Matrescence is messy, beautiful, and deeply transformative. By naming it and bringing it into public discourse, we can begin to rewrite the narrative of motherhood, centering empathy and community in a culture that so desperately needs both.
Motherhood is often framed as a moment of joy and fulfillment, but the reality for many women is far more nuanced. Matrescence, a term coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, describes the developmental process of becoming a mother. Much like adolescence, matrescence is a period of profound transformation—physically, emotionally, and socially. Despite its universal nature, this phase remains largely overlooked, leaving today’s generation of mothers to navigate its challenges in isolation.
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence is not just about the biological shifts of pregnancy and childbirth. It encompasses the psychological redefinition of self, the reorientation of priorities, and the renegotiation of relationships. Mothers must balance societal expectations of perfection while grappling with new responsibilities, identity loss, and significant lifestyle changes. Yet, unlike adolescence, which is widely recognized and supported, matrescence is often misunderstood or dismissed.
Why Are Today’s Mothers Struggling More?
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