matrescence

American  

[muh-tres-uhns] / məˈtrɛs əns /

noun

1. the process of becoming a mother; the psychological, social, and developmental transitions associated with becoming a mother.

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Explanation

Matrescence is the developmental process of becoming a mother, including profound physical, psychological, social, and emotional changes. The medical anthropologist Dana Raphael coined the word matrescence in the 1970s, from the Latin matresco, "to become a mother." She posited that the transition to being a mother is as important and complex as adolescence, the period during which a child transitions into an adult. While the hormonal shifts of pregnancy and birth are important aspects of matrescence, modern psychology emphasizes that matrescence is a developmental process and social passage that is relevant to adoptive and foster mothers as well.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

matrescence

Santorelli points to something called matrescence as the reason.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026

"Simply put, matrescence means the physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child," she says.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2023

It addresses issues such as breastfeeding problems and the affect of matrescence on relationships with partners.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2023

There are American babies much less likely to survive their childhood, American women less likely to survive their matrescence.

From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2021

Through my gaze as a mother and as a photographer, I wanted to convey matrescence: the fundamental human experience of becoming a mother.

From Washington Post