Introduction to motherhood

The term was coined by us and based on the English term "Matrescence like Adolescence", i.e. motherhood like puberty.

Motherhood doesn't happen overnight or even in nine months. And unfortunately, unlike with puberty, almost nobody knows that. Instead, you are expected to know exactly what to do by the time your child is born, at the very latest. After all, you are a woman, so being a mother should be innate to you. You have to feel the greatest love at first sight and know instinctively what exactly your child needs. All of this is expected while your body and soul feel unlike how they’ve ever felt before.

This can be quite unsettling when you don't feel the way you're expected to, either by yourself or by others. As an added bonus that comes with your new role, many also experience a constant sense of guilt.

Scientists have found that mothers' brains change so much that a computer can use brain scans to predict with 100% accuracy whether the image is of a mother's brain or not. This enormous remodeling process usually only occurs during puberty.

Why has nobody told us this?!

For a significant period, research had neglected to focus on women, and mothers were only of interest, if at all, when examining their impact on children's development. However, the inner experiences of women undergoing the transformative journey of motherhood were largely disregarded.

We strongly believe that when we acknowledge the profound transformation women undergo when becoming mothers, our journey will become significantly smoother. Embracing this new role and getting to know the new people in our lives, including the baby and ourselves, takes time. This experience can be tumultuous, intense, and occasionally uncomfortable, representing a substantial period of personal growth.

Patience, compassion, and, above all, support are indispensable. Just as we provide assistance to adolescents today because we understand the challenges they face and how vulnerable that time can be, we also need similar understanding and support for mothers.

We need a language, a term, to precisely describe this phase. This terminology allows us to communicate with others and recognize that this experience is not just individual but shared by many. Language promotes visibility and connection. This term should convey that it's entirely normal to feel disoriented, overwhelmed, and yet profoundly happy as you navigate this journey.

Our message to you is this:

You are absolutely fine if, during the first few months or even years, you repeatedly feel unprepared for motherhood, experience exhaustion, seek support, and need to take breaks. You are not alone, and it's totally okay to ask for help and take time for yourself.