Your Guide To Matrescence: The Transformation Of Becoming A Mother

The rundown on matrescence: 

• Matrescence is a normal part of becoming a parent, bringing changes that can affect your body, brain, emotions, and relationships.
• The transition into motherhood looks different for everyone, with physical, emotional, and identity changes that can evolve over time.
• Understanding what's happening during matrescence can help you feel more confident as you navigate this stage of life.
• Looking after your wellbeing through rest, nutrition, movement, and support can help you adjust to the changes that come with early parenthood.

Somewhere in those first blurry months after birth, you catch your reflection in a window and pause. The person staring back at you can feel like someone you're still getting to know. Your body has changed. Your priorities have changed. Even the way you think has shifted. This transition is called matrescence. Understanding it changes how you can experience early motherhood. 

This guide gives you a definition of matrescence, what to expect physically and emotionally, and how to support yourself through it.

What is matrescence?

Matrescence is the developmental transition a person goes through when becoming a mother. The term was coined in the 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael in her book Being Female: Reproduction, Power and Change, and has since been popularised by psychiatrist Dr Alexandra Sacks¹.

In simple terms, the matrescence definition is the developmental transition a person goes through when becoming a mother. The meaning of matrescence is similar to adolescence. Just as adolescence marks a transition from childhood to adulthood, matrescence describes the physical, emotional, hormonal, and social changes that occur as you become a parent¹. 

Matrescence can begin as early as trying to conceive, and can continue through pregnancy and well into the postpartum period¹. Just as no two teenagers move through puberty the same way, no two people move through this the same way either. 

Like adolescence, matrescence is a significant life transition. It brings many changes at once, and adjusting to them can take time. Having the right support throughout this stage can make a meaningful difference to your health and wellbeing².

Matrescence vs. the "baby blues" 

These two terms often get used interchangeably, but they describe unique experiences.

• Matrescence is the natural transition into motherhood. It involves physical, emotional, hormonal, and social changes as you adjust to life with a new baby. It’s a normal stage of becoming a parent, not a mental health condition¹.
• Baby blues are common in the first few weeks after birth. They can involve mood changes, tearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, or irritability, but these symptoms usually improve on their own within two to three weeks³.

If you're finding things difficult, or your symptoms feel persistent or overwhelming, speak with your healthcare professional. Early help can make things a bit easier. 

How long does matrescence usually last?

There's no fixed endpoint. Brain changes linked to pregnancy can continue for two years or more after birth, while the emotional and identity shifts of matrescence often continue well beyond that. Plus, each subsequent pregnancy can also trigger a new wave of this transition. 

What are the symptoms of matrescence?

Matrescence symptoms span four main areas: emotional, physical, relational, and identity-based changes. Matrescence can affect many parts of your life, so the signs aren't just physical. As you adjust to becoming a parent, you may notice emotional, physical, social, and identity changes, and many of these can happen at the same time⁴.

Some people experience mixed emotions about motherhood, grieve parts of their life before having a baby, or feel less confident as they adjust to their new role. Others notice changes in their relationships, shifts in how they see themselves, or moments of deep connection and joy. Everyone experiences something in their own way, and it's normal for these feelings to ebb and flow over time⁴.

Let’s take a closer look at the areas in more depth. 

Emotional signs

Matrescence can bring a wide range of emotions, and it's common for them to exist side by side. You might feel joy, love, and gratitude alongside overwhelm, guilt, or uncertainty, sometimes all in the same day⁴.

As you adjust to becoming a parent, you may also experience heightened emotional sensitivity, changes in confidence, mixed feelings about your new role, or a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed. Some people also find themselves processing their birth experience long after their baby has arrived⁴.

Physical signs

Matrescence doesn't end after birth. Your body continues to recover and adapt during the weeks and months that follow, and many physical changes are a common part of this transition⁴.

You may see changes to your body shape, your breasts while breastfeeding, your energy levels and your sleep. These changes are fuelled by ongoing hormonal shifts, including hormones that help with milk production and bonding with your baby⁴.

Looking after a newborn can also be physically demanding. Interrupted sleep and the demands of early parenthood may affect your energy, mood and overall wellbeing, while your body gradually adjusts to its new hormonal balance⁴. Recovery varies from person to person, and it's normal for some of these changes to continue for many months after birth.

Identity and relational shifts

Becoming a parent can change the way you see yourself, and it's common to wonder, "Who am I now?" As you adjust to your new role, you may find yourself balancing the person you were before having a baby with the responsibilities of caring for someone else⁴. That’s a lot more stress to add to the mental load.

Relationships can change too. Some people feel more connected to their partner, family or friends, while others experience loneliness or feel they have less support than they need. Expectations around parenting, feeding or returning to work can also add to the emotional load⁴.

What happens to the brain during matrescence?

The idea of “matrescence brain” is grounded in genuine neuroscience. Pregnancy and early parenthood are associated with changes in the brain that help you navigate the transition to motherhood. However, researchers are still learning exactly how these changes impact memory and thinking5 6.

Oestrogen and progesterone rise sharply during pregnancy and drop dramatically after birth. These hormones have been found to play a role in memory function7.  Some people notice changes in memory, concentration or mental clarity during this time. While hormones are thought to play a role, research hasn't found a clear link between individual hormone levels and cognitive performance7. Instead, factors like sleep disruption, emotional adjustment, and the demands of caring for a new baby are also likely to impact memory.

What physical changes happen during matrescence? 

Matrescence isn't just an emotional transition. Your body also goes through physical changes as it recovers from pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood. While every experience is unique, many of these changes are a normal part of adjusting to life after having a baby. 

Hormonal shifts

Hormone levels change dramatically during pregnancy and after birth. Oestrogen and progesterone rise throughout pregnancy before falling rapidly after delivery, while hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin help support breastfeeding and bonding with your baby8 9.

These hormonal changes impact much more than your reproductive system. They also play a role in your recovery, energy levels, muscles and joints, which may help explain why your body can feel quite strange during the months after birth⁸ 10. It's also normal for libido to change throughout pregnancy and after birth. Physical recovery, hormone changes and the demands of caring for a newborn can all shape how you feel11.

Hair, skin and connective tissue changes

Changes to your hair and skin are common during matrescence. One of the most noticeable is postpartum hair shedding, which happens because many hairs that stayed in their growth phase during pregnancy move into their natural shedding phase after birth. This temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, affects most new mothers and usually settles over time12.

You may also find that your skin changes. Darker areas of pigmentation, such as the linea nigra or the skin around your nipples, often begin to fade after birth, although some changes can last longer for some people13.

Core, pelvic floor and energy

Pregnancy and birth can have a lasting impact on your core and pelvic floor. Diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles) and changes to pelvic floor strength are both common after pregnancy. Research suggests that targeted exercise may help support pelvic floor strength and recovery during the postpartum period14. 

It's also common for energy levels to fluctuate during matrescence. While interrupted sleep certainly plays a role, postpartum fatigue can come down to several factors, including physical recovery, changing hormone levels and the demands of caring for a newborn15. In some cases, ongoing fatigue may be linked to underlying health conditions16 17. If you're feeling unusually tired, or your energy isn't improving over time, it's worth speaking with your healthcare professional to explore what might be contributing. 

How to support yourself through matrescence

Matrescence is a significant life transition, and supporting yourself through it isn't about doing everything perfectly. Small, consistent habits and the right support can make a meaningful difference to your physical and emotional health. 

• Name and validate the experience. Knowing that what you're feeling has a name and that it’s normal can be grounding in itself.
• Ask for help. Whether it's help with the baby, household tasks, or simply having someone to talk to, practical support can make a real difference. 
• Stay connected. Talking to other mothers going through the same transition can ease the isolation that often comes with it.
• Reach out if you need extra support. If you're finding things difficult emotionally, speaking with your healthcare professional or a maternal mental health service can help you access the support that's right for you18.
• Move in ways that feel right for your body. Gentle movement, when you're ready, can help support physical recovery and overall wellbeing. 
• Prioritise rest where you can. Sleep can be hard to come by with a new baby, but making time to rest and asking for help when you need it can support your recovery. 
• Nourish yourself. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is an important part of postpartum recovery, particularly if you're breastfeeding19. If you have questions about contraception after birth, your healthcare professional can help you choose an option that's right for you20.

Navigating matrescence

The disorientation of early motherhood isn't a sign that something's wrong; it's a sign that something significant is happening. Matrescence is a normal, universal transition, not a problem to be solved or a phase to rush through.

Looking for more support through this stage? Explore the Swisse Wellness Hub for articles on women’s health and understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle. 

References:

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