Matrescence: Unraveling the Myths and Realities of Being a Mother

Today we’re diving into the profound biological, psychological and social shifts experienced when becoming a mother - a process known as "matrescence.” Jen sits down with science journalist, Lucy Jones, who experienced a seismic identity shift that arose after the birth of her first child.

Lucy and Jen unpack groundbreaking neuroscience research and they expose the deep-rooted myths and unrealistic expectations surrounding modern motherhood. From the minimizing of postpartum struggles to the pressure of "natural birthing" ideals, Lucy reveals how these systemic fictions can breed shame, isolation and maternal mental health crises.

Jen and Lucy discuss:

• The concept of "matrescence" - the biological, psychological and social transition to becoming a mother that renders profound identity changes
• How modern cultural myths and idealized notions of motherhood as blissful and "natural" can be deeply alienating and contribute to maternal mental health issues
• The systemic lack of scientific research and societal rituals to prepare and support women through the seismic transformation of matrescence
• The need to construct new narratives, share vulnerable experiences, and build community care around the modern realities of the matrescence

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Thought-Provoking Quotes:

“[Matrescence] is a very simple concept that means the process of becoming a mother. The word is a little bit like 'adolescence'. It was coined by the late American anthropologist Dana Rafael in the 70's. She also coined the word 'doula'. She first wrote about it in an essay collection published in 1974 where she talks about how, in most societies and cultures across the world, people have always had a sense that a mother is born when a baby is born. But she also describes your identity, your social relationships, your roles, your everyday life, your mind, your psychology, and your emotions." - Lucy Jones

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Matrescence by Lucy Jones - https://bit.ly/4dDYI83

Foxes Unearthed by Lucy Jones - https://bit.ly/44E9Uxp

Losing Eden by Lucy Jones - https://bit.ly/4byVO2k

Dana Rafael (an American Anthropologist) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Raphael

“The Birth of a Mother” (A New York Times Article by Alexandra Sacks) - https://bit.ly/4bow0WK

2017 NIH Article on Pregnancy Leading to Changes in the Brain - https://bit.ly/3UAGiMK

Of Woman Born by Adrienne Rich - https://wwnorton.com/books/Of-Woman-Born/

Andrea O’Reilly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_O'Reilly

Guest’s Links:

Lucy’s Website: https://lucyfjones.com/

Lucy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucyjones

Lucy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyfjones/

Lucy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyjonesbooks/

Connect with Jen!

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