Matrescence Explained: The Emotional, Mental & Identity Shifts of Motherhood

Motherhood changes everything…including the mother herself.

In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Chelsey Scaffidi, the author of The Mother Year, to discuss matrescence, the seasons of motherhood, and the profound identity shifts women experience when becoming mothers.

As both a mother and attorney, she shares honest insight into the emotional, mental, and relational transformation that often accompanies motherhood, yet is rarely talked about openly. We discuss the invisible labor of motherhood, career identity, the emotional weight many mothers carry, and why understanding matrescence can help women feel less alone in the transition.

This conversation is validating, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging for mothers in every stage of parenting.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What matrescence means

• The identity shifts of motherhood

• Emotional and mental changes after becoming a mother

• The different seasons of motherhood

• Career identity and motherhood

• The invisible mental load mothers carry

• Loneliness and overwhelm in motherhood

• Why mothers often feel pressure to “bounce back”

• How mothers can reconnect with themselves

About Our Guest

Chelsey Scaffidi is an author, attorney, meditation teacher, and mother of two whose work explores the transformation women experience through motherhood.

After becoming a mother herself, Chelsey found that while there was endless information about caring for a baby, there was far less conversation about the profound changes happening within the mother. This led her to explore matrescence - the developmental, emotional, and neurological transition into motherhood - and ultimately inspired her internationally bestselling book, The Mother Year.

Drawing from hundreds of interviews and conversations with mothers, as well as research in neuroscience, psychology, and human development, Chelsey's work helps women better understand the identity shifts, challenges, and growth that often accompany motherhood. Her TEDx talk, Why Motherhood May Feel Like Middle School, further brought this conversation into the mainstream.

Through her writing, speaking, and gatherings, Chelsey creates spaces where women can feel seen in the complexity of motherhood and supported in the process of becoming.

She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two little boys. 

Connect With Our Guest

Purchase "The Mother Year": https://amzn.to/3T3M6RP

Listen to her Ted Talk! https://youtu.be/LebnkMp4XfA?is=qLFEZyaC5quusWJZ

 

Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE.

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This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com