This blog is all about this word. It never existed when I first became a mom or the immediate years following.

But here it is now the perfect word that is all encompasing and covers everything I need it to.

Matrescence is the physical, psychological and emotional transition a woman goes through when becoming a mother.¹

While it’s been seven years after my first born, I’m still processing, unpacking and reminding myself to be patient.

When I meet first time mothers I have to remind myself to be gentle and let them experience the process for themselves.

These days I feel more experienced and focused on empowerment for new moms. But there is a fine line between sharing words of wisdom and adding to the social pressures a new mom might feel.

And even now, there are moments when I feel social pressure to be a certain way in my role. I am privileged to be a stay at home mom. I’m not sure how long this period will be but it is a constant battle of perspective to convince myself and others that I do necessary work – and that my work is of equal footing to those who do not work in the home.

I’m sure other women of different statuses and states undergo a similar transition but likely less vocal as I am.

So again, thank you for being here and reading my unpacking process.

¹https://www.axahealth.co.uk/staying-healthy/womens-health/what-is-matrescence/#:~:text=Matrescence%20is%20the%20physical%2C%20psychological,in%20identity%2C%20relationships%20and%20responsibilities.