Matrescence- The birth of a mother

Matrescence, the transition to motherhood, is an emotionally intense transition, comparable to adolescence. Motherhood brings a profound shift in roles, routines and self-identity. A lot of which feels unexpected and can feel like a profound loss in identity and understanding of oneself. We provide evidence-informed, holistic mother-focused, co-occupation based support, ensuring you feel seen, valued and supported.

“Giving birth to a child does not automatically unleash a previously contained flood of maternal behavior. Nor… does it determine when a woman becomes a mother. The process of matrescence includes a subtle, supportive process of socialisation into motherhood. In many cultures and for most women becoming a mother is their most dramatic life crisis.”

―Lucile Newman (1975)

We provide holistic support during this transition by supporting:

  • Planning for pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester, supporting you with education surrounding birth options, advocacy skills, sensory based tools for birth, labour and navigating early parenting.

  • Adjust to the identity changes of motherhood, understanding the emotional and social shifts that come with matrescence.

  • Rebuild functional confidence in daily tasks such as self-care, parenting roles, and returning to work.

  • Manage the physical load of early motherhood; lifting, feeding, carrying, bending and repetitive tasks- with strategies to reduce pain, strain and fatigue.

  • Support emotional regulation and overwhelm, using sensory-based tools, pacing strategies and routines that restore calm and clarity.

  • Enhance bonding and co-occupation with your baby, including feeding routines, settling strategies, positioning for comfort, and responsive caregiving.

  • Build long-term wellbeing habits, supporting sleep, rest, movement and reconnecting with your own identity as a parent and a woman.

Our goal is to guide you through the complexity of postpartum and matrescence with evidence-informed, compassionate occupational therapy- helping you feel grounded, capable and supported as you grow into motherhood.

Our areas of special interest include:

  • Pregnancy and birth mapping,

  • Sensory tools for labour and parenting,

  • Supporting neurodivergent mothers,

  • Supporting mothers with neurodivergent infants,

  • Navigating and managing birth trauma and birth injuries,

  • Birth debriefing,

  • Early attachment and parenting.