“Birth produces 2 people. The first: a flailing soul, struggling to take in a new world, a new way of being, as it draws against the unknown. The second: a baby.” Bunmi Laditan
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother. It consists of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual changes that happen as a result of embarking on the motherhood journey. A period of intense transition, matrescence is much like adolescence. It is a time period of hormonal changes and identity shifts. The pace can be unpredictable and it can be an exhilarating (and confusing) time.
However, the adolescent time period ends. The evolution of identity as a mother is an ongoing process. It is always changing, as our children develop and grow. An infant and a teen do not need the same “mother” because they have different needs.
Throughout each of the stages, a mother needs to adapt. Her identity as a mother is based in 4 core areas of life: her concept of self, her own health, her relationships, and her environment. If a woman is not supported in all of these areas, it can negatively impact her maternal identity.
Moms are the driving force behind meeting the needs of families, and deserve to be supported as they navigate the changes within themselves throughout motherhood. When mothers are supported, families thrive!