The Biggest Transition of Your Life: Matrescence
Have you ever heard of matrescence? Over the last few years, it has become a buzzword in the postpartum industry. It's one of the most profound transformations you'll ever go through, but not unfamiliar to women since the beginning of time. Becoming a mother doesn’t just change your life—it changes you. But don't worry, it's a journey, and like any journey, preparation can make all the difference.
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother. Just like adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood, matrescence marks your shift into motherhood. It’s a physical, emotional, mental, and relational transformation that reshapes how you see yourself and the world around you.
This transition is one of the biggest of your life. It’s complex, and at times, overwhelming. But understanding this process can empower you to embrace it and thrive during your postpartum period.
The Changes You’ll Experience
Let’s break it down into the different ways matrescence impacts you:
1. Physical Changes
Postpartum is when the real physical transformations kick in. Your body just did the amazing work of bringing a baby into the world, and now it's adjusting to life after birth. These changes can be surprising and sometimes challenging, but they're a natural part of matrescence.
Healing from Birth: Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body needs time to heal. You may experience soreness, swelling, or discomfort in the weeks following birth. It’s crucial to give yourself the time and care needed for recovery, and to seek help from healthcare providers if anything feels off.
Hormonal Shifts: Your hormones rapidly shift postpartum, affecting everything from your mood to your energy levels. The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone can leave you feeling fatigued or emotional, and you may notice changes in your hair, skin, and even body temperature.
Breast Changes: If you're breastfeeding, your body also adapts to the demands of producing milk. Engorgement, leaking, and soreness are common as your breasts adjust to feeding your baby.
Postpartum Bleeding: Known as lochia, postpartum bleeding is your body’s way of shedding the uterine lining after birth. This can last several weeks, gradually tapering off. It’s an important part of your body’s recovery process.
Physical Fatigue: Caring for a newborn can mean sleepless nights and non-stop physical work. Even simple activities like holding or rocking your baby can leave you feeling physically exhausted in ways you may not have expected.
Your body is doing incredible work in the postpartum phase. While the changes can be intense, they are also a sign of your body’s resilience and strength. This is why rest, nutrition, and self-care are essential during this time.
2. Mental and Emotional Shifts
It’s common to feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Hormonal changes can influence everything from your mood to your mental clarity. But beyond that, the emotional weight of caring for a newborn, coupled with the identity shift of becoming a mother, can be heavy. It’s okay to feel joy one moment and anxiety the next. The important thing is to give yourself grace and space to process these emotions.
3. Relational Adjustments
Becoming a mother shifts your relationships. Your relationship with your partner, family, and friends will evolve as you step into this new role. The bond with your baby is front and center, but maintaining connections with loved ones and setting boundaries can help you feel supported through this change.
How to Prepare for Matrescence
While you can’t predict every aspect of motherhood, there are steps you can take to prepare:
Understand the Shift: Just knowing that matrescence is a real and natural process can help you be more compassionate with yourself.
Get Support: Surround yourself with a support system of people who understand or can empathize with what you're going through. Whether that’s your partner, a postpartum doula, or a group of mom friends—connection is key.
Plan for Postpartum: Preparing for the postpartum period can make the transition smoother. This includes everything from figuring out who will help with meals and chores to giving yourself time to heal and bond with your baby. I’ve created a free guide, 7 Ways to Plan for a Peaceful Postpartum, that covers these essentials to help you feel more in control during this time.
You’re Not Alone on This Journey
Matrescence is a major shift, but it’s not something you have to navigate by yourself. Every mother has gone through it, and you can thrive through it with the right mindset, preparation, and support. You’re stepping into a whole new version of yourself, one that’s incredibly strong, capable, and filled with love.
Ready to prepare for this transition? Download my freebie, 7 Ways to Plan for a Peaceful Postpartum, and get started on making your postpartum experience one that’s supportive, peaceful, and fulfilling.
P.S. Remember, motherhood may change you, but it also brings out the most powerful version of yourself. Embrace the journey—you’ve got this!
Thanks so much for reading the blog!
And hey, if you want more tips, support, and a good dose of motivation, subscribe to my weekly emails. Let’s navigate this motherhood journey together, one step at a time.
Before you leave, make sure to download your free guide!
featured blogs
Let’s talk about something that’s probably been swirling in your mind as you prepare for life with a new baby: your identity. Yep, the person you’ve always been, the one you’ve worked so hard to shape, and the one you fear might get a little lost in the shuffle of diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights.