
Say Hello to “Matrescence”: A Stressful Psychological Second Puberty
Matrescence is a term used to describe the physical and emotional changes that occur in a woman’s body and mind during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is similar to adolescence, but refers specifically to the transition into motherhood. The term was first coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, but has recently gained more attention in popular media and the field of maternal health. The term encompasses the emotional, physical, and spiritual changes that women experience as they become mothers, and the cultural and societal expectations placed on new mothers. If you have the ability to see a therapist with experience in postpartum support, it is highly encouraged. This struggle with matrescence can lead to Postpartum Depression (PPD) without proper support. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to honor this transition in your life without self-judgment.