Pronounced as "ma-tre-sense,” with the stress is on the second syllable, "tre,” is the term that refers to the process of becoming a mother. The term was coined by Dana Raphael, an anthropologist and researcher in the field of maternal health, in the 1970s. She is credited with coining the term "matrescence" to describe the process of becoming a mother, including the physical, emotional, psychological, and social changes that accompany this transition.
Raphael's interest in maternal health was sparked by her own experiences of childbirth and motherhood, as well as her anthropological research on traditional birthing practices in other cultures. She noticed that Western societies often overlooked the profound physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, and that women's experiences of matrescence were often minimized or pathologists. In response to these observations, Raphael began to study and document the psychosocial aspects of maternal health, including the hormonal and neurological changes that occur during pregnancy and the cultural and societal factors that impact maternal wellbeing.
Matrescence is often compared to adolescence, as both are periods of intense developmental change and identity formation. During matrescence, women may experience a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anxiety and overwhelm, as they navigate the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Matrescence can also involve a re-evaluation of one's personal identity and values, as well as changes in social relationships and roles.
While matrescence is a natural and normal process, it is often overlooked or misunderstood in Western societies, which tend to prioritize individualism and productivity over caregiving and maternal wellbeing. However, acknowledging and supporting women's experiences of matrescence can have important implications for maternal and child health, as well as for broader societal wellbeing.
Warmly,
Brittany DeNucci
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