What Is Matrescence? The Shift Into Motherhood No One Prepared You For

You know adolescence—the awkward in-between, the hormonal chaos, the “wait…who am I now?” feeling.

Matrescence is that… but for becoming a mother.

And if you’re pregnant or postpartum and suddenly feel like a stranger in your own skin—emotionally, physically, mentally—you’re not “dramatic,” “ungrateful,” or “losing it.” You’re in a real, research-backed transition that’s one of the biggest biological and psychological shifts humans go through.

So… what is matrescence?

Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother—coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s and brought back into the conversation more recently by clinicians and researchers like Dr. Aurelie Athan.

Just like adolescence, it’s not a switch you flip. It’s a transformation—layered, nonlinear, and deeply personal. It can show up in a few big ways:

Your brain: Pregnancy and early motherhood are associated with measurable brain changes that support bonding, attunement, and caregiving.

Your body: Hormones don’t just “bounce back.” They shift in waves—affecting sleep, energy, mood, hair, and yes, your skin (hello, random breakouts and sensitivity).

Your identity: You don’t just add a baby to your life—you become someone new. That can bring pride and grief at the same time. Both are normal.

Why don’t we talk about this more?

Because culturally, we spotlight the baby—and leave the mother in the background.

We talk about strollers, registries, feeding schedules, and birth plans. But we rarely talk about the rebirth of the person doing all of it.

So when matrescence hits, it can feel isolating. Like you’re the only one thinking:

• “Why don’t I feel like myself?”

• “Why am I crying over everything?”

• “Why is my skin acting like I’m 16 again?”

• “Why do I miss my old life when I love my baby?”

Naming matrescence changes everything. It turns confusion into context. It reminds you: you’re not failing—your system is adapting.

How to navigate matrescence without abandoning yourself

Matrescence isn’t something to “fix.” It’s something to support. And because it’s both emotional and physical, support has to be holistic.

Here are three ways to soften the edges of the transition—without losing your sense of self.

1) Validate the “identity split”

You can love your baby and miss your old life.

You can feel grateful and overwhelmed.

You can feel powerful and fragile in the same hour.

That doesn’t make you a bad mother. It makes you a human in transition. You’re no longer who you were—but you’re still meeting who you’re becoming.

2) Build micro-rituals that bring you back to your body

When everything feels chaotic, ritual beats routine. Ritual doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence.

Even five minutes matters.

This is why we talk about skincare differently. Not as “beauty,” but as a grounding practice. When you use the Refining Body Scrub or the Brightening Essence, you’re not just doing skincare—you’re giving your nervous system a cue:

“I’m here. I still live in this body. I still deserve care.”

Tiny rituals help you re-enter yourself—one breath, one moment at a time.

3) Choose hormone-safe support when your skin is extra reactive

During matrescence, skin often becomes more sensitive, unpredictable, and reactive—because your internal environment is shifting so fast.

That’s why ingredient choices matter more than ever. Hormone-safe, botanical-based formulas (think ingredients like Bladderwrack Algae and Gotu Kola) can support the skin barrier without relying on harsh additives or known endocrine disruptors—helping your outer world feel steadier while your inner world is changing.

You’re not alone—and you’re not behind

Matrescence can be wild, tender, beautiful, and brutally hard. Sometimes all in the same day.

But when we name it, we stop pathologizing it. We stop pretending motherhood is just “bounce back” energy and highlight reels. And we start giving mothers what they actually need: language, support, and care that includes them.

Because the “glow” isn’t only your skin.

It’s the resilience you build. The self you reclaim. The power you grow into—slowly, imperfectly, honestly.

Welcome to your matrescence. We’re here to mother you through it!