Matrescence and the Transformation of Motherhood

Bossed Up

What do you know about matrescence? Most people will agree that everything changes with parenthood, and that’s what this term covers: the process of becoming a mother. Yet, despite shared private understanding and a large body of recent research on all the physiological and mental effects, many policies and medical processes continue to ignore what mothers have always known.

Lucy Jones is a journalist and the author of Matrescene: On The Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood. In this episode, we delve into what’s lacking in support for matrescence and why, and how ongoing research, policy changes, and sharing information through resources like Lucy’s book can help change the conversation. Whether you’re already a mother, are considering becoming one, or support one in any way, Lucy’s insights will be enlightening and empowering.

Discover the details of matrescence and why we need to talk more about it:

• The origins and importance of having a word for this universal, natural experience;
• The impact of not having enough information in the early months and years of parenthood;
• The permanent changes the brain goes through during this period;
• The social disconnect between the expectation to give birth and the lack of support.

Related Links:

• Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood by Lucy Jones - https://bookshop.org/p/books/matrescence-on-the-mind-body-spirit-transformations-of-pregnancy-childbirth-and-motherhood-lucy-jones/20398692
• Lucy’s website - https://lucyfjones.com/
• Discover all of Lucy’s books: https://lucyfjones.com/books/
• Lucy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lucyfjones/
• Episode 333, An Honest Look Into Motherhood and Health - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode333
• Episode 488, Talking Menopause at Work - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode488
• Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure, Nature Neuroscience - https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4458
• The Birth Of A Mother by Alexandra Sacks - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/08/well/family/the-birth-of-a-mother.html
• Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution by Adrienne Rich - https://bookshop.org/p/books/of-woman-born-motherhood-as-experience-and-institution-adrienne-rich/8794956?ean=9780393541427
• LEVEL UP: a Leadership Accelerator for Women on the Rise - https://www.bossedup.org/levelup
• Bossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/
• Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/