34) Matrescence with Ilena Standring

In this insightful episode, Maren and Eva are joined once again by Ilena Standring, a passionate doula, advocate, and expert on Matrescence—the profound journey of becoming a mother. The term "Matrescence," first coined by Dana Raphael in 1973, refers to the transformative process of motherhood, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that every mother experiences.

In the previous episode with Dr. Naomi, Eva and Maren explored the identity shift that often accompanies this transition. Now, Ilena takes us deeper into the intricacies of Matrescence, shedding light on the joys, challenges, and complexities that come with it. From the shifting dynamics in relationships, to the evolving sense of self-identity, and the ongoing balancing act of motherhood, Ilena provides valuable perspectives, practical tips, and empowering insights to navigate this transformative journey with grace, resilience, and self-awareness.

Whether you’re a new mom, an expecting mother, or simply someone interested in the transformative power of motherhood, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Eva, Maren, and Ilena break down the concept of Matrescence and celebrate the strength, beauty, and power of the motherhood journey.

Best Place to Start: If you’re experiencing the transition into motherhood or preparing for it, this episode is a must-listen! Explore the emotional and psychological shifts that define Matrescence, and gain powerful insights on how to embrace your evolving identity with support and compassion.

Why Listen:

• Discover what Matrescence really means and how it impacts your identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.

• Learn practical tips and empowering advice from Ilena Standring, an expert on navigating the challenges of motherhood.

• Reflect on your own motherhood journey with thoughtful reflection questions to guide your understanding and growth.

You can find out more on Ilena on her instagram:

Ilena_j_standring

Be sure to share this within your community, mothers to be and mothers alike - we are all in this together. Being a parent is hard enough, doing it in another country without the support from our family and close friends is a tough journey many of us are trying to figure out. Let's do it together.

Ilena's reflection questions:

[ ] In the 12-24 months before I became pregnant, I was preoccupied with...

[ ] If I reflect back to my pregnancy, these are the ideas, the ideals and the topics, that I was preoccupied with

[ ] As I look back now, on those 12-24 months before pregnancy, and that period in pregnancy, I wish I had spent more time exploring...

[ ] As I glance back into my Matrescence journey thus far, these are the things that spring to mind as the most surprisingly fulfilling aspects of my inner and outer transformation.

[ ] These are the realisations about the way I was parented and how Matrescence was modelled to me as I have been on the journey through Matrescence

[ ] As I look forward to the next 12 months of my identity expansion, beyond the every day parenting, I would like to explore these aspects of my identity and of my experience of Matrescence