Embracing Matrescence: Navigating the Journey of Motherhood By: Jaquie Dason
Becoming a mother is often depicted as a joyous and fulfilling experience, but, for many, the reality is far more complex. Matrescence, a term coined to encompass the multifaceted transformations that occur when a woman becomes a mother, sheds light on the profound physical, hormonal, social, spiritual, and emotional shifts that come with motherhood. Just as adolescence - the transition to adulthood - marks a pivotal period of growth and change, matrescence - the transition to motherhood - similarly brings on a transformative journey, one that is both beautiful and challenging.
The term matrescence encompasses the physical, hormonal, social, spiritual and emotional transitions that occur when you become a mother. From the moment of conception, a woman’s body undergoes remarkable changes, adapting to accommodate new life. Hormonal fluctuations further amplify these changes. From a social perspective, women learn to navigate their evolving roles within their families and communities and these changes can evoke a mix of emotions (like joy, excitement, fear, and apprehension) as women grapple with the enormity of their new responsibilities.
Matrescence occurs with each subsequent baby. Women may traverse similar terrain, yet each journey is uniquely nuanced. Moreover, matrescence isn’t confined to the immediate postpartum period. It can endure for years, even a lifetime, as women continually renegotiate their identities and priorities in light of motherhood.
It’s important to note that the challenges associated with matrescence are not indicative of a mental health condition. While postpartum mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety are prevalent and warrant attention, many women experience a spectrum of emotions during the transition to motherhood, without meeting diagnostic criteria. Feeling overwhelmed, mourning the loss of one’s pre-parenthood identity, or grappling with uncertainty are all part of the matrescence journey.
Normalizing these experiences is key to fostering a culture of understanding and support for mothers. By acknowledging the validity of these emotions, we affirm the complexity of the maternal experience and empower women to seek the assistance they need. Therapy, in particular, can be a valuable resource for navigating the challenges of matrescence, providing a safe space for exploration and healing.
Additionally, practical support services such as newborn care support and sleep consulting can offer tangible assistance during this transition period, easing the burdens of new parenthood and allowing women to focus on their own well-being.
In embracing matrescence, we embrace the full spectrum of the motherhood experience - the joys and the struggles, the triumphs and the uncertainties. It is through this embrace that we cultivate a culture of empathy and compassion, ensuring that every mother feels seen, heard, ad supported on her journey of transformation.
About the Author: Jaquie Dason is passionate about supporting families with compassion and zero judgement. She is a Certified New Parent Educator and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. She offers virtual Newborn Care Support and Sleep Consultation (0 months to 5 years) through The Well Parents Centre.