Understanding Matrescence: The Journey Into Motherhood
- sacredbirthcentre7
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Motherhood is often spoken about as a single moment — the instant your baby is born. But the truth is, becoming a mother is a process that unfolds over time. This transition has a name: matrescence.
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence describes the physical, emotional, social, and psychological changes a woman experiences when she becomes a mother. The word was first introduced in the 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael, but it is only now beginning to find its place in everyday conversation.
Much like adolescence — the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood — matrescence recognises that motherhood is not a single step, but a profound and ongoing transformation.
Why Matrescence Matters
Acknowledging matrescence helps us to understand that the journey into motherhood is complex and unique for each woman. It validates the ups and downs, the identity shifts, and the deep changes that occur not just in the body, but in the heart and mind.
Instead of expecting mothers to “bounce back” or carry on as before, recognising matrescence invites compassion. It allows space for women to grow into this new role while still honouring who they were before.
The Layers of Change
During matrescence, women often navigate:
Physical change – pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
Emotional change – adapting to new responsibilities and feelings.
Identity change – weaving together the role of “mother” with a sense of self.
Social change – shifting dynamics in work, friendships, and family life.
Each layer brings challenges as well as opportunities for growth and connection.
Creating Support Around Matrescence
At The Sacred Birth Centre, we believe that recognising matrescence is a vital step in reshaping how society supports mothers. By giving language to this transition, we open the door to more open conversations, compassionate care, and spaces where women feel heard and understood.
Whether you are preparing for birth, navigating the early weeks, or reflecting on your identity months or years later, you are not alone in your journey through matrescence.
Final Thoughts
Matrescence reminds us that becoming a mother is not about a single moment, but an unfolding process. It’s about honouring the shifts, celebrating the growth, and allowing space for the whole of you to be seen.
At The Sacred Birth Centre, we hold this journey at the heart of our work — creating spaces where every story of matrescence can be acknowledged, valued, and supported.
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