- Feel Good
- 4th Oct 2024
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Matrescence: the overlooked impact of transition into motherhood
Ever heard of matrescence? Not many people have, but I bet you’re familiar with the process. It’s something that’s pretty well known, but so often overlooked, making it harder to actually deal with.
So, what is it?
Well, you’ll have definitely heard of adolescence, the transition period between being a child and becoming an adult, right? Similar to that, matrescence is the transition into motherhood:
Hormones fluctuate
- There are dramatic increases in oestrogen and progesterone
- Hormonal changes can cause tiredness, mood swings, irritability, anxiety and weight loss
- Pregnancy hormones will usually cause you to be your most emotional during the first trimester
Your body changes
- Your breasts change significantly as they prepare to supply milk to your baby
- Hormones may have an effect on the appearance and growth of your hair
- Your internal organs move upwards and crowd together to make room for your growing uterus and baby
Your identity shifts
- It’s normal to feel unprepared for this
- You might have feelings of sadness and excitement during this shift
- It can be described as a grieving period for the life you once had and the person you once were
It’s undoubtedly a time charged with lots of emotions, which can get quite confusing at times as joy battles frustration and doubt clashes with love.
These feelings are normal, then?
Totally normal. You’ve just become a whole new version of yourself practically overnight. That’s understandably going to take some adjusting to. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. It’d be a bit like getting promoted to the most important role in your company without any experience. Everyone believes in you; you’ve got all the right qualities and skills, but nothing can prepare you for that jump.
Mums Vs. The World
Society doesn’t really do a great job at understanding the matrescence journey which adds a whole other layer of pressure and expectation. Amidst this rollercoaster of a transition, you’ve somehow got to be the perfect mum, a doting partner, drop straight back into your career and get your pre-pregnancy body back. It’s an impossibly outdated standard that no new mum should feel the need to keep up with.
Getting help at the right time
If the negative emotions become too overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or a professional like your health visitor or GP. It’s even becoming more popular to get a new mum coach, or ‘doula’, as additional support when becoming a mum.
Here’s what the different professionals could do for you:
Midwife
- Your midwife will be with you at every stage of your pregnancy and will be able to provide constant support and signposting if needed.
Health visitor
- Your health visitor can provide support with aspects like feeding and development of your baby, from the time you’re pregnant until they are around two-years-old.
GP
- GPs carry out a postnatal check-up around 6-8 weeks after giving birth and cover topics like your physical and mental health, making referrals, if necessary, based on your needs.
Counsellor
- They will provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your emotions and experiences of being a new mum.
Getting help early will make it easier to care for yourself and your baby. Asking for help means you’re being the best mum you can possibly be and isn’t a sign of anything less.
Remember…
Try your best to remember a few things through this journey. The first one is, you’re allowed to have mixed feelings throughout and that doesn’t make you a bad mum – it makes you human. Second, you aren’t alone, there are many new mums having a similar experience. Last but not least, trust that you’re doing an incredible job and that your baby loves and appreciates you so much.
Is it reassuring for you to know there’s a term for this transition? Let us know in the comments and share this article with a new mum who you think is doing a great job navigating matrescence.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to present up-to-date, accurate content, the views and opinions shared are those of the author and the featured experts and do not necessarily reflect those of High Life North. We are not medical professionals, and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any concerns or questions related to their health and well-being.
About the author:
Charlotte Battista is a passionate future counsellor who began her journey in 2019.
After earning her BA(Hons) in Guidance and Counselling from Northumbria, she’s on track to start working with her own clients by July 2025.
Charlotte is dedicated to empowering people to discover their best selves. She loves sharing well-being tips and diving into lesser-known topics that make life interesting, bringing her unique energy and insight to everything she does.
Charlotte Battista
Charlotte is a passionate future counsellor who began her journey in 2019. After earning her BA(Hons) in Guidance and Counselling from Northumbria, she’s on track to start working with her own clients by July 2025. Charlotte is dedicated to empowering people to discover their best selves. She loves sharing well-being…
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