishing and supporting new life, and that in itself is a miracle. Every stretch mark, every curve, every change serves a purpose in bringing your baby into the world. Instead of focusing on regaining your pre-pregnancy body, give yourself the grace and respect your body deserves for the incredible work it has done. Healing, rebuilding, and finding your new normal takes time—and that’s okay.
To continue reading become a member for FREE here
Comments