muh-TRESS-ence 

Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother.

It encompasses  the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and identity transition that occurs as a woman becomes a mother.

Often compared to adolescence, matrescence describes a developmental period of profound change and transformation. 

Just as adolescence marks the transition from child to adult, matrescence marks the transition into motherhood.

The term was coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s.

More recently, psychologist Aurelie Athan has expanded and popularised the concept, helping bring greater awareness to the complexity and significance of the maternal transition.

Despite being well established with academic, scientific, and maternity professionals, the word remains largely unfamiliar to most women.

This photograph shows Leila Armour in postpartum.
It also shows Leila in matrescence.

Matrescence is not always something new to see.
Sometimes it is a new way of seeing what was already there.

Leila is a mother of five (including two sets of twins), a doula, and founder of @villageformama.

Photograph used with permission.