What is Matrescence?

What is this weird word and why should I learn more about this?

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You know how sometimes things or ideas or people come into your life at the exact right (or wrong!) time? This concept, introduced to me by a news article, seemed to present itself at a moment when I could really receive it, and truly be in awe of it! Let me tell you why you should know about it and use it!

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“The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence — the time of mother-becoming. Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of a woman … The amount of time it takes to become a mother needs study.” -Dana Raphael.

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Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother. Mothers and motherhood is not a static "condition" or state of being. It is a period of massive transition, in every way possible. In the simplest terms, think of it as Dr. Aurelie Athan describes it, "matrescence, like adolescence." Read on to learn just one of the many ways!

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Changes in Your Brain

Did you know that a birthing person's brain changes during the perinatal period and never changes back? My favorite phrase is "life-long exposure to environmental complexity." That's being a mom! Most often, Moms are expected to "return to normal" after giving birth and (maybe) receiving some maternity leave. This isn't accurate or fair to expect, at all!

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Mom's Brain Focuses on Baby

The beautiful part of this somewhat terrifying change is that mother's brain changes to focus on baby. Studies have show that the parts of the brain that are enhanced are related to caregiving and nurturing.

This is just one of the areas in which a mother's whole person changes. Want to know more? Subscribe to my blog for the next topic; hormones!