The first time I encountered the word ‘matrescence’ must have been sometime in the depth of winter, 2025. My daughter had almost turned two. I think it must have happened when I discovered a podcast by that exact name – The Matrescence Podcast – hosted by two really wonderful Australian birth workers. Or perhaps I came across Lucy Jones’ book Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood first. I don’t remember.
What I do remember, is that it felt like a homecoming. After two years of loving more deeply than I ever had before, as well as struggling more deeply than I ever had before, all of a sudden there was a term to describe the messy reality I had lived. The word ‘matrescence’ stands for the transformation from womanhood to motherhood. The word reminds of adolescence – a phase in life that comes with a huge transformation on so many levels: physical, mental, emotional, social … Matrescence acknowledges this journey into motherhood.
Below, I share some snippets of my matrescence journey
Before I gave birth to a daughter, it seemed like I was just adding a baby to my life. Of course, that addition would require some adjustments, but I would basically stay the same. I would enjoy the same things as I did before, I would think the same way I did before, etc. This wasn’t true at all, quite the opposite. I was so confused. I didn’t have a clue that with the birth of a baby, a mother is born, too.
For instance, language had always been my thing. I have a Master’s degree in Literature from a previous life and have always loved to write to make sense of the world. Or talk J Once my daughter was born, I suddenly felt like I did not have the language to talk about what has happening to me, within me, around me. The day-to-day life filled with bliss and serenity, but also total chaos and intense anxiety. How I could feel so overwhelmed at times but then so underwhelmed and craving stimuli at other times. Needing some time alone but then wishing I was with her for every minute of that time, and how much it hurt not to be together. It was dizzying, and I felt trapped in my head because I had no clue how to talk about this, and I didn’t recognise my experience in other people’s stories.
Then, never mind that we have created an actual human with our own bodies – those bodies should go back to what they were before, and as quickly as possible. All evidence of baby-growing obliterated. This focus on how we as young mothers look is not only beyond ridiculous, but also really harmful. Why should it matter if and when I fit into my old clothes again if my skeleton has actually CHANGED to make space for a growing baby? Why should we bounce back to where we were before? Isn’t it actually beautiful how we as humans grow and evolve and are capable of change on so many levels?
I was really blessed to emerge from birthing my baby feeling really strong and powerful and grateful for my body, and that helped me a lot to navigate the questions and comments focusing on my physical appearance. But I still felt very unsure of my body for months after giving birth. I’m sure that is one of the reasons why I love to work in women’s health today – empowering women to feel strong in their bodies and minds, regardless of what their body looks like. Focusing instead of all the amazing things their bodies can do and are doing every day!
While there are more women sharing their matrescence journey today, there is still a lot of work to do. The word matrescence hasn’t made an appearance yet into the dictionary. There’s still a lot of taboo regarding this phase of life. Care for mothers, children, families is deeply undervalued. Let’s change the narrative together, one story at a time!
Written by Lien Stas
Edited by Katina McCulloch
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– No AI has been used in the creation of this blog.
– This site cannot and doesn’t contain medical/ health advice. The medical/ health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.
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