Matrescence is Disorientating

The developmental process of matrescence has the ability to impact how we perceive and experience the world around and within us.

In matrescence, we begin to think in ‘we’, and now ‘I’ ~ Our brains function to nurture and protect not only ourselves but our babies now too. We are taking in more from the environment, and are more vigilant with scanning for and responding to threats.

Matrescence is a time of integrating our maiden and mother selves, leaning into our new identity, and choosing the parts to realign with. This occurs as we experience occupational deprivation or disruption (a pause or cessation of our meaningful activities or roles). Along with this, we also have skill acquisition and the addition of many more meaningful roles, responsibilities, and activities (those that come with mothering). This alters our occupational identity.

In matrescence our body changes;

The structure and function of our intimate, familial, and social relationships may change.

Within the Western culture I entered mothering in, and with the current social narrative of idealized motherhood - we are often reconciling our reality with our expectations; this involves grief.

We find ourselves pushed and pulled between conflicting emotions and thoughts. We will experience the tension of ambivalence.

All of this is disorientating.

Navigating the rite of passage, or developmental process of matrescence is unsettling. Like teens transitioning into adulthood, maidens transitioning into motherhood deserve and are worthy of support.