Mental Health and Matrescence: Addressing Postpartum Challenges

When mums give birth to their first child, they are often prepared for sleepless nights and endless nappy changes. But what they aren’t prepared for is the emotional and mental upheaval that follows. Many new mothers feel overwhelmed by the wave of changes that sweep over them—not just the physical exhaustion, but the deep emotional shifts they can’t quite put into words. Everyone around them says how “natural” motherhood should feel, but for many new mums, it feels anything but. They wonder if they are the only one struggling, and before you know it anxiety creeps in.

What a lot of first time mums don’t know at the time is that they’re going through something called matrescence—the emotional, psychological, and social transformation that occurs when a woman becomes a mother. Much like adolescence, matrescence is a profound and often tumultuous process, but unlike adolescence, it’s rarely discussed or understood. This lack of awareness can leave new mothers feeling isolated, unprepared, and unsupported. And when the weight of these feelings isn’t addressed, it can significantly impact maternal mental health.

What is Matrescence?

Matrescence is not a new concept, but it’s one that many people, even those within the medical field, may not be familiar with. Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, matrescence describes the full spectrum of changes a woman experiences as she transitions into motherhood. These changes are far-reaching—affecting her body, mind, relationships, and even her sense of identity.

For so many mums this process can be overwhelming. Reconciling their old self with the new responsibilities and emotional complexities of motherhood. They love their baby fiercely, but also mourn the loss of freedom, career, and sense of self. This emotional tug-of-war is the heart of matrescence, and without the right support, it can easily lead to mental health challenges such as postpartum depression, anxiety, or feelings of isolation.

The Overlooked Connection Between Matrescence and Mental Health

The postpartum period is often portrayed in the media as a time filled with joy, bonding, and maternal bliss. While there are undoubtedly moments of happiness, the reality for many women is far more complex. New mothers frequently experience heightened emotions, mood swings, and feelings of inadequacy as they adjust to their new roles. And yet, despite these common experiences, many women feel ashamed to admit that they’re struggling.

The problem is that society often doesn’t acknowledge matrescence, leaving mothers to navigate the emotional turbulence of this period on their own. When a new mother feels unsupported or misunderstood, it can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Without the right resources or awareness, these feelings can evolve into more severe mental health issues, affecting not just the mother, but the entire family.

How Can We Better Support Maternal Mental Health?

Understanding matrescence is the first step in addressing maternal mental health challenges. When women are educated about this transition and the emotional complexities that come with it, they’re better equipped to navigate the postpartum period. But awareness alone isn’t enough—new mothers need access to tangible support systems that help them manage both the mental and physical aspects of motherhood.

Here are a few key ways we can support maternal mental health during matrescence:

Matrescence: A Journey Worth Supporting

Matrescence is a powerful and transformative experience, but it’s one that too often goes unrecognised. By understanding the emotional and mental challenges that accompany the postpartum period, we can better support new mothers in their journey. For women like Emma, the transition to motherhood doesn’t have to be filled with silence, shame, or isolation. With the right support, matrescence can become a time of growth, empowerment, and self-discovery.

Every mother deserves to be seen, heard, and supported through this process. As we continue to raise awareness about matrescence, we can ensure that no mother is left to navigate the emotional landscape of motherhood alone.