Matrescence Tales
Matrescence Tales
Hear more about Matrescence from the following podcast episode by Zoe Blaskey from MotherKind.
Originally coined in 1973 by anthropologist Dana Raphael (& still, frustratingly, unrecognized by spell checker!), Matrescence is the term used to describe the psychological, social, cultural, and physical changes that a person experiences during the transition to motherhood. Similar to the experience of adolescence, it can include:
Hormonal changes
Mood shifts
Feelings of confusion and ambivalence
A lack of control
Identity changes
Feelings of isolation
A sense of permanence
Sound familiar? The tension that sits between expectations & reality of motherhood and matrecence can lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, rage, and resentment. And let’s be honest, nobody needs that in their life.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” - Helen KellerHear from moms as they tell the story of their birth experience, give their thoughts on their matrescence, and share their words of wisdom… all to help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally, as you embark on this wild and incredible ride. Knowledge is power, after all.
What do you wish you had known going into motherhood? Did you gain any magical tips along the way? If you would like help other moms by sharing your “Matrescence Tale”, you can complete the following form, or send us an email at themotherflockproject@gmail.com to get more info… all stories are welcome!
“It might feel like you’re losing yourself… but what if you’re just on the journey to finding your true self?”
— The MotherFlock
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A Mother’s Perseverence…
The hardest part is letting go of the guilt I feel when I intentionally do things for myself… I am giving myself more grace to allow myself those moments of peace and solitude.
The Pause: Empowerment, Support, & Self-exploration
People who just get what you’re going through because they’re also going through it, are invaluable.
The Rollercoaster Ride they call Motherhood
Try not to focus on "getting it right" and instead focus on what works for you.
There’s grace in feeling deeply…
Labour pushed me to a place I could never imagine but as hard as it was, it was also super empowering.
Re-claiming My “Self”…
There were moments that I felt like pieces of myself would never come back, but they have. And they’re even more beautiful now that I have this new addition to my life.
