- Matrescence is the transition into motherhood, involving emotional, physical, and psychological changes.
- The emotional ups and downs are normal and part of adjusting to a new identity, and the physical changes include hormone shifts and recovery from childbirth.
- Understanding matrescence normalises the experience and fosters self-compassion.
- Matrescense coping strategies include self-care, support systems, and professional help.
Becoming a mother is one of life’s biggest transitions. It’s more than just welcoming a new baby, it’s a profound transformation called matrescence. Although it was coined in the 1970s, this term is still not recognised by major dictionaries and spell-check doesn't even recognise it, but every mother does.
Awareness of Matrescence (both its existence and even the definition) is low. It’s often only discovered and understood once a woman has already gone through it (or is struggling with transitioning into motherhood) yet it’s one of the most universal experiences.
Matrescence meaning, understanding this stage of life
Like adolescence, matrescence involves physical, emotional, and psychological changes as women adapt to motherhood. And understanding it can help new mums feel less isolated and more supported.
Matrescence
sounds like ‘adolescence’
Noun
A life-altering process. The transition into motherhood. It brings changes in identity, questions on values, undulating emotions and the information overload mothers encounter after the birth of their child. Often rooted in hormonal changes.
Matrescence is the period of transition into motherhood.
It begins during pregnancy and continues through the first year or more of raising a child. Like adolescence, it brings identity shifts, hormonal changes, and emotional growth. It can also transform a woman’s sense of self, relationships, and daily life.
The term itself was coined in the mid-1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael. She believed that, contrary to popular belief, women aren’t automatically “built” for motherhood. And adapting to it doesn’t happen overnight.
When a baby is born, so is a mother, and she requires social support and care, too.
The symptoms of matrescence
- Feeling emotionally unpredictable or more sensitive
- Struggling with your sense of identity or independence
- Heightened awareness of responsibility and caregiving
- Experiencing a mix of joy, anxiety, or guilt
How to pronounce “Matrescence”
The word matrescence is pronounced:“muh-TRESS-enss”.
- “ma” sounds like “muh”
- “tres” rhymes with “dress”
- “cence” sounds like “enss”
Think of it as “mother + adolescence”. Matrescence is literally the “adolescence of motherhood.” Saying it a few times with that idea in mind can make it easier to remember and use confidently.
Emotional changes during matrescence
New mothers often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, and no two journeys are the same. For some mums, adjusting to their new maternal role while reconciling their pre-baby self can be challenging.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, joyful, anxious, or uncertain, all at once. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the new responsibilities of parenthood can amplify these feelings.
Recognising that these changes are part of matrescence can help reduce feelings of shame or isolation.
- Talk openly with your partner, friends, or a support group
- Prioritise rest and self-care whenever possible
- Keep a journal to process your thoughts and emotions
- Seek professional help if feelings of anxiety or depression persist and impact your everyday life
Physical changes during matrescence
Pregnancy and childbirth bring obvious physical transformations, but matrescence also involves less visible shifts. Hormonal changes can affect mood, skin, hair, and energy while the body recovers, adjusts to a new routine, and nourishes the baby (if you choose to breastfeed or express breast milk).
Psychological growth in early motherhood
Matrescence isn’t just about challenges, it’s also a period of significant personal growth.
Many new parents gain resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Motherhood can also reshape priorities, strengthen relationships, and reveal inner strengths.
Understanding matrescence will help you navigate this period with self-compassion, allowing you to accept the change as natural while giving yourself grace for a smoother transition. Alongside this, support from partners, family, friends, or professionals is also key.
Seeking support from partners, family, and professionals
It goes without saying that a problem shared is a problem halved. Here’s how you can gain some support during the matrescence period:
- Share responsibilities with your partner or trusted family members
- Join local or online parent support groups
- Consult a therapist or counsellor specialising in postpartum care
Matrescence is a natural and transformative part of becoming a mother. By understanding the emotional, physical, and psychological changes involved, new mums can approach this transition with confidence and self-compassion. Remember, it’s okay to seek support as a new mother going through matrescence, take time for yourself, and honour your own journey into motherhood in your own unique way.
Further reading
Want to learn more about Matrescence? Journalist and author Lucy Jones brings to light the emerging concept in her book ‘Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood’.
Found this article useful? Read our advice on feeling touched out.
