Understanding Matrescence: The Transition to Motherhood

What is Matrescence?

Matrescense, sounds like adolescence for good reasons. Both developmental stages are the most dramatic transformations in a human’s life.

Matrescense is the developmental journey of a woman moving through preconception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond.

Similar to adolescence, it involves profound changes in every aspect of a woman’s sense of self: physical (including the brain!), emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, and psychological.

Matrescence is the complex, messy, at times joyful process of becoming a mother, the journey to birth the Mother.

The term was coined by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s and has gained recognition for highlighting the complexity of becoming a mother. Matrescence encompasses the transformation of identity, body, relationships, and social roles, and it can be a time of joy as well as significant stress and adjustment.

Supporting Mothers During Matrescence

Supporting mothers during matrescence is about recognizing the profound changes they are experiencing and offering comprehensive, compassionate support. By addressing their needs holistically, we can help mothers transition more smoothly through this critical developmental stage, fostering both their well-being and that of their families.

Here are several ways to offer support:

Physical Support

• • Postpartum Care: Ensure mothers have access to comprehensive postpartum care, including regular check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor physical and emotional recovery from childbirth.
  • Hydration, Nutrition and Rest: Encourage proper hydration, nutrition and adequate rest, which are crucial for recovery and overall well-being. Providing meals or helping with household chores can alleviate some of the physical burdens.
  • Exercise and Movement: Gentle exercise, when appropriate, can promote physical health and improve mood. Activities like walking, yoga, or postpartum fitness classes can be beneficial.

Emotional and Psychological Support

• • Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis can improve perinatal mental health by reducing anxiety, fear, and pain during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. It can promote a sense of control and empowerment, and potentially leading to a more positive birth experience and improved postpartum well-being. Techniques such as guided relaxation, positive visualization, self-hypnosis and psychosensory techniques can be powerful tools for managing stress and anxiety during this period.
  • Perinatal Counseling: Access to mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal issues can be valuable. Counseling can help mothers navigate the emotional ups and downs of matrescence.
  • Resource Groups: Joining groups where mothers can share their experiences and feelings with others who understand can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
  • Education: Providing information about the normalcy of matrescence can validate mothers’ experiences and reduce feelings of confusion or inadequacy. Educating partners and family members can also foster a supportive environment

Social Support

• • Family and Friends: Encouraging healthy family and friends to offer practical and emotional support can make a significant difference. This can include help with childcare, household tasks, or simply being a compassionate listener.
  • Community Resources: Connecting mothers with community resources such as parenting classes, lactation consultants, and local parent groups can provide additional support and information.

Self-Care and Personal Time

• • Encouraging Self-Care: Remind mothers of the importance of taking time for themselves, whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time, a hobby, or an outing with friends. Self-care helps maintain a sense of individuality and well-being.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help manage stress and promote emotional balance.

Would you like to learn more?

Inspired by the concept of Matrescense, Transformational Mentoring uses Multilevel Communication tools to guide Mothers through their unique journeys.

As a mom, mentor, Hypnotist Coaching the Unconscious Mind, and retired birth doula I provide individualized guidance to meet your specific situation.

The developmental stage of Matrescense is different for each woman. Let’s get together and begin your journey toward the life you envision for yourself.