Matrescence: The Identity Shift No One Warns Mums About

What if the exhaustion and lost sense of self in early motherhood aren't signs you're failing but signs you're being remade? Kate Mason welcomes Benita Bensch, author, certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner, clarity coach, farmer, and mum of four boys, for a warm, honest conversation about matrescence, the profound identity shift of becoming a mother. Benita shares her own journey through postnatal anxiety and burnout, the "black hole" she hit with four children under four, and the science and language that finally helped it all make sense. Together they explore why understanding this transition matters, how to recognise when to seek help, and why reclaiming your identity makes you a wholer parent. It's an empowering, hope-filled listen for anyone who has ever quietly wondered, "Who am I now?" Listen for:8:00 Why did Benita gradually start to lose her sense of self?10:24 What do the physical symptoms of postnatal anxiety feel like?11:57 What does hitting the "black hole" of motherhood look like?16:52 What is matrescence and why aren't mothers told about it?25:49 When should an overwhelmed mum reach out for help?  Guest Benita Bensch, Author, Speaker & Clarify Coach for Women Website | LinkedIn | Email | Instagram | Facebook  | Seen Again: Light on Matrescence Book Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Contact Kate:Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X