About Becoming & Matrescence

Becoming a Mother Is a Journey

Matrescence is the physical, emotional, psychological, and social transition into motherhood.

Much like adolescence, matrescence is a period of tremendous growth and transformation. It can bring joy, uncertainty, vulnerability, and profound changes in identity, relationships, and daily life.

At Becoming Collective, we believe mothers deserve support throughout this transition, not just during pregnancy or immediately after birth.

Our goal is to create opportunities for education, connection, advocacy, and community care so that no mother feels she has to navigate this journey alone.

Because strong mothers deserve strong villa-ges.

Explore Matrescence

The Science and Experience of Becoming a Mother

Motherhood changes more than our daily routines. It can transform how we think, feel, connect with others, and understand ourselves.

The journey of matrescence is increasingly recognized in research as a significant developmental transition, yet many women enter motherhood without ever hearing the term.

We've gathered a few educational resources to help you better understand the physical, emotional, psychological, and social changes that can accompany becoming a mother.

Whether you're expecting, navigating postpartum life, supporting a loved one, or working in maternal wellness, we invite you to explore what it truly means to become.

Recommended Resources

A New Way to Think About the Transition to Motherhood

Dr. Alexandra Sacks | TED Talk | 6 minutes

An approachable introduction to matrescence, including the complicated emotions and identity changes that can accompany becoming a mother. Excellent for someone hearing the term for the first time.

Watch the TED Talk

A Critical Need for the Concept of Matrescence in Perinatal Psychiatry

Dr. Aurelie Athan | Frontiers in Psychiatry | 2024

Explains why matrescence should be recognized as a significant developmental transition rather than viewing every difficult maternal experience exclusively through a clinical lens.

Explore Matrescence

Matrescence: Lifetime Impact of Motherhood on Cognition and the Brain

Orchard and colleagues | Trends in Cognitive Sciences | 2023

A scientific review exploring how motherhood relates to changes in cognition, the brain, and adaptation over time.

Discover the Science

Less Can Be More: Fine Tuning the Maternal Brain

Pawluski and colleagues | Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews | 2022

Explores how the maternal brain adapts during pregnancy and postpartum, offering insight into the biological side of matrescence.

Explore Brain Changes