The Science of Motherhood Explained

Becoming a mother changes far more than your schedule.It changes your brain, your nervous system, your identity, your relationships, and the way you move through the world.In this episode, I sit down with El Fort of Mindful Healing Mama to talk about the invisible transition women go through when they become mothers.El introduces the concept of matrescence—the developmental transition into motherhood—and explains the science behind why motherhood can feel so emotionally, physically, and psychologically destabilizing.IIf you’ve ever felt…disconnected from yourself after becoming a momoverwhelmed by emotions you didn’t expect in motherhoodlike you should have “bounced back” by nowunsure why motherhood feels so physically and emotionally intenselike your identity shifted and no one warned youIn this conversation, we explore:what matrescence reveals about the transformation into motherhoodhow pregnancy and postpartum reshape the brain and nervous systemwhy high-achieving women often experience identity disruption after birthhow stress and regulation patterns are transmitted between parent and childthe science behind why “bouncing back” is not biologically accuratesmall, practical ways mothers can begin restoring regulation and groundingAbout the Guest:Elle Fort is a mindfulness educator, motherhood advocate, and nervous system practitioner who helps mothers regulate stress, reconnect with themselves, and break generational patterns through somatic healing and nervous system support.Links + Resources:Elle’s Website: Mindful Healing MamaFollow Elle: Instagram @mindfulhealingmamaFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom WebsiteIf this episode validated you, share it with a mom who needs it too.And if you’re loving these conversations, follow the show so you never miss an episode of That Mom.