Matrescence: The Transformation into Motherhood
There’s a word that many mothers wish they had known sooner—
Matrescence.
It sounds a little like adolescence, doesn’t it? That’s no coincidence. Just as adolescence marks the transformative passage from child to adult, matrescence is the profound shift a woman experiences when becoming a mother.
At Nurture Geelong, we believe in giving voice to the full spectrum of motherhood—the joy and the grief, the certainty and the confusion. And matrescence offers a powerful lens to understand what so many mothers experience, often silently.
What is Matrescence?
Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, matrescence describes the emotional, physical, hormonal, social, and identity changes that occur during the journey into motherhood. It’s not just about having a baby—it’s about becoming someone new.
This transition can begin during pregnancy and continue for years after birth. And just like adolescence, it's not linear. Some days feel like triumph; others feel like unraveling.
In our local Geelong community, we see mothers navigating this transformation every day—sometimes without the language to name it. That’s where matrescence comes in. It validates what mothers feel but can’t always explain.
Why It Matters
Too often, mothers are expected to “bounce back”—to their bodies, their routines, their careers, even their sense of self. But the truth is, you’re not going back. You’re going through.
Understanding matrescence can:
Help mothers normalise their experiences and feel less alone.
Allow partners and families to better support the mother’s emotional wellbeing.
Encourage workplaces and communities (like ours in Geelong) to create more space and support for the evolving identity of a mother.
Signs You’re in Matrescence (And Didn’t Know It)
You might be experiencing matrescence if you:
Feel both joy and grief in your new role
Question your identity, purpose, or priorities
Struggle with the gap between who you were and who you're becoming
Experience shifts in friendships, career goals, or body image
Find yourself craving support, community, or a deeper sense of self
These aren't signs that something is wrong—they’re signs that something profound is happening.
You’re Not Alone in This
Whether you're a new mum, a second-time mum, or a mum many years in still wondering who you are now—you are not alone. The changes you're feeling are real, valid, and worthy of support.
Matrescence reminds us that becoming a mother isn’t a moment—it’s a metamorphosis. And like all transformations, it deserves tenderness, space, and community.
If you’re navigating this journey, we see you. And we’re here to walk with you.
With care,
The Nurture Geelong Team