What Is Matrescence? The Transformation No One Told You About
If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself after becoming a mum — the constant push and pull between who you were and who you’re becoming — you’re not alone. There’s actually a word for this powerful transformation: matrescence.
Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, matrescence describes the physical, emotional, hormonal, and social changes a woman experiences as she transitions into motherhood. Think of it as the motherhood version of adolescence — an identity evolution that deserves to be recognised and respected.
What Is Matrescence?
Matrescence isn’t just about giving birth — it’s about becoming.
It’s the profound shift that happens when your world expands to include motherhood, but your sense of self feels smaller. It’s the mix of joy, grief, pride, and guilt that coexists as you navigate a new identity.
During matrescence, every part of you transforms:
🧠 Mentally, your priorities and decision-making shift.
💕 Emotionally, you may feel waves of love, loss, and rediscovery.
⚖️ Socially, relationships evolve — including how you see yourself.
💪 Physically, your body tells the story of what you’ve been through.
Why It Matters
So many women describe feeling “lost” after motherhood — and society often brushes it off as baby blues or burnout. But when we name it, we validate it.
Recognising matrescence helps you realise:
You’re not broken for struggling.
You’re not failing for wanting more.
You’re not alone in this transformation.
It’s not a crisis — it’s an evolution.
How to Navigate Matrescence Gracefully
Matrescence can feel like standing in the middle of two worlds — the woman you were and the mother you’re becoming. Here’s how to move through it with more compassion and connection:
Name It: Start by acknowledging what you’re feeling. Awareness brings power.
Find Community: Spaces like Not Just A Mum exist so you can feel seen and supported as you rediscover yourself.
Create Micro Moments of You: Listen to a podcast episode, journal, or explore one of your old hobbies again — a few minutes can help you reconnect with who you are.
Release the Guilt: Redefine self-care as self-respect. You deserve space for your own growth too.
You’re Not Alone — You’re Becoming
Matrescence reminds us that motherhood isn’t the end of who you are — it’s the beginning of who you’re becoming.
We believe rediscovering yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Through our podcast, free resources, and community, we will help you navigate matrescence with honesty, warmth, and a whole lot of orange hearts. 🧡
Explore More:
📖 Related blog: Who Am I Now? Rediscovering Yourself Beyond Motherhood
🎧 Listen: Episode 1 — “Who Am I Now?” – Rediscovering Myself After Motherhood & Divorce
💌 Free resource: The Who Am I Now? Workshop