The Psychology of Becoming a Mother
You're not losing yourself.
You're becoming.
Matrescence is the profound identity transformation of becoming a mother. It's as significant as adolescence — and just as misunderstood. Let's change that, together.
Understanding the Shift
What is Matrescence?
Coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael and brought into psychology by Dr. Alexandra Sacks, matrescence describes the developmental passage of becoming a mother.
Just like adolescence reshapes your identity, brain, body, and relationships — so does motherhood. It's not a disorder. It's not a phase. It's a transformation.
And like any transformation, it can feel disorienting, overwhelming, and lonely — especially when nobody around you has the language for it.
Your brain physically changes
Grey matter reorganises to prepare you for caregiving.
Your identity shifts
Who you were and who you're becoming coexist — sometimes uncomfortably.
Your relationships transform
With your partner, your parents, your friends, yourself.
Ambivalence is normal
Loving your child and mourning your old life can coexist.
Meet Julia
Psychologist. Mother. Human.
I hold two master's degrees — in Clinical Psychology and Business Psychology. I've read the research on maternal mental health, identity transitions, and neuroplasticity.
And then I became a mother. And everything I knew theoretically, I experienced viscerally. This space exists because the science deserves to be translated — from journals into real conversations with real women navigating real change.
Read my full story →What We Explore
Content Pillars
Materima
The identity transformation of becoming a mother. Brain changes, ambivalence, self-discovery, and the science of this profound developmental passage.
Expat Mom
Motherhood abroad — the unique challenges of raising children far from home, building community in transient cities, and navigating cultures.
Life Transitions
Career changes, relocation, separation, new beginnings. The psychology of navigating change with resilience and self-compassion.
From the Blog
Latest Articles
Die 10 häufigsten Ängste in der Schwangerschaft — und was die Forschung dazu sagt
Angst vor der Geburt, Sorge um das Baby, Zweifel an sich selbst: Fast jede werdende Mutter kennt diese Gedanken. Welche Ängste am häufigsten sind und warum sie evolutionär Sinn ergeben.
11 min read
Postpartum Anxiety in Expat Settings: When Distance Amplifies Fear
Postpartum anxiety affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers — but when you're thousands of kilometres from family, it hits different. Here's what the research says.
9 min read
Co-Regulation: How Your Nervous System Shapes Your Child's
Your calm isn't just for you — it's literally building your child's brain. The science of co-regulation explains why your emotional state matters more than your words.
8 min read
Free Tools
Try Something Right Now
Motherhood Burnout Check
A 15-question guided self-assessment based on burnout research. Private, educational, and surprisingly validating.
Take the assessment →5-Day Calm Mom Challenge
Five days of science-backed strategies — from nervous system regulation to self-compassion to boundary scripts.
Start the challenge →Coming Soon
Honestly, Mama
A weekly podcast where psychology meets the reality of motherhood. Evidence-based, warm, and honest — because you deserve more than "just breathe."
Learn MoreWhat Mothers Say
From the Community
Finally someone who gets it. Reading Julia's articles feels like talking to a friend who also happens to know the science.
Sarah K.
Mother of two, Dubai
The burnout check made me realise I wasn't 'just tired' — I was genuinely overwhelmed. It gave me permission to ask for help.
Emma L.
First-time mother
I shared the co-regulation article with my husband and it changed how we parent together. We finally have a shared language.
Camille R.
Mother navigating expat life
Work With Julia
Ready for 1:1 Support?
Personalised coaching grounded in psychology for mothers navigating identity shifts, burnout, relationship changes, and expat life. Because you don't have to figure this out alone.
The Monday Reset
Every Monday morning: one psychology insight, one practical strategy, one reminder that you're doing better than you think.
Join mothers who start their week with science and solidarity.
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