IN FOCUS: The Truth About Motherhood Nobody Prepares You For

Why do so many mothers feel blindsided by the emotional reality of having a baby?In this focused clip from our episode on Matrescence, perinatal psychotherapist Dr Silvia Wetherell explains why the transition into motherhood is often far more complex than women are led to expect.From intrusive thoughts and postpartum rage to the profound identity shift that comes with becoming a mother, many women discover that the emotional landscape of early motherhood looks nothing like the version they were shown during pregnancy.The issue isn’t that women can’t handle the truth — it’s that we often fail to prepare them honestly for what lies ahead.Instead of scaring women, Dr Wetherell argues, we should be educating them — so they understand that these experiences are part of a very real psychological transition known as matrescence.Understanding this shift can transform feelings of shame and confusion into something far more compassionate: recognising that nothing is “wrong” with you — you’re becoming a mother.Watch the full episode here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanshandbook.substack.com