MOTHERING AND CAREGIVING.

Matresence.

Previously under recognised within the medical and scienfic literature is the phenomenon of matresence, as defined by anthropologist Dana Rapheal in the 1970’ as the physical, emotional mental and spiritual shift that occurs through a women’s or persons evolution into mothering and caregiving. Our sense of selves is not only a mind made construct it is also rooted in bodily origin thus as our bodies transmorph through the process of becoming mothers, which may not only be physical, so too do our identities. It’s a transition that can feel disconcerting, disorientating and isolating. One in which we can feel like we’ve lost ourselves. Illuminating matzrsence as a natural occurrence in the transition into mothering and caregiving can soften the effects of this internally tumultuous and uncertain time, bringing forth understanding and grace as opposed to judgement and fear.

4th Nov 2024.

References and Further Reading.

https://www.matrescence.com