muh-TRESS-ence 

Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother.

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

Similar to adolescence (also rhymes with it), matrescence describes a developmental period of profound change and transformation over a period time, not in the single moment of childbirth.

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

Despite being well established within academic, scientific, and maternity professions, 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.