How many times must we ask for sensitive care? Over nearly two decades of clinical work in perinatal mental health, I have listened to women describe experiences of birth trauma rooted not only in medical emergency, but in the absence of respectful maternity care. A Composite Narrative Note: The following vignette is a composite of many women I have seen over nearly two decades as a licensed psychotherapist, childbirth educator, and doula. Any resemblance to one particular p

In recent years, several well-known public figures have spoken openly about the emotional and identity changes that accompany becoming a mother. This is important as it expands the discourse on perinatal mental health. Although they may not use the word matrescence, many of their reflections describe exactly this developmental transition — the profound psychological, relational, and embodied changes that unfold as women move into motherhood. Like adolescence, matrescence resh

The Matrescence Ritual is a full body and mind experience, drawing on conscious and unconscious emotional material.

Congratulations on starting the wonderful adventure of motherhood! Self-care is crucial during any transformation.

Matrescence embodies the feelings, challenges and qualities of the life passage into motherhood.

Matrescence is a normal life passage. Matrescense is part of motherhood. It is not postpartum depression