What is Matrescence?
What is matrescence?
Matrescence has been described as the developmental transition into motherhood. It was coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael (who also popularized the term doula) in 1973 .
As this petition describes:
Matrescence, the complete biological, psychological, and emotional transformation of becoming a mother, is the largest neurological reorganization of the adult human brain ever observed.
A huge emotional and hormonal transition
So much is going on hormonally during and after pregnancy.
Here are just a few things to note:
By day three postpartum estrogen and progesterone plummet, not to mention the adrenaline of birth has subsided which all leads to ‘the baby blues’. This phenomenon is entirely hormonal and passes. It is not the same as postpartum depression (PPD)
During the fourth trimester (6-8 weeks postpartum) estrogen tends to stay at low levels which can affect mood negatively. This is especially true for those breastfeeding as prolactin suppresses female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Grey matter, the nerve-rich part of the brain involved in processing information, emotions and empathy, decreases by an average of nearly 5% during pregnancy.
While everyone is different these are general changes that can be expected. Most people will face their own challenges due to sleep deprivation but postpartum mental wellbeing is vital for mother and babies health and it should not be expected that mothers suffer during this period.
Why community matters
“To be loved is to be seen”
Pregnancy is full on and can come with many unexpected turns and surprises. What might feel like the biggest surprise is how suddenly everyone goes from coo-ing over your glow and bump to just wanting to hold the baby.
All the while, who is holding the mother?
WOMB aims to provide a baby-friendly space that centres the experience of motherhood; offering support during your experience of matrescence, whatever that looks like.
How WOMB supports mothers
From mother’s circle’s, baby massage and perinatal yoga, we’re constantly adding to our schedule to offer something different throughout the week.
Thanks to The National Lottery Awards For All grant we are able to offer monthly free sessions with a doula where you can join for a tea, chat and unpack any concerns or questions you have around planning your birth or postpartum.
This is a non-clinical gathering with zero bias or judgement; just a space to explore your feelings about your birthing experience and vital self-care for postpartum.
Want to join? See our Pregnancy & Motherhood schedule to book your free space here.
Want to go deeper on this topic? Check out this Matrescence book recommendations list.
