What is Matrescence?
You can think of matrescence like adolescence, a period of significant change, impacting biology, relationships, identity, neurology, spirituality and psychology.
Motherhood is not simply a change in routine or a new role; it is a life-altering, beautiful, and sometimes brutal transformation, made up of many transitions.
“Matrescence is the lifelong process of adapting to the series of changes associated with both becoming and being a mother”.
- Christina & Samantha Bond, Matrescence NZ Founders
Our understanding of matrescence is informed by the work and research of Dr. Aurélie Athan.
Throughout motherhood, things around you may be changing quickly; your sleep schedule, the way you interact with others, your body, and the way your time is spent.
But, those deep internal changes; how you see yourself, your values, often happen gradually, and this ''timing imbalance'' can cause friction.
There is a common misunderstanding that if a mother is finding motherhood challenging, it is because something is ''wrong'' with her, or she is failing, that she isn't mothering ''right''.
We are navigating financial pressures, workplace demands, cultural expectations, and constant exposure to idealized images of motherhood.
When the load is high and support is thin, even common changes can feel overwhelming.
This doesn’t mean you are failing.
It means the conditions in which you're mothering matter.
With an understanding of matrescence as a normal developmental process (similar to adolescence), this can reposition the challenging parts of motherhood, not as a failure of women, but as:
1) evidence of a normal developmental transition underway
2) lack of social/structural support and understanding.
Matrescence is a normal developmental transition.
But many mothers are experiencing this normal transition in environments that were not designed to adequately support them.
Here at Matrescence NZ, we are deeply committed to delivering high-quality education and support, and believe mothers deserve access to the very best care.
We are proud to offer a range of quality services for mothers, as well as leading Matrescence Education in New Zealand.
With awareness, knowledge, strategies, and support, the transition of matrescence can become more than something you simply move through. It can become a time where you begin shaping motherhood in a way that feels aligned with the life and family you always hoped to create.
And we are here for it!
Christina & Sam
Free e-guide: What is matrescence?
Matrescence encompasses both the transition to becoming a mother and the journey throughout being a mother. Learn more by downloading our free Introduction to Matrescence e-guide.
An Introduction to Matrescence
“Allowing women to understand their experience of motherhood in a way that is holistic and empowering can help to normalise the significant changes that occur in the transition to motherhood. Knowing the challenges of this period will inevitably help validate the emotions you may experience. When you have more insight into your emotions, you can be more in control of your behaviour.”
- Samantha Bond
Undestanding Matrescence
Dr Alexandra Sacks 2018 Tedtalk bringing matrescence into the limelight.