Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother for the first time. The emotions a woman experiences can vary widely, as the attachment to her baby grows. Contrasting with adolescence, matrescence has pheremonal, physical, and emotional attachment to another being, on an elevated level. The mother has responsibilities and new emotions for her offspring, but still has her old needs as well. Her desires for social interaction, career, romance, are still intact, and can often come in conflict with her newfound connection to her baby.
Key Takeaways:
- The term “matrescence” was coined in 1973 by Dana Raphael, who also made the term “doula” popular.
- Many women believe they are experiencing postpartum depression when they are actually undergoing typical experiences common to new mothers.
- Matrescence is a period where a new mom is struggling to balance her own physical needs with those of her new baby.
“Science and culture keep us well informed about the physical and psychological changes adolescents experience in their bodies, hormones, relationships, and identities.”
