Ep. 12: Who Am I After Becoming a Mom? Understanding the Identity Shift of Motherhood (Matrescence Explained)

Send us Fan MailHave you ever looked at old photos of yourself and thought, “Who even is that?”In this episode, I’m talking about the identity shift that happens after becoming a mom — and why feeling lost might actually mean you’re evolving.Motherhood changes more than your schedule and sleep. It changes your brain, your nervous system, your priorities, and your sense of self. This transition even has a name: matrescence — the developmental shift into motherhood.We’ll explore:Why you may not recognize yourself after having a babyThe science behind matrescence and maternal brain changesWhy grief and gratitude can exist at the same timeWhat it really means to “lose yourself” in motherhoodHow to gently reconnect with who you’re becomingIf you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I after becoming a mom?” — this conversation is for you.What Is Matrescence?The term matrescence was originally coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael and later expanded by reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks to describe the physical, emotional, hormonal, and identity changes that occur when a woman becomes a mother.Research published in Nature Neuroscience has shown measurable brain changes during pregnancy and early motherhood, particularly in areas related to empathy, emotional regulation, and bonding. In other words — if you feel different, it’s because you are different.Reflection Questions from This EpisodeWhat parts of me feel like they’re shedding?Where do I catch glimpses of myself lately?If I stop trying to go back, what might I allow forward?If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who needs to hear that she’s not alone in this.And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review helps more moms find these conversations.