Matrescence, a term first coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael, describes the transformative process of becoming a mother.
Reproductive psychologist Dr. Aurélie Athan expanded this definition to encompass a developmental passage that includes pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, surrogacy, adoption, and the postnatal period.
At Seed Mother™, we are dedicated to promoting accurate maternal health literacy.
We acknowledge our lineage and express gratitude to our mentor, Dr. Aurélie Athan, who has played a pivotal role in reviving and popularizing the concept of matrescence. Dr. Athan is a faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University, known for her significant contributions to the field. To learn more about her work, please visit her website or explore Khora, The Maternal & Reproductive Psychology Lab.
For a deeper understanding of matrescence’s origins, we recommend reading Dana Raphael's article, "Matrescence, Becoming a Mother: A 'New/Old' Rite de Passage."
Ready to explore matrescence further? Click below to learn more and enroll in our upcoming educational offerings.
The Realities of New Motherhood
Approximately 70-80% of all new mothers experience some negative feelings or mood swings after the birth of their child. (American Pregnancy Association).
70-80%
41% of parents report that they are "so stressed they cannot function" most days, and nearly 50% state that their stress feels overwhelming most of the time. (Murthy, 2024).
41%
79% of mothers feel invisible and 95% feel unacknowledged and unappreciated. (Peanut, 2023).