What is Matrescence? A Michigan Maternal Mental Health Therapist Explains

You’re a new mom adjusting to motherhood, learning your baby’s cues, healing from birth, trying to find time to sleep and while you’re taking care of your baby you have moments where you don’t recognize yourself. And no, I don’t mean because the lack of sleep (or showering!) has you embracing the rite of passage mom bun. You don’t recognize your life or aspects of yourself and maybe find yourself saying things like “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

While some of these things can be a sign of a perinatal mood disorder (like postpartum depression), sometimes it highlights the overall life change you are experiencing – matrescence. So, what is matrescence?

Matrescence is the developmental, transformational process of becoming a mother that starts from preconception and carries through pregnancy, childbirth, and into the postpartum period. This developmental period includes physical, emotional, psychological, social, hormonal, identity AND career shifts. It is an all-encompassing, all changing process making it that not one area of a woman’s life goes untouched or untransformed.

Sit with that for a minute…not one area goes untouched when becoming a mother. When working with clients I use this developmental phase of matrescence to give context for what new moms are going through. Understanding just how much of an impact this has on yourself, your daily life, and in your relationships can be really validating.

Think back to adolescence with me. Another developmental period where you went through major physical, mental, emotional, and hormonal changes. That time period for many saw changes in relationships with their family members, friends, and their identity. Matrescence can be even more impactful.

Give yourself grace as you navigate this new phase of your life and as you get to know the new you.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, emotional, and anxious don’t hesitate to reach out for therapy services. We are here to help you feel seen and to adjust to this new phase of life.