Matrescence: The Motherhood shift noone told you about

Matrescence, like adolescence, is the complete transformation and identity shift of a woman as she moves through motherhood.

This transformation encompasses (some or all in varying ways) her psychological, social, emotional, physical, economic, cultural, & spiritual areas.
If you’d like to know more, Alexandra Sacks video (left) is a great starting point to find a new way to think about the transition to motherhood.

Becoming a mum isn’t just a role change - it’s a full body, full-life transformationa completely new territory.

Life will never be as it was before…

There are many new feelings, and changes, both from internally and within our environments that can occur when we become mothers. We can experience the world differently, and it can feel as though the world can expect or demand different things from us now, that we are Mothers.

Remember when you went through Adolescence? And there was this period of time, an awkward stage where your body and mind experienced a dramatic change, impacting your world from a physical, social, emotional perspectives and your sense of who you were and how you were in the world, was felt so deeply and was changing constantly.

As your first ‘rite of passage’ of stepping forward into who you are now this huge developmental change occurred. Remember? Society acknowledges, understands and support this period of growth for teenagers - so why not Women as they enter Motherhood? This same thing is what is occurring when we refer to Matrescence.

When we become mothers, and head into Matrescence, one of the first things we can experience is The Inner Split. When we first become mothers, we can experience this push and pull between the woman we used to be, and the emerging mother we are now.

Some women can experience a constant pull to GO BACK to who she was before a mother. To GO BACK to the work, the leisure activities, the body, the friendships and so on..

This creates much resistance, fatigue, overwhelm and ultimately stress and tension in the body as you are attempting to find your way back.

However, there is one message I have for you, lovely -

There is no going back. Only forward.
It’s impossible to get back to something that no longer exists. The rules have changed and now you have a new “normal” to establish – and that takes time.

This shift from womanhood to motherhood (maiden to mother) doesn’t happen in an instant. It is gradual, subtle, and yet powerful – not unlike the changes that happen in adolescence.

So as we move through changes and season in our lives, we need support to make space to feel what is happening and honour these changes.  Mothers need support to find connection with their body+mind for a mindful life.  Utilising OT’s frameworks and our holistic viewpoint and skills, means that we are perfectly-placed to support all aspects of women’s health and wellbeing (including all aspects such as perinatal, maternal and women’s health). 

Give yourself the support and guidance to navigate your unique needs to let the mother in you emerge & evolve.

Is this for you?

This space might be for you if;

  • you need guidance to navigate a season of change, challenge or reconnection

  • want support that honours your story, body and emotional world.

I provide either in person (Cairns based) or online support (Anywhere in the world) for people who are:

  • Pregnant, postpartum or preparing for parenthood

  • Moving through matrescence, and adjusting to new roles

  • Navigating disconnection, overwhelm, anxiety or burnout

  • Managing body image concerns, disordered eating or recovery

  • Living with pelvic pain, hormonal shifts or menstrual change

  • Returning to work and balancing new routines

  • Seeking deeper connection in their parenting or relationships

Have a few more questions?

How I can support you…

If you’re ready to reclaim a more connected, easeful way of being in your life - I’m here to walk along side you.

  • Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or in the thick of early parenting, this support focuses on your emotional wellbeing, parent-infant connection, identity shifts, and the messy middle of matrescence.

  • Guidance through the complex transition into motherhood, addressing identity shifts, emotional adjustment, body reconnection to help you embrace this new chapter with confidence and self compassion.

  • Understand your stress responses and sensory needs so you can feel more calm, rested, and in control in your daily life. Support includes routines around sleep, meals, and self-care — tailored to your nervous system.

  • Utilising a range of sensory, trauma informed, emotional regulation and eating disorder approaches alongside HAES principles to help you reconnect with your body through meaningful activities, fostering healthier habits and self awareness.

  • Support for pelvic pain, periods, perimenopause and the physical impacts of life transitions. Grounded in trauma-informed care and pelvic health OT, this helps you reconnect with your body and manage symptoms with more ease.

  • Learn to tune into your child’s emotional needs while building your confidence as a parent. A powerful, evidence-based program focused on secure attachment and strengthening the caregiver-child bond.

  • Understand how parenthood shifts your relationships — with yourself and your partner. Explore emotional safety, communication, and mutual care through this developmental relationship model.

  • See For Professionals for further details

Ready to take the next step?