'Matresecence'

Matresence - "a developmental passage where a woman transitions through

pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond "

This term was first coined in 1973 by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael, although unfortunately it didn’t get the attention it deserved at that time, was ground breaking in it’s concept. Reproductive phycologist, Theorist and educator - Aurelie Athan, then revived the term in 2008

The idea behind this is that, just like Adolescence, where we recognise that children transition to adulthood through their teenage years and experience an explosion of development and change in multiple areas of their being - biological, psychological, social and spiritual, adult women also go through these same confusing, disorientating and powerful changes during the transition from pre-conception through to motherhood where a new identity emerges. This process is very unique to each woman and can take several years to transition through. What is challenging during this period, is that these incredible changes happen under extreme conditions whilst being sleep deprived, learning a new role, with little to no village support and relentless baby care

Some of the most fascinating changes that occur during this period of Matrescence, I believe to be the Biological ones which can be happening out of our sight, but are extremely powerful. For example Neurological changes such as the brain shrinks 5% during pregnancy and then regrows afterwards where new neurons get laid down in neurogenesis. This can involve our brain getting an upgrade in things like smell, taste, motivation, social ques and intuition Other biological changes can include:

• Hormonal

• Nutrient depletion

• Physical changes

• Effects of chronic sleep deprivation and stress

• Recovery from birth.

This is a time that needs to be supported and educated rather than bombarded with un-obtainable media messages and images which suggest this should be the best time of your life and we should enjoy every moment, when in reality it’s a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

One of the things I hear most in my clinic, whilst working to support women during this incredible journey from pre-conception through to motherhood is “I desperately want to get back to myself and look and feel as good as I did before” which is a totally understandable and universal desire, but what if we didn’t choose to look backwards, but instead say....” what could and does this new me look and feel like and rephrase that desire to sound like “ I would love to embrace this new me, find out more about myself and I believe that I will be the best version of myself I’ve ever known” This materesence period is one of immense creativity within ourselves and what emerges from that can be mind-blowing.

If the work of these two Pioneering Women – Raphael and Athan teach us anything, I believe it’s to embrace this unique and incredible journey as well as the new version of ourselves that emerges. We also need to ensure that all women who go through the materesence journey receive the support, recognition and education that they deserve to be able to fully thrive in the new phase of their life.

I believe one of the key aspect of education and support during this period lies in good nutritional and wellbeing information for mothers, after all how are we supposed to embrace and enjoy this new period if we lack the energy and mental wellbeing to. This is why I have created a 6 week program for women in the post-natal period to learn what their body need to replenish itself following birth and provide it with a better ability to handle the disrupted sleep patterns and emotional rollercoasters that new motherhood can bring. This 6 week courses focuses on what nutrients a post-natal mum needs, as well as how to eat for maximum energy, along with access to a private facebook support group

To find out more about the term 'Matrescence' from DR Aurélie Athan visit https://www.matrescence.com