What is Matrescence? Part 4: Sociocultural
- Sarah
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
When we take into account all of the changes we've looked at up until now, it's no wonder a mother's relationships will change. Her brain, body and identity have now all changed dramatically and quite rapidly. We think about adolescence encompassing several years, at least. Yet, we traditionally say pregnancy is nine months, (no, it's not, by the way!) and then it's "over." This is part of the cultural narrative that shapes mothers, and denies a tremendous amount of the normative experience.
The concept of matrescence is still relatively new, all things considered, and so culturally, we have a long way to go in learning about it, and adequately supporting it. The bias in our culture is to minimize this experience, to "medicalize" this experience, and to reduce it to a sequential series of accepted phases. By bringing this word into our lexicon, we can expand and normalize this period of life. When we enhance awareness, we bring understanding and compassion. We don't question our own experiences as being abnormal or "wrong," and we don't judge others when their experiences vary.
Specifically, in the post-partum or post-natal period, depression and anxiety can both stem from cultural expectations that are developmentally inappropriate. Society might tell us to be back to work in six weeks, or that "good" moms can get their babies to sleep all night in their cribs, or that there is a "right" way to feed your baby. All of these messages are infused into our lives and set expectations that can cause distress, anxiousness and anger if they aren't met. Sometimes, without the right knowledge and support, we can be our own worst enemies.
Here is a great article on this idea;
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