Motherhood

I fully appreciate the diversity and intersectionality that accompanies the terms ‘mother and motherhood’. I use these terms with the sensitivity and respect that some people choose alternative ways to identify themselves within these roles.

Notwithstanding how we identify, the role of mother and parent can feel loaded, burdened by cultural expectations, societal pressures, our own hopes, dreams, histories, and family narratives.

It can sometimes feel that we arrive in ‘the land of motherhood’, having to instantly assume a role; however, becoming a parent is a complex developmental phase that unfolds over time. Matrescence is the holistic and transformative process of becoming a mother. Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael, the term describes the profound changes women experience—physically, emotionally, socially, and psychologically—when transitioning to motherhood. Much like adolescence, matrescence is a period of identity evolution and adjustment, often accompanied by mixed emotions and challenges as a woman balances her emerging role as a mother with her sense of self.

We can struggle when we feel like we have lost ourselves within this role, or we long for our previous lives.

Relationships with our older children can cause us pain too, and while we might do all we can to get support for their issues, we can be left feeling with ‘mum guilt’, or to blame, under attack, isolated, and worn out.

Being a parent can be hard.

Motherhood is a journey of immense growth and adjustment, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right support it can be an empowering experience, allowing you to thrive while remaining connected to your authentic self.

Reach out by emailing me here and I can try to support you

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