HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN MATRESCENCE?

It refers to the psychological, emotional, physical and social changes that occur when a woman becomes a mother. It is a developmental stage in which a woman’s identity shifts significantly, as she becomes a caretaker to her new baby, whilst navigating what this means for her sense of self, her relationships and her place in the world.

During matrescence, women commonly experience hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, shifts in body image and changes in brain functioning that heighten emotional sensitivity and vigilance toward the infant. Psychologically, many women grapple with questions such as “Who am I now?” or “How do I integrate motherhood with the other parts of my identity?” The challenges new mothers can often face are feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, loss of independence, relationship strain, and the pressure to meet unrealistic societal expectations of motherhood. Yet, at the same time, it can also bring profound meaning, bonding and personal growth.

WHEN DOES IT START AND DOES IT FOLLOW A ‘PROCESS’?

It generally begins during pregnancy, when psychological and biological changes preparing a woman for motherhood start to occur. However, the transition does not end after birth. In reality, matrescence can extend across the first few years of a child’s life as a mother is adjusting to her new identity.

The process does tend to unfold in phases. The early stage often includes pregnancy and the first postpartum months, when the adjustment is most intense. The following phase involves adapting to the rhythms of parenting, managing sleep deprivation, and navigating practical and emotional demands. Later, mothers often reach a stage of identity integration, where motherhood becomes a stable part of their sense of self rather than a disruptive shift.

WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF MATRESCENCE?

The term “matrescence” was first coined in the early 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael, who drew parallels between the transition to motherhood and adolescence. She believed that society underestimated the magnitude of this shift and that naming the process could help women understand that the changes they were experiencing were normal and developmental rather than personal failings. In recent times, Dr Alexandra Sacks has done a TED talk and written about this transition of motherhood, reinforcing how it can be as stressful and transformative as adolescence.

The word itself combines the Latin root mater (mother) with the suffix -escence, meaning a process of becoming. In essence, matrescence describes the ongoing process of “becoming a mother,” rather than treating motherhood as a sudden identity change that happens the moment a baby is born.

HOW CAN WOMEN NAVIGATE MATRESCENCE?

The most important step is recognising that matrescence is a real developmental transition. Many women feel pressure to adapt instantly to motherhood, which can create feelings of failure if the experience is messy, emotional or overwhelming.

Practically, it helps to approach matrescence with the same compassion and patience we would offer someone going through adolescence. Support networks are essential, as women benefit from open conversations about the realities of motherhood, including emotional ambivalence, identity shifts and the loss of certain freedoms.

Self-care during this period is not a luxury but a necessity. Sleep, social connection and moments of autonomy help stabilise emotional wellbeing. For some women, therapy or parenting support can also help them process the psychological changes involved in this transition.

WHY ARE WE HEARING MORE ABOUT MATRESCENCE NOW?

In recent years there has been a broader cultural shift toward recognising the psychological realities of motherhood rather than presenting an idealised version of it. Social media, research in maternal mental health, and more open conversations about postpartum experiences have contributed to greater awareness.

The concept of matrescence has gained particular traction over the past decade as psychologists, researchers and clinicians have begun to highlight the identity transformation involved in becoming a mother. Rather than focusing solely on postpartum depression, there is now more interest in understanding motherhood as a developmental process that involves both vulnerability and growth.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS GROWING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT?

IT helps normalise the complex emotional experiences many women face when becoming mothers. Without this framework, women may interpret normal developmental challenges as personal shortcomings.

From a psychological perspective, recognising matrescence reduces shame and isolation. It allows mothers to understand that ambivalence, exhaustion and identity confusion are common parts of the transition rather than signs that they are “failing” at motherhood.

On a societal level, acknowledging matrescence encourages more supportive environments in workplaces, healthcare systems and communities. It shifts the conversation from expecting mothers to instantly cope, toward recognising that they are undergoing a profound life transition.

DOES THIS MEAN HUSBANDS AND PARTNERS, TOO?

Yes, the more awareness people can have about this transition, it could help reduce the strain on relationships in those early parenting days. Partners often witness the external changes of pregnancy and early parenthood but may not fully understand the internal psychological transformation taking place. When partners understand matrescence, it can improve empathy, communication and support within relationships. It also helps partners

recognise that emotional fluctuations or identity shifts are not personal criticisms or relationship problems, but part of a broader developmental process.

THE MORE SOCIETY KNOWS, THE MORE COMPASSIONATE IT CAN BE…

Greater awareness of matrescence could fundamentally change how we support mothers. When society understands that motherhood is a developmental transition, there is more space for compassion, flexibility and support.

This could influence workplace policies, parental leave structures, healthcare services and community support networks. It may also help reduce stigma around maternal mental health struggles by recognising them as part of a broader adjustment rather than isolated pathology.

Ultimately, supporting mothers during matrescence benefits entire families. When mothers feel psychologically supported, it improves their wellbeing, strengthens relationships and positively influences child development.