What is Matrescence?
We know that adolescence can be an awkward and painful time – a time where we change on every level – physically, emotionally, mentally, and hormonally – and we are not the same person on the other side.
But what if I told you that the transition into motherhood can be thought of in the same way, and we even have a word for it.
The concept of matrescence gives us a framework to see the transition into motherhood as every bit as awkward, painful, and profound as adolescence, and allows us to reclaim and celebrate this shift in identity.
Matrescence was first used by anthropologist and breastfeeding advocate, Dana Louise Raphael.
“The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence, the time of mother-becoming…giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of a woman…the amount of time it takes to become a mother needs study.”
— DANA RAPHAEL, ‘MATRESCENCE, BECOMING A MOTHER, A ‘NEW/OLD’ RITE DE PASSAGE’ (1975)
Dana Raphael recognised that birthing a mother may not happen instantaneously when her baby is born. The birth of a mother is a process which takes time to develop and is perpetually evolving. In fact, a mother is reborn many times over – as she has more children, and as her children grow and go through their own stages of development. The mother of a newborn is not the same mother as when her child is a teenager.
We may be our children’s first teachers;
however, our children are our best teachers.
Recently this term has been revived and expanded by Aurelie Athan, clinical psychologist and faculty member at Columbia University, as a ‘developmental passage where a woman transitions through pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond’.
Since the birth of humankind, mothers have organically passed their stories and wisdom on to new mothers. This eases the transition into motherhood, because the new mother feels ‘held’ by the wisdom of those around her, and is encouraged to listen to her own wisdom.
Reclaiming matrescence is about centering the mother!
Giving a new mother space to consider her own transition can seem odd and uncomfortable because we are conditioned to put our own needs to the side. A new mother doesn’t receive the same compassion, understanding, and support on her journey into motherhood as an adolescent does on their journey to adulthood.
Matrescence is something that needs to be acknowledged, appreciated, and nurtured throughout a woman’s entire life as a mother, and then as a grandmother.
We are always learning as a mother, the mother of a newborn and a toddler mothers differently to the mother of an adolescent and adult child and I invite you to reflect carefully, and be kind to yourself, as you grow into each transitional phase in your motherhood journey.
Being a mother is a dynamic experience, an opportunity for growth and happiness. It changes every single part of our being in a purposeful way.
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Sage Nest
I’m Joanna, a mother of two and the founder of Sage Nest—a boutique wellness practice based in Newcastle, NSW. My work focuses on supporting women through the transformative stages of pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery with care that is both holistic and deeply nurturing.
I’ve been in clinical practice since 2004 and bring together a unique blend of therapies to support the health and wellbeing of mothers and their families. My approach is integrative and evidence-informed, combining Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and the Body Ready Method® to offer well-rounded care tailored to each individual.
At the Sage Nest, I provide support that spans the entire motherhood journey—from managing early pregnancy symptoms and preparing for an empowered birth, to gentle, restorative care in the fourth trimester and beyond. Each session is personalised to address not just the physical, but also the emotional and energetic shifts that come with matrescence.
Birth preparation is a particular focus of my work. I help women feel physically aligned, emotionally grounded, and mentally ready for labour and birth. My sessions may include acupuncture, bodywork, breath techniques, acupressure, body alignment and partner-inclusive education to build confidence and reduce fear. Whether you’re planning your first birth or looking for support after a previous experience, I create a space where you feel informed, prepared, and supported.
For new mothers needing extra support, I also offer postpartum home visits across the Newcastle region. These sessions bring hands-on care, comfort, and therapeutic treatments to your doorstep during a time when leaving the house can feel overwhelming. It’s a beautiful way to receive nurturing support in your own familiar space while you rest and recover.
I love helping women feel more confident in themselves and their mothering. It’s a privilege to witness mothers reach their goals, feel more at ease, and reconnect with themselves during this powerful life transition. It’s an honour to support that process.
Motherscape
My name is Mel! I’m an experienced Occupational Therapist and founder of Motherscape. My aim is to support women, new mothers and parents by helping establish healthy routines, personalised interventions and adaptations tailored to your individual situation. At Motherscape we support women’s health across their lifespan and ensure that you feel informed and connected. We provide you with a secure point of reference and together we jointly develop tools and resources for you to use in the future. By carefully developing an anchor like this, any challenging times you might encounter along the way, are easier to navigate through.
The transition to motherhood or ‘matrescence’ brings with it significant life changes. Yet at this challenging time, culturally we tend to focus our attention on the new baby, rather than the physical and psychological needs of the mother. However many families are struggling alone through what should be one of the most joyful times in their lives. The individual needs of the mother then, as well as those of the family as a whole, are frequently not being addressed.
‘Motherscape’ came about as I wanted to create a meaningful impact on the landscape of each individual and their family. The experience of being a mother, as well as managing other significant life stages such as perimenopause & menopause, can bring with it vast and ever-changing terrain. Each woman navigates their own unique landscape encountering peaks of joy, valleys of exhaustion and many winding roads of change and growth. Just like no person is the same, I don’t feel that every approach should be the same either.
Motherscape is guided by evidence, and the individual needs of each woman, and their family. I have carried out research into women’s health and this has helped guide best practice. These are consistently being reviewed, and we strive to build strong networks to ensure that you receive the best support possible! Consistent, reliable, sensitive and thoughtful.
It would be an honour to support you throughout your unique journey; every step of the way!
The Bond Wellbeing
Hi, I’m Mazz. I’m a Postpartum Doula and Infant Massage Instructor for modern mothers who want to feel empowered, supported and connected in their transition to and through motherhood. I truly believe that mothers need to be held in order to hold, and I’m here for you. I work with mums and families across Sydney to help them prepare for and experience a time of rest, recovery and bonding in their fourth trimester and beyond. My services include prenatal support to prepare for postpartum, in home care once your baby arrives and I also run baby massage courses across Sydney.
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