008: What Every Mother Should Know About Matrescence - BONUS Episode

We prepare women for labour. We prepare them to feed a baby. We prepare them to keep a tiny human alive. But very few of us are prepared for what happens to us. In this bonus episode, I explore why understanding matrescence—the profound physical, emotional, psychological and social transition into motherhood—isn't simply empowering. It can be preventative. When mothers have language for what they're experiencing, they are better equipped to recognise when they need support, extend compassion to themselves, and navigate one of life's biggest transformations with greater confidence. And maybe most important of all - the language connects us with each other, helps us feel heard, validated and part of a community rather than alone.  This knowledge helps us embrace the changes and see how incredible our brain and body are, while really appreciating the beauty in those changes rather than trying to "bounce back".  This episode is inspired by my latest Substack essay, The Missing Language of Motherhood, and is a call to action. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with one mother. Then encourage her to share it with another. Awareness spreads one conversation at a time, and together we can help ensure fewer women enter motherhood without the knowledge they deserve. Full Substack essay: https://substack.com/@thematrescenceproject