Why the transition to motherhood is a profound identity shift called matrescence
In short: Reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks explains the emotional complexity of becoming a mother. She introduces the term matrescence to describe this natural, often unsteady transition, helping to distinguish it from postpartum depression and reduce the shame many new mothers feel.
The transition to motherhood is a significant developmental period that involves an emotional tug-of-war. Sacks argues that when a baby is born, a mother is also born, marking a profound change in identity that is frequently misunderstood or silenced.
By naming this process matrescence, Sacks provides a framework to validate the unsteady nature of this life stage. This perspective helps differentiate the normal psychological and emotional shifts of new motherhood from clinical conditions like postpartum depression, allowing for a more supportive understanding of the experience.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A new way to think about the transition to motherhood | Alexandra Sacks
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-a-new-way-to-think-about-the-transition-to-motherhood-alexan.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Psychology · More in Ideas & Philosophy · Latest · A–Z · All topics
