Matrescence Overview

Understanding Matrescence

Matrescence—much like adolescence—is a time of deep change and transformation. It offers language and understanding for the ongoing transition into and through motherhood, helping women make sense of an experience that is often felt intensely but rarely named.

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First coined in the 1970s by anthropologist Dana Raphael, matrescence recognises the powerful shift that happens within a woman’s identity, roles, relationships, direction, and inner world as she becomes a mother. This shift touches every layer and domain of life: physical, emotional, psychological, social, cultural, economic and spiritual.

If you think back to your own adolescence, you may remember that some changes felt exciting while others were overwhelming. Matrescence mirrors this—some parts flow easily, while others feel challenging or tender- all a normal part of an emerging self.

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Understanding matrescence helps mothers feel truly seen and understood. It normalises the struggles, honours the growth, and creates space for compassion during the radical changes that come with growing, birthing, and caring for another human being. Above all, it reminds us that every mother deserves to be supported, validated, and held through this transformative time.

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Over the years of facilitating the First Touch Program I have become very passionate about providing mothers with a relaxed space to connect with other mothers and support them in navigating their own matrescence.

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Unfortunately, we live in a culture that expects mothers to bounce back to being who they were before becoming a mother instead of acknowledging the changes, the losses and gains, growth and emergence of a new self.

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Many of the mothers attending the First Touch Program wish that it would go for longer as they find the opportunity to ‘ground themselves’ and ‘feel nurtured’ during the postpartum period valuable for their wellbeing.

With this in mind and after completing The Seasons of Matrescence Course with Nikki McCahon I will now be offering mothers the opportunity to enrol in two workshops focusing on supporting their matrescence.