What is Matrescence?
Matrescence is the name given to describe the process of becoming a mother - the transition to and through motherhood - and all the changes that motherhood brings
"Nobody told me it would be like THIS....."
Would you like to understand more about the process of becoming a mother?
Have you heard about matrescence and wonder what it actually is?
Are you curious about the many ways in which matrescence can impact and change a mother?
Would you like to feel greater confidence in how you experience and embrace YOUR motherhood journey?
Would you like to feel better prepared for some of the changes in your matrescence and feel empowered with knowledge?
Are you needing some antenatal or postnatal information that focuses on the mother and on her transition to motherhood?
Becoming a mother is a life-transforming rite of passage.
It is a major psychological and physical life event and can impact a woman in so many areas of her life, no matter how many children she has.
And no wonder - there is so much to learn and a brand new human to get to know and care for, as well as look after other children she may already have.
Mothers are straight in at the deep end, all whilst trying to recover from the birth and adjust to a whole new identity of their own, all of which takes time.
Women also face additional expectations from society and culture about what it means to be a mother. Sometimes this can mean the mother and her experience feel invisible. This can have a significant influence on her postnatal experience and make it much harder.
“When a baby is born, so is a mother, each unsteady in their own way.
Matrescence is profound, but it’s also hard, and that’s what makes it human.”
(Dr Alexandra Sacks, 2018)
mini matrescence course
DISCOVER MATRESCENCE:
an introduction to motherhood
Developed by Dr Margy Bowes, The Postpartum Psychologist, "Discover Matrescence: An Introduction to Motherhood" is a 60-minute online information session integrating the work of matrescence scholars with Clinical Psychology.
This exciting new course is designed to:
Introduce you to the concept of matrescence and give you a taster as to why it's important
Empower you with matrescence-related knowledge and understanding to help validate and embrace your own motherhood journey
Equip you with some psychological wellbeing tools to support you in managing your own transition to motherhood
Support you in your own motherhood journey, whether you are a new or seasoned mother, or a mum-to-be
an introduction to motherhood
The definition and brief history of matrescence
Essential secrets of matrescence
An introduction to the powerful relationship between society / culture and motherhood challenges
How understanding the experience of motherhood from the lens of matrescence can benefit maternal psychological wellbeing
Simple frameworks for understanding and exploring matrescence
The different domains of matrescence and how these can influence the motherhood journey
Reflection time to consider your own matrescence journey and how you have been impacted by motherhood
Psychological wellbeing strategies and the next steps you can take to help nurture you in your own matrescence as you transition to and through motherhood
Course workbook including matrescence reflections and resources
If you are a mum-to-be, new mother or more experienced mother and would like to attend the course for your personal use
If you've never heard of matrescence before, are curious and keen to know more!
If you've heard of matrescence but are unsure why it can be so important in helping mothers adjust to motherhood
If you're interested in learning about the different aspects of matrescence and how they might impact a mother
If you're struggling to adjust to the transition to motherhood and would like to feel validated in your experience of matrescence
If you're feeling confused, disorientated, overwhelmed or misunderstood as a mother and would like to feel seen
If you'd like to learn some self-help tools to help you thrive in your motherhood journey
If you're a mum-to-be and would like to feel prepared for the changes that your matrescence may bring
If you are the non-birthing partner / parent and would like to understand the different ways in which becoming a mother can impact an individual. Please note that the focus of the course will be about the mother's experience of becoming a parent.
If you're a healthcare professional or business working with mothers and are interested in finding out more about matrescence and how you can support mothers through your work, this particular course isn't for you.
This course is for personal use only and is not for commercial purposes.
To arrange bespoke training for your organisation, please get in touch at
Alternatively, you can add your name to the wait list for matrescence education training for the workplace.
Course content that draws on the work of matrescence scholars and Clinical Psychology, delivered by a registered Clinical Psychologist (The Postpartum Psychologist) and certified Seasons of Matrescence ® Educator
An introduction to matrescence, including the many factors which influence the motherhood journey
Discover how society and culture can impact the experience of matrescence
Learn how understanding matrescence can benefit maternal psychological wellbeing and support the transition to motherhood
Discover psychological wellbeing strategies to help nurture you in your own matrescence journey
Course workbook for matrescence reflections and resources
** Includes BONUS Nervous System Regulation Self-Help Guide for Mums
** Includes BONUS "The 25 Secrets of Matrescence" Essential Guide
About The Postpartum Psychologist
Matrescence-Informed Clinical Psychologist
Dr Margy Bowes is a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist and certified Seasons of Matrescence ® Educator and Guide. She specializes in providing online antenatal and postnatal support to mothers who are struggling with the transition to parenthood. She is deeply passionate about supporting new mothers through the life-transforming rite of passage that is becoming a mother.
Following her own challenging start to matrescence, she undertook a journey of postpartum healing and recovery, drawing on clinical psychology, neuroscience, polyvagal theory and the nervous system, matrescence and motherhood studies - not to mention several other holistic approaches. Drawing on her professional knowledge and lived experience of postpartum difficulties and recovery, she now delivers online education courses to empower and support women struggling with the transition to motherhood.
She established The Postpartum Psychologist to increase awareness of matrescence by providing mothers with access to invaluable matrescence information, education and tools that are not otherwise widely available (or acknowledged) through traditional antenatal and postnatal support services. It is her hope that by supporting and enabling women to be better informed about the normal challenges of motherhood - of making the invisible visible - that they feel equipped and empowered to have a more positive postpartum experience - which is what every mother deserves to have.
Of course. Matrescence is a life-long experience and there are always new phases and stages of the motherhood journey to adjust and transition to. Even if your children are older, you may find attending the course helpful from the perspective of reflecting back on your own postpartum experiences, reflecting on your current mothering stage and also providing you with a greater insight and understanding of matrescence.
No, this course is not therapy - although you may find parts of it therapeutic! It is an education session for information purposes only and is general in nature. The session is not a substitute for therapy. However, it is my hope that by attending you will feel better informed about matrescence and have a little more understanding and insight into your own motherhood journey, whatever that looks and feels like for you.
There is a wealth of readily-available information on pregnancy, birth and the practicalities of looking after a new-born baby (feeding, sleeping, how to change a nappy, and so on). Unfortunately, the developmental process of becoming a mother (matrescence) and the massive life shifts that accompany motherhood are rarely acknowledged or covered in traditional antenatal and postnatal classes. Courses delivered by The Postpartum Psychologist aim to normalise and realistically prepare new mothers for these shifts, so that they are a) more aware of them and b) feel better equipped and more confident to manage them if they need to. If you are pregnant and would like to be as fully informed as possible, then I hope that this course is helpful for you. If you would prefer to wait until after your baby is born, you are very welcome to attend the course when you are ready.
You are very welcome to attend this session if you are struggling with your mental health. It is my hope that what you learn on the course may help towards your postnatal recovery.
Attending the session is not a substitute for therapy, however, so if you are struggling with your mental health I strongly recommend that you seek support from your GP, health visitor, local perinatal mental health service, psychologist or community mental health team. This means that you can receive individual, tailored support that is most appropriate for your needs.
No. Courses delivered by The Postpartum Psychologist focus on the experience of the mother and do not provide parenting advice.
This session is aimed at supporting mothers and due to a licensing agreement is for personal use only. It is not for commercial purposes. If you support mothers and would like to learn about matrescence for the purposes of your work, please do get in touch and I would be happy to provide some bespoke training for your workplace. Alternatively, you can add your name to the waiting list for matrescence training for professionals.
If you have purchased the session and have changed your mind before it starts, please contact me directly to arrange a refund. If you have already accessed the content via the live call or the replay, you will not be eligible for a refund. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale of Online Content for full details.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that all content provided by The Postpartum Psychologist is for educational and informational purposes only and is general in nature. It is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice. Please see The Postpartum Psychologist's Terms of Business and disclaimer for full details. If you are struggling with postnatal mental health difficulties please speak to your General Practitioner, midwife or health visitor who will be able to refer you to the most appropriate mental health support which is tailored to your specific needs. The Postpartum Psychologist does not provide crisis support or urgent mental health care. If you need urgent mental health care please see the further support page for organisations you can contact.
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