What is Matrescence?

Matrescence is the word for becoming a mother. Like adolescence, it’s a big shift in your body, emotions, relationships and sense of who you are and it takes a while to settle. It starts before the baby arrives and carries on well after.

What it can feel like

• Loving your baby and still missing your old life

• Happy in the morning, tearful by the afternoon

• Not quite recognising yourself

• Feeling like you ‘should’ be more grateful

It’s normal, and it can be hard
It isn’t a disorder and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just doesn’t get talked about much.

Even when everything goes to plan
You can have a straightforward conception, an uncomplicated birth, a healthy baby and still find it hard. Nothing has to have gone wrong for this to be a big adjustment. Some people feel guilty for struggling when, on paper, it all went well. You don’t need a reason to feel the way you do.

When it helps to talk to someone
If you’ve been feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed for a while or you’d just like somewhere to talk it through, I’d love to hear from you.