What is Matrescence? Understanding the Emotional and Physical Transition into Motherhood

Becoming a mother is often described as life-changing but many women are surprised by just how deeply it transforms them. Beyond the physical recovery after birth, there is a profound emotional, psychological and identity shift that takes place.

This transition is known as matrescence.

Understanding matrescence can help new mothers feel less alone, more supported, and better prepared for the changes that accompany pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

What is Matrescence?

Matrescence refers to the developmental transition a woman goes through when becoming a mother. The term was first coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s and later explored by psychiatrist Daniel Stern.

Just as adolescence describes the transition from childhood to adulthood, matrescence describes the process of becoming a mother (Stern, 1995).

It includes changes in:

• identity

• emotions

• relationships

• hormones

• physical health

• social roles

  
  

Matrescence typically begins during pregnancy and continues throughout the postpartum period, often evolving over several years.

Understanding this process can help normalise the complex emotions many women experience after birth.

Why Don’t We Talk About Matrescence More?

Despite being a universal transition, matrescence is rarely discussed openly.

Many new mothers feel pressure to appear joyful, capable and instantly adjusted to motherhood. When feelings of uncertainty, overwhelm or grief arise, women may believe something is wrong with them.

However, research shows that emotional adjustment during early motherhood is both common and expected (Darvill, Skirton and Farrand, 2010).

Recognising matrescence helps shift the conversation away from self-judgement and towards compassion and understanding.

The Biological Changes of Matrescence

Pregnancy and postpartum involve dramatic hormonal and neurological changes.

Hormones such as:

• oxytocin

• prolactin

• estrogen

• progesterone

play important roles in bonding, emotional sensitivity and caregiving behaviours (Brummelte and Galea, 2016).

Studies using brain imaging have even shown structural changes in the maternal brain after pregnancy, particularly in areas associated with empathy, attachment and emotional processing (Hoekzema et al., 2017).

These biological changes are part of how the body adapts to nurture and protect a baby.

The Emotional and Identity Shift of Motherhood

Matrescence is not only physical it is also a deep identity transformation.

Many women find themselves asking questions such as:

• Who am I now?

• How has my life changed?

• What kind of parent do I want to be?

  
  

Psychiatrist Daniel Stern described this as the “motherhood constellation”, where a woman’s priorities reorganise around the care and wellbeing of her baby (Stern, 1995).

For some mothers, this shift feels empowering and meaningful. For others, it may bring moments of uncertainty, loss of identity, or emotional vulnerability.

All of these feelings are part of the normal landscape of matrescence.

Matrescence and Postnatal Mental Health

While matrescence is a natural developmental transition, the challenges of modern motherhood can make this period particularly demanding.

Sleep deprivation, lack of community support, and societal pressure to quickly “bounce back” can intensify emotional strain.

Research indicates that 10–20% of women experience postnatal mental health difficulties, including postnatal depression and anxiety (Stein et al., 2014).

However, even mothers who do not experience clinical mental health conditions may still feel overwhelmed by the changes that accompany motherhood.

Understanding matrescence helps mothers realise that adjustment takes time.

Why Support During Matrescence Matters

Support during pregnancy and the postpartum period can make a significant difference to a mother's wellbeing and confidence.

Evidence shows that continuous emotional and practical support during pregnancy and birth can improve maternal satisfaction and reduce negative birth experiences (Bohren et al., 2017).

Support during matrescence may include:

• compassionate birth preparation

• emotional support after birth

• practical help in the early weeks

• someone to talk to about the realities of motherhood

  
  

Having the right support can help mothers feel more grounded and reassured as they navigate this life transition.

Navigating Matrescence with Compassion

Matrescence reminds us that motherhood is not something we instantly become overnight. It is a gradual transformation.

Giving yourself time, patience and support during this period can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matrescence

What does matrescence mean?

Matrescence is the physical, emotional, psychological and social transition a woman experiences when becoming a mother. The term was introduced by anthropologist Dana Raphael and later explored by psychiatrist Daniel Stern.

Just as adolescence describes the transition from childhood to adulthood, matrescence describes the developmental journey into motherhood. This transition often begins during pregnancy and can continue throughout the early years of parenting.

How long does matrescence last?

Matrescence does not have a fixed timeline. For many women it begins during pregnancy and continues throughout the postnatal period and early years of motherhood.

Identity changes, emotional adjustment and shifts in relationships can unfold gradually over several years as mothers adapt to their new roles.

Is matrescence the same as postnatal depression?

No. Matrescence and postnatal depression are not the same.

Matrescence is a normal developmental transition, similar to adolescence, that involves emotional and identity changes.

Postnatal depression, however, is a clinical mental health condition that affects around 10–20% of mothers and may require professional support and treatment (Stein et al., 2014).

Understanding matrescence helps normalise the emotional ups and downs many mothers experience while adjusting to their new role.

Why can matrescence feel overwhelming?

Many factors can make the transition to motherhood feel challenging, including:

• hormonal changes after birth

• sleep deprivation

• changes in identity and relationships

• societal pressure to “bounce back” quickly

• lack of community or practical support

  
  

Research suggests that having strong emotional and practical support during pregnancy and the postpartum period can significantly improve maternal wellbeing (Bohren et al., 2017).

How can mothers be supported during matrescence?

Support during matrescence can make a meaningful difference to a mother’s wellbeing and confidence.

Helpful support may include:

• emotional reassurance and validation

• practical help in the early weeks after birth

• birth and postnatal education

• compassionate guidance from trained birth professionals

• connection with other mothers

  
  

Having someone who understands the emotional transition into motherhood can help mothers feel seen, supported and less alone.

Why is it important to talk about matrescence?

Talking about matrescence helps normalise the complex emotions that often accompany early motherhood.

When women understand that motherhood involves a developmental transition, they are more likely to:

• seek support when needed

• feel less isolated

• approach the transition with greater compassion for themselves

  
  

Recognising matrescence helps create a culture where mothers are supported through one of the most significant life transitions they will ever experience.

References

Bohren, M.A., Hofmeyr, G.J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R.K. and Cuthbert, A. (2017) ‘Continuous support for women during childbirth’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7, CD003766.

Brummelte, S. and Galea, L.A.M. (2016) ‘Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment and consequences for maternal care’, Hormones and Behavior, 77, pp.153–166.

Darvill, R., Skirton, H. and Farrand, P. (2010) ‘Psychological factors that impact on women’s experiences of first-time motherhood’, Health Expectations, 13(4), pp. 442–454.

Hoekzema, E., Barba-Müller, E., Pozzobon, C. et al. (2017) ‘Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure’, Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), pp. 287–296.

Nelson, S.K., Kushlev, K. and Lyubomirsky, S. (2014) ‘The pains and pleasures of parenting’, Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), pp.846–895.

Raphael, D. (1975) The Tender Gift: Breastfeeding. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Stein, A., Pearson, R.M., Goodman, S.H. et al. (2014) ‘Effects of perinatal mental disorders on the fetus and child’, The Lancet, 384(9956), pp.1800–1819.

Stern, D.N. (1995) The Motherhood Constellation. New York: Basic Books.