Emerging in Motherhood: Matrescence

The Matrescence Project

Emerging in Motherhood: Matrescence is a podcast exploring the transformation women experience as they become mothers. Through honest conversations, lived experiences, and expert insights, this project sheds light on the neurological, psychological, and social changes that we experience in the season of becoming a mother - matrescence - including those huge identity shifts that we can all relate to.

Whether you’re navigating trying to conceive, pregnancy, early motherhood, balancing career and family, a new stay at home lifestyle, or simply trying to make sense of who you are becoming, this podcast offers a space to feel seen, supported, and understood—reminding you that you’re not alone in the journey.

Through these conversations we hope to normalise the experience of "becoming", while disrupting the current "bouncing back" culture.

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#15
Wednesday · 54 min
015: Losing Yourself in Motherhood? Matrescence, Grief and Becoming a New You with Katerina Annels
Zana welcomes back Katerina Annels (lactation consultant and osteopath with 20 years experience and a clinical focus on pelvic health and postpartum care) for a deeper conversation about matrescence, the huge shift into motherhood. Matrescence is as big a transition as adolescence, but it gets very little acknowledgement or support. Together they talk about what changes in the brain, body and identity, the grief that sits alongside the joy, and how mums can make room for themselves. In this episode Why matrescence is comparable to adolescence, and why the brain is at its most neuroplastic in pregnancy and the fourth trimester How the brain rewires for caregiving, and why that can come with more anxiety The caregiving hormone prolactin, and why it isn't limited to the birthing parent. Katerina says it's tied to being the primary caregiver, and extends to adoptive and foster parents, especially with early contact Matrescence after loss: the identity shift is real whether or not there's a baby in your arms Katerina's experience of a medically advised termination, and the "Pip's Lessons" board she and her husband made Why motherhood can bring late discoveries of ADHD or autism, as old coping strategies stop working Grieving the old you and welcoming the new one at the same time Why mums often lose their own physical space, and how to reclaim some of it Birth as a liminal space or rite of passage, and what non-birthing and adoptive parents could use too Why "bouncing back" is the wrong goal, plus pelvic floor recovery and functional fitness Katerina's postpartum hemorrhage story and hand-expressing milk in recovery A message for the mum who feels lost You can grieve the you that was and be excited by the you that's emerging, and hold both at once. Carve out a small space that's just yours, even a shelf. Mentioned in the episode The Nurture Revolution, which Katerina is currently reading Mothershift by Jesse Harrold, which Zana is reading Dr. Vanessa LaPointe, for her work on parenting The Rites of Passage Institute (northern NSW) This episode is for general information and shared experience, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your own care.
#14
October 12 · 1 hr 3 min
014: Matrescence & Postpartum Support: How to Build Your Village with Katerina Annels Part I
In this episode of Emerging in Motherhood: Matrescence, Zana welcomes Katerina Annels — an osteopath, trained lactation consultant and creator of the Nurture Online 7 Sisters program — for a thoughtful conversation about matrescence, postpartum care, maternal wellbeing and why every mother deserves a village. Katerina shares how her own experiences, including pregnancy loss and becoming a mother, shaped her understanding of matrescence and the support women need through the transition into motherhood. Together, we explore why postpartum recovery is about more than caring for a newborn, and how practical, emotional and community support can make a meaningful difference to a mother's wellbeing, recovery and early parenting experience. In this episode, we explore: What matrescence is and how becoming a mother transforms our identity and sense of self. Why postpartum care and support for mothers often feel scarce once a baby arrives. The importance of the fourth trimester, postpartum rest, nourishment and recovery. How practical help — from meals and household tasks to caring for older children — creates space for mothers to rest and bond with their babies. How to build your village before birth and create a postpartum support plan that reflects your family's needs. Why asking for help can feel difficult, how to communicate specific needs, and why it's important to make saying “no” an acceptable answer. What we can learn from cultural traditions that prioritise postpartum rest, nourishment and community care. How neighbours, friends and people across generations can become part of a mother's support network. Why supporting mothers is not just an individual or family responsibility, but a wider cultural and societal one. Katerina also shares more about her Nurture Online 7 Sisters program, which helps expectant mothers build a practical, sustainable postpartum support network before their baby arrives. While she is not currently running the workshops, mums can still access the information available through the website. Explore Katerina's 7 Sisters program: https://nurtureonline.org/7-sisters-sales-page Because preparing for a baby should mean more than preparing the nursery. It should also mean preparing the community that will care for the mother. If we want mothers to feel supported rather than isolated, and if we want our children and grandchildren to inherit a kinder, more connected world, we need to rethink how we approach postpartum care — and start building those communities now. Because we don't simply bounce back. We rupture, we reshape, and we emerge. This is matrescence. Connect with Emerging in Motherhood for more real conversations about the experiences, identities and transformations that shape us as mothers As always, if you would like up to date information from Emerging in Motherhood: Matrescence, including the opportunity to send in your questions ahead of expert interviews then follow along on Facebook or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/emergeinmotherhoodmatrescence/
#13
September 29 · 46 min
013: The Emotional Transformation of Motherhood: A Mum's Story of Matrescence, Mental Load, and Finding Her Village
Motherhood doesn’t mean “bouncing back” to who you were before. It can reshape your identity, values, relationships, career, and sense of self - yet many women enter pregnancy with almost no preparation for the emotional transformation ahead. Zana and her guest explore what happens when motherhood collides with emotionally demanding work, invisible mental load, and the pressure to support everyone else. The guest shares her experience as a child protection lawyer and mother, including the compassion fatigue that followed her home, the impact on her relationship, and why running and connection with other women became essential forms of support.You’ll hear about: Why compassion fatigue can affect your home life even when you remain compassionate and effective at work What pregnant women should be told about matrescence, identity change, and the feeling of becoming a different person Why hospital classes and pamphlets often miss the emotional realities of birth, breastfeeding, and early motherhood How moving towns can mean rebuilding your village from scratch Why support needs to begin during pregnancy and continue well beyond the first six months postpartum The practical challenge of receiving help when you are not someone who naturally asks for it The guest also reflects on preparing for the possibility of going from one child to two, the unexpected ways motherhood can change long-term goals, and the importance of accepting that the journey will keep shifting. Her river metaphor offers a powerful reminder: motherhood has rapids and smoother waters, but trying to fight the current only makes the journey harder. For every mother who has felt emotionally depleted, isolated, guilty, or surprised by how much motherhood changed her, this conversation offers recognition and reassurance. You are not failing. You are navigating a profound transition, and you were never meant to do it alone As always, if you would like up to date information from The Matrescence Project, including the opportunity to send in your questions ahead of expert interviews then follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook or Instagram https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#12
September 13 · 1 hr
012: The Birth of a Mother: Matrescence, Birth Trauma, & Postpartum Mental Health with Midwife and Health Birth Practitioner, Emma from EmPower Matrescence
When You Become a Mother, You’re Born Too You can prepare for birth, baby’s arrival, and the endless newborn essentials, but how do you prepare for the birth of you? If motherhood has left you anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or wondering why nobody warned you about this transformation, this conversation is for you. I speak with Emma from Empower Matrescence, a perinatal mental health nurse, birth debriefer, maternal and infant health researcher, and postnatal support practitioner. Emma shares how her own experience of breastfeeding struggles, extreme sleep deprivation, undiagnosed thyroid issues, and inadequate support revealed the gap between what mothers need and what the maternity system often provides.Together, we unpack: Why matrescence is a profound physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, systemic, and spiritual transition How the brain rewires for vigilance during pregnancy and postpartum, and when normal vigilance can become hypervigilance and anxiety The far-reaching effects of birth trauma on the nervous system, bonding, relationships, confidence, and help-seeking How sleep deprivation, birth experiences, nutrition, thyroid health, iron, vitamin D, and other contributing factors can compound perinatal mental health struggles Why values and identity can shift dramatically when you begin seeing the world through the lens of “we” instead of “me” Emma also explains why so many mothers fall into the gap between coping and crisis, where they are struggling deeply but do not qualify for the services designed for more severe mental health needs. Her story exposes what happens when mothers are blamed for their distress instead of being listened to, validated, and supported as whole people.This episode offers a compassionate reframe: you are not failing because motherhood feels harder than expected. You are moving through a major developmental transformation, often without the village, preparation, or care you deserve and need. And if life feels relentlessly difficult, reaching out for support is not weakness or evidence that you are a bad mother. It may be one of the bravest and most transformative things you do. Essential listening for expectant mothers, new mums, mothers processing a difficult birth, and anyone who wants a more honest and compassionate understanding of the journey into motherhood. If you would like to reach out to Emma personally, please visit her website: https://www.empowermatrescence.com And as always, if you would like up to date information from The Matrescence Project, including the opportunity to send in your questions ahead of expert interviews then follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook or Instagram https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#11
August 31 · 49 min
011: When Work Doesn't Fit Anymore: How Motherhood Changes Your Identity, Career, and Values.
Have you been planning your return to work after motherhood, but now feel a little lost about how to actually make it happen? Perhaps you had the itch to return to work, only to discover that when you did, something didn't quite fit anymore. Or maybe you're still itching to return to your career, but aren't sure what that should look like now that you're a mother. Whatever your relationship with work, career and motherhood, today's conversation with India Sutherland from India Sutherland Coaching is likely to speak to you. India experienced first-hand how matrescence can shift our identity, and how those changes can have profound implications for our careers, ambitions and the way we want to work. Like many mothers, she eventually left the corporate world and built a coaching business that allows her to work in a way that is much more aligned with her values, her family and the life she wants to create. In this conversation, India shares practical advice for mothers returning to work or navigating work after having children, including how to approach conversations with your employer, ask for the flexibility you need, and navigate the realities of sick children, school and daycare commitments, pickups and the many unexpected demands of family life. But we also go deeper. Because sometimes a difficult daycare or school drop-off—when your little person is clinging to your leg and begging you not to leave—can leave you wondering: Is this really what I want to be doing? How can I make this work better? What do I actually value? And perhaps most importantly: What do my family and I actually need from the way we structure our lives? Because our values aren't simply a buzzword. As we move through matrescence and motherhood, our values can become clearer, shift or feel increasingly difficult to ignore. And when the way we're living and working feels out of alignment with those values, we can feel the consequences. This is a conversation about motherhood and identity, returning to work, career change after having children, workplace flexibility, family needs and finding a way of working that feels more congruent with the woman you've become. If you'd like to hear more from India or learn more about her coaching and how she supports mothers, you can find her through her website, Instagram and Substack below: https://indiasutherland.com https://www.instagram.com/indiasutherland.coaching?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://substack.com/@indiasutherlandcoaching Topics discussed: matrescence, motherhood identity, returning to work after motherhood, career after motherhood, working mothers, career change, workplace flexibility, values, motherhood and career, Australian mothers, flexible work.
#10
August 15 · 50 min
010: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave, the Skills You Gain in Matrescence & Research Findings that Can Shape Workplace and Systemic Change
Are you on maternity leave or planning your return to work transition? Have you recently returned but feel different, changed, or like you are not performing in the same way? According to Mothered Magazine’s editor-in-chief, TEDx speaker, author and award-winning workplace culture innovator, Alexa Starks, mums often do feel a difference in their performance - but for the better. If you need the evidence to help you understand the change or perhaps the language to explain it to others then this conversation is for you. Alexa also discusses what workplaces can do from a systemic perspective to better support mothers returning to work after maternity leave, and how this is in fact in their best interests as well as yours. We also discuss the long-overdue and much-needed change in the narrative of mothers, motherhood, and how awesome this real-life experience actually is for our leadership skills. If you want to access the full report (and perhaps show it to your boss?) visit: https://www.motheredmagazine.com You can also check out Alexa Starks on Substack or Instagram. In future, if you want the opportunity to send in your questions to the incredibly knowledgeable women who will be sharing their insight and expertise on this podcast in future episodes, be sure to follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/ or on The Matrescence Project's Facebook Page where I share the details before the interviews. This is a podcast for all of us, so I want you to have the opportunity to have your questions answered!
#9
August 1 · 1 hr 14 min
009: Becoming a Mother in Canada, Unexpected Pregnancy, Postnatal Depression, and Transitioning into a More Authentic Version of Yourself in Matrescence
Emily joins me from Canada to share her deeply honest journey through an unexpected path into motherhood. Together, we explore matrescence through multiple lenses—from the cultural and societal expectations placed on mothers to the deeply personal pressure so many women carry to become the elusive "good mother." With remarkable vulnerability, Emily reflects on how motherhood challenged the identity she had carefully presented to the world, and how the transition through matrescence ultimately led her to discover a version of herself that felt genuinely authentic for the first time. Our conversation also turns to the future. Emily shares the changes she hopes to see in the way society prepares, supports, and validates new parents, believing that a better understanding of matrescence has the power to transform the experience of motherhood for future generations. Although we discuss differences between pregnancy and postpartum care in Canada and Australia, one truth remains universal: no matter where a woman lives, becoming a mother is a profound psychological, emotional, and social transition. Matrescence knows no borders, yet too often women are expected to navigate this transformation without the understanding, language, or support they deserve. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while every mother's story is unique, the experience of becoming a mother is something that connects women across the world.
#8
July 26 · 16 min
008: What Every Mother Should Know About Matrescence - BONUS Episode
We prepare women for labour. We prepare them to feed a baby. We prepare them to keep a tiny human alive. But very few of us are prepared for what happens to us. In this bonus episode, I explore why understanding matrescence—the profound physical, emotional, psychological and social transition into motherhood—isn't simply empowering. It can be preventative. When mothers have language for what they're experiencing, they are better equipped to recognise when they need support, extend compassion to themselves, and navigate one of life's biggest transformations with greater confidence. And maybe most important of all - the language connects us with each other, helps us feel heard, validated and part of a community rather than alone. This knowledge helps us embrace the changes and see how incredible our brain and body are, while really appreciating the beauty in those changes rather than trying to "bounce back". This episode is inspired by my latest Substack essay, The Missing Language of Motherhood, and is a call to action. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with one mother. Then encourage her to share it with another. Awareness spreads one conversation at a time, and together we can help ensure fewer women enter motherhood without the knowledge they deserve. Full Substack essay: https://substack.com/@thematrescenceproject
#7
July 18 · 1 hr
007: Olivia's Journey of Becoming a Young Mother, Navigating Domestic Violence, Healing, and Finding Herself in Motherhood
How does a woman navigate matrescence when she still feels she is emerging from adolescence into adulthood herself? Meet Olivia: A woman who speaks of exactly this, but with a few extra difficulties. In her first six months of motherhood, Olivia experienced domestic violence and a relationship breakdown. But after feeling lost in the process of becoming a mother, after feeling like motherhood eclipsed her identity entirely, Olivia finally feels like she is finding herself. This comes after two more pregnancies and babies, a deeply redemptive home birth, and another Bub on the way. Olivia's truly inspiring story of motherhood and matrescence started with difficulty and isolation, but her perseverance and strength helped her transition into the mother, woman and individual she is today. This is a powerful reminder that matrescence is not a single moment, but an unfolding process that often occurs over years.
#6
July 3 · 1 hr 3 min
006: How to Prepare for Motherhood & Creating a Positive Postpartum Experience: Rhi's Story
Can you prepare for motherhood—and could preparing for matrescence change your postpartum experience? In this raw and honest episode of The Matrescence Project, Rhi shares her experience of an unplanned pregnancy, the decision to continue with her pregnancy, and the research and preparation she undertook before becoming a mother. Rather than sugarcoating the transition into motherhood, Rhi explained how she approached it with curiosity. She immersed herself in research, learned about matrescence and deliberately prepared herself for the changes that motherhood could bring - while she was pregnant. She shares how understanding the transition into motherhood before her baby was born helped her approach postpartum with greater awareness and acceptance—and why she believes knowledge can be such a powerful tool for new mothers. Rhi also reflects on the importance of embracing the changes that matrescence brings, trusting your partner, communicating openly and allowing your relationship to evolve alongside becoming parents. Her story raises an important question: What if we prepared women for becoming mothers with the same care and attention we give them for pregnancy and birth Rhi's experience offers a different perspective on postpartum wellbeing: rather than waiting until motherhood feels difficult to seek information and support, what might happen if we began preparing women for the transition before their babies arrived? Because preparing for motherhood isn't only about preparing for birth. Actually - it isn't about preparing for birth at all. Just like planning a wedding won't prepare you for the marriage itself, planning for the birth won't prepare you for the transition you will go through into motherhood and the profound implications of matrescence. Being prepared for motherhood is also about preparing for becoming. For up to date information on future episodes, be part of the conversation and the opportunity to have experts answer your questions around matrescence and your becoming into motherhood, be sure to follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#5
June 20 · 1 hr 20 min
005: Why Motherhood Changes Who You Are: The Science Behind Matrescence and the Identity Shift with Dr. Renee White
What if the changes you're experiencing in motherhood aren't a sign that you're "losing yourself"—but evidence that your brain is adapting to one of life's biggest transitions? In this jam-packed conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Renee White—doula, biochemist, founder of I Fill Your Cup, and host of The Science of Motherhood Podcast—to unpack the fascinating science behind matrescence. Together, we explore: Why becoming a mother can trigger such a profound identity shift What happens in the brain from conception and throughout early motherhood How and why these changes show up in everyday life Why the experience can feel different with subsequent pregnancies The impact of anxiety, trauma, and pre-existing mental health challenges during the transition to motherhood Grieving your former self while embracing who you're becoming Self-care, career changes, role transitions, and finding your footing in this new season of life Most importantly, we discuss what mothers, families, communities, and healthcare providers can do to better support women through matrescence—so they can navigate this transition with greater understanding, confidence, and compassion. Experts and Resources mentioned in this conversation: - Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum (Neuroscience PhD, Doula and Mother) The Nurture Revolution - Dr. Marian Piper (Artist, Writer and Researcher who turns pain into purpose) Mums Matter Psychology offer Perinatal Mental Health Support for pregnancy and beyond, with bulk billing options https://www.mumsmatterpsychology.com Now that we have empowered ourselves with the scientific knowledge thanks to Dr. White's help, we discuss what we need to do to help support mothers so they experience this transition with less confusion and more calm and confidence.
#4
June 7 · 1 hr 1 min
004: Traumatic Birth, NICU and Motherhood Without a Village: Cassandra's Story of Healing
What happens when your introduction to motherhood is nothing like you imagined? In this episode of The Matrescence Project, Cassandra shares her deeply personal story of becoming a mother after a traumatic and emotionally difficult start to motherhood—including fear during pregnancy, premature birth, six weeks in NICU and the experience of navigating motherhood without the support of a village around her. Before motherhood, Cass describes herself as fiercely independent. She loved travelling, thrived in the corporate world and was driven by career ambition. Meeting her husband began to soften her perspective on life and eventually changed how she imagined her future—including the possibility of becoming a mother. But Cass's transition into motherhood was not straightforward. During pregnancy, fear of loss made it difficult for her to allow herself to fully connect with her baby. When her daughter arrived early and spent the first six weeks of her life in NICU, that fear did not simply disappear. Cass shares the emotional impact of a traumatic beginning to motherhood, the struggles and experiences that shaped her early years as a mother, and how the absence of practical and emotional support affected her transition. For years, Cass felt she hadn't fully "bloomed into motherhood." Her story is an important reminder that becoming a mother does not always happen in a single moment. Indeed, becoming takes time. Through persistence, courage and determination, Cass gradually found her own way into motherhood—often in unexpected places and through experiences she never imagined would shape her Cassandra's story reminds us that there is no single way to become a mother. For some women, motherhood feels immediate. For others, it unfolds slowly—through fear, grief, healing, growth and time. And perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask is not: "Why didn't motherhood come naturally to me?" But: "What happened to me while I was trying to become?" Follow The Matrescence Project for conversations exploring matrescence, motherhood, maternal identity, postpartum support, the village and the many different ways women experience becoming a mother. And to stay up to date on what is happening with the project, as well as opportunities to send in your questions for experts, follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#3
May 23 · 29 min
003: Losing Yourself in Motherhood and Finding Who You're Becoming - Zana's Matrescence Journey
Episode 3: My Matrescence Story - Zana's Personal Journey In this deeply personal episode, host Zana sets aside the research and theory to share her own lived experience of matrescence — the profound transformation a woman undergoes when she becomes a mother. Zana paints a vivid picture of who she was before children: a psychology graduate raised to value independence and career ambition, living a city life with her husband — traveling, spending freely, and loving every bit of it. Then, almost overnight, everything changed. She opens up about the shock of early motherhood — the anxiety that "absolutely exploded," the fear of being alone with her newborn, the guilt of wanting to return to work while simultaneously dreading daycare drop-offs. Through her first matrescence season, she discovered that knowledge and education were her lifeline back to confidence. But the path to her second child was far from straightforward. Zana shares the heartbreak of three consecutive miscarriages — the grief, the shame, and the quiet courage it took to keep showing up for the son she already had. When her rainbow baby arrived, her second matrescence season unfolded very differently: with more clarity, less anxiety, and a growing willingness to let her old values go. By her third season, the transformation was complete. This episode is a beautiful reminder of why matrescence matters: when we understand that the shifts we feel to our core are normal, necessary, and worth embracing, we stop fearing them — and start becoming the mothers we want to be. Listen to Zana's journey to find out just how much her life, her values and her mothering shifted when she finally embraced matrescence. Follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook and Instagram to be up to date with upcoming interviews, and for the opportunity to send in your questions to professionals and get the information you would like about the season of becoming a mother. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#2
May 9 · 20 min
002: Why You Feel Different After Having a Baby: Understanding Matrescence
Motherhood changes women deeply — neurologically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially — yet so few of us are ever taught to expect it. In this episode of The Matrescence Project, I explore the science behind matrescence and the hidden transformation that takes place when a woman becomes a mother. I unpack the wider societal consequences of continuing to undervalue this season of life, and why understanding matrescence matters not only for mothers today, but for the generations of women coming after us. Because changing the conversation around motherhood could change everything. For up to date information on future episodes, be part of the conversation and the opportunity to have experts answer your questions around matrescence and your becoming into motherhood, be sure to follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112 https://www.instagram.com/matrescence_project/
#1
May 9 · 11 min
001: Motherhood Changes Everything - Introduction to The Matrescence Project
In this introductory episode of The Matrescence Project, we explore what “matrescence” really means and why it’s so important to bring this term into our everyday language. I'll share the intention behind this project, and what we hope to build over time—a space that supports, informs, and validates the experience of becoming a mother. Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned mum, or someone yet to step into motherhood, this episode is an invitation to better understand the evolving journey of identity, growth, and becoming. To ensure you have access to the latest information, as well as the opportunity to put your questions forward to future guests who specialise in matrescence from a variety of different fields, be sure to follow The Matrescence Project on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575355774112

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