Matrescence. The term was coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970’s to describe the process of becoming a mother. Similar in how we shift during adolescence with a combination of hormonal and identity changes, Matrescence encompasses all the changes that occur from preconception to postpartum. In this sense, we understand that Matrescence is a developmental stage ¹in a birthing person’s life.

A New Identity

The transition to motherhood can be a rather jarring experience, especially when we have a preconceived idea of what motherhood looks like. We are so often fed this image of motherhood, particularly new motherhood, as somewhat of a challenge but ultimately as joyous, serene, and idyllic. We tend to gloss over the trauma of childbirth and the healing required both physically and mentally.

This transition time is precarious. A huge, fundamental shift has just happened and you think, when will I go back to the old me? A new identity has taken shape here. It’s hard to determine when exactly mothers feel like mothers. Is it when the baby exits their body or when they hold their child for the first time? Is it when they change the first diaper or nurse for the first time?

For me, it was when we finally made it home after spending two weeks in the hospital. My time with my daughter had been fragmented by the NICU and although she was mine and I knew that, I didn’t feel like a mom yet. That feeling alone confused me, unsettled me even. But, the intimacy of home, the familiarity and warmness of the space allowed me to relax and settle into that new identity. I could hold her all day if I wanted to. I could smell her head and savor the new baby scent. I could start my own routines with her and really care for her.

Maternal Mental Health & Research

Women’s health has been under researched for far too long. This includes reproductive and maternal mental health. But, with Matrescene becoming more widespread, new research can help us understand this transition as a developmental stage in life.

By applying a bio-psycho-social lens to Matrescence, that is too look at the broad scope of factors (biological, psychological, social), we can begin to normalize certain behaviors instead of pathologizing them. That is not to say that we stop diagnosing serious postpartum conditions like postpartum depression or psychosis. It means that we can create an understanding of what is normal versus abnormal during this transition.

Here is a fantastic example of what that looks like: Figure 1. ²

Becoming a mother is not a mental disorder, but we can be made to feel that way if our concerns and experiences are not taken seriously. Pioneering Matrescene researcher, Aurelie Athan calls it “begin neglect” when practitioners aren’t going deep enough to understand psychological positive gains. ³

“Denying the full range of maternal experience may have unforeseen consequences such as too many false positive diagnoses of depression in light of widespread screening. It may also unwittingly lead mothers to believe their failures are more important than their achievements.” ⁴

Recommended Read

Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood

This book is a must read for any new mom or person hoping to one day become a mom. It was such a validating and invigorating read and one I wish I had read earlier.

Lucy Jones discusses the vastness of new motherhood and what it feels like in such an intimate and authentic way. Her own “why-didn’t-anyone-talk-about-this” moments mirrored my experiences. Furthermore, her exploration of Matrescence through nature and anecdotal stories makes this is a deeply personal and at times spiritual read.

If you have to read one book during pregnancy let it be this one.

Buy Now

Conclusion

Motherhood is frequently depicted as soft and shrouded in golden light. However, the reality is far grittier than that. Motherhood is often lonely and invisible, but in sharing experiences we find commonality and community. We build resilience and strength.

We can define our own type of motherhood. It can be joyous and lonely. Euphoric and depressing. Frustrating and serene.

While Matrescene is not a new idea, the reemergence is shifting attitudes towards motherhood and fueling new research. By continuing to explore Matrescene as a developmental stage we can improve the lives of mothers.

Sources

1. Orchard, Rutherford, Holmes, Jamadar, 2024, Matrescence: Lifetime Impact of Motherhood on Cognition and the Brain, doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.12.002 ↩︎
2. (Athan, 2024, A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1364845) ↩︎
3. (Athan, 2024, A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1364845) ↩︎
4. (Athan, 2024, A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1364845) ↩︎