Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Baby Massage Instructor | Mummy of Two | Founder of Baby Steps
In my Soul-Full Mama and Baby course we discuss the changes that happen hormonally and physically during pregnancy and postnatally. Understanding these changes, especially in the brain, can make new Mums feel so much better that it’s ‘just them’.
At no other time in a human's life are the changes in the brain greater. Sadly this is often not talked about as postnatal life is usually so focused on the baby’s wellbeing.
So here I discuss those changes to help you be kind to yourself as you navigate life as a new Mum...
Matrescence and the Reality of Baby Brain: Navigating the Transition to Motherhood
Motherhood is often idealised as a blissful and fulfilling journey, but the reality is far more complex. The transition to motherhood, a process known as matrescence, involves profound psychological, emotional, and physiological changes. Alongside this, many new mothers experience what is referred to as "baby brain," a phenomenon characterised by forgetfulness and cognitive lapses. This blog explores the concept of matrescence and examines the scientific basis behind the much-debated baby brain.
Understanding Matrescence
Matrescence, a term coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, is akin to adolescence in that it represents a period of significant transformation. Just as adolescence involves the transition from childhood to adulthood, matrescence marks the journey from womanhood to motherhood. This process encompasses a range of changes that affect a woman's identity, body, relationships, and mental state.
Identity Shifts
One of the most profound aspects of matrescence is the shift in identity. New mothers often grapple with the loss of their pre-motherhood selves while trying to integrate their new role. This duality can create a sense of disorientation and internal conflict. The societal pressure to embody the perfect mother further complicates this transition, as women navigate their own expectations alongside external judgments.
Physical Changes
Pregnancy and childbirth bring about significant physical changes. Hormonal fluctuations, bodily transformations, and the demands of breastfeeding all contribute to the physical aspect of matrescence. These changes can be both empowering and challenging. For some, the experience of nurturing a new life brings a profound sense of accomplishment and connection to their bodies. For others, the physical toll can lead to feelings of vulnerability and exhaustion.
Emotional and Psychological Shifts
Emotionally, matrescence is marked by a rollercoaster of feelings. Joy, love, and fulfilment often intermingle with anxiety, sadness, and frustration. Postpartum depression and anxiety are not uncommon, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support. The psychological adjustment to motherhood involves reevaluating priorities, coping with sleep deprivation, and managing the constant demands of a newborn.
The Reality of Baby Brain
The phenomenon of baby brain, or "momnesia," is a topic of much debate. New mothers frequently report experiencing memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of mental fog. While some dismiss baby brain as a myth, emerging research suggests there is a scientific basis for these cognitive changes.
Hormonal Influences
Pregnancy and childbirth involve substantial hormonal shifts, particularly in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones play crucial roles in brain function, including memory and cognition. During pregnancy, the brain undergoes structural changes, with some areas showing increased activity while others experience a reduction. These alterations are thought to prepare the mother for the demands of caregiving, enhancing emotional attunement to the baby.
Brain Plasticity
Neuroscientific research indicates that the maternal brain exhibits remarkable plasticity. Studies using brain imaging techniques have shown that pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in brain structure, particularly in areas related to social cognition and emotional processing. These adaptations are believed to enhance a mother's ability to empathise with and respond to her infant's needs, promoting bonding and caregiving behaviours.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation, a natural and challenging consequence of early motherhood and a significant contributor to cognitive changes. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs various cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and executive functioning. The demands of nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and soothing a fussy baby disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to the characteristic mental fog associated with baby brain.
Stress and Multitasking
The stress of caring for a newborn, combined with the need to juggle multiple responsibilities, can also impact cognitive function. The brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions like planning and decision-making, can become overwhelmed by the constant demands of motherhood. This overload can result in lapses in memory and attention.
Embracing the Transition
Understanding matrescence and the reality of baby brain is crucial for new mothers and those supporting them. Recognising that these experiences are part of a natural and transformative process can help alleviate feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
Here are some strategies to navigate this journey:
Seeking Support
Building a strong support network is essential. This can include partners, family, friends, and professional resources such as therapists or support groups. Sharing experiences and challenges with others who understand can provide comfort and validation. The courses I offer give you a bubble of support in the cosy cocoon of the Baby Steps Studio. My 6 week Soul-Full Mama and Baby and 5 week Baby Massage and Relaxation courses give you the chance to feel heard and seen, feel supported by me and other Mums experiencing the challenges and joys of being a new parent, plus a cuppa, home comforts, a chance to relax and catch your breath each week and valuable tools which will last a lifetime as a Mum.
Prioritising Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Finding time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring joy can help mitigate the stresses of motherhood. Even small moments of self-care can have a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being.
Managing Expectations
Letting go of the idealised notion of the perfect mother can be liberating. Embracing imperfection and recognizing that it's okay to struggle can reduce the pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Every mother's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood.
Staying Informed
Educating oneself about the changes occurring during matrescence and the reality of baby brain can provide a sense of control and understanding. Knowledge empowers mothers to seek appropriate support and make informed decisions about their well-being. The Soul-Full Mama and Baby course goes through this each week with a new theme and gorgeous tool kit.
Matrescence and baby brain are integral aspects of the motherhood journey, encompassing a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Recognizing and validating these experiences can help new mothers navigate the challenges and embrace the profound transformation that comes with motherhood. As society becomes more aware of the realities of matrescence, we can foster a more supportive and understanding environment for mothers, ultimately enhancing their well-being and the well-being of their families.
At the end of my first Soul-Full Mama and Baby course the feedback has been mind blowing. It took my breath away. Never before has the support been more needed with NHS services being so stretched. Rarely now do parents have visits from the midwife or a Health Visitor Clinic as was the norm a few years ago, let alone 6 weekly visits from the Health Visitor as my Mum would have had! Often families are not close by either.
Soul- Full Mama and Baby not only offers a bubble of support, relaxation and a chance to catch your breath but we also discuss Matrescence.
There are still places left for the September course starting on Monday 9th September for 6 weeks 10.30am - 12 noon. Suitable from birth - crawling. This is the essential course taking care of you to help you take care of your baby.
The feedback from this course has just been phenomenal.
“If you do one course as a new Mum, do this one”
"I didn’t realise how much I needed this each week. I will never forget the support in the Studio. It’s taken me from overwhelmed to calm”
When you become a Mum the world is so baby-focused. This course gives you a supportive bubble where each week we explore the emotional, physical & hormonal changes in early motherhood & gorgeous tools to manage the challenges this can bring.
This will ensure you feel prepared & better supported as a Mum, partner, daughter, friend, colleague & all the other roles we juggle!
Along with special moments with your baby, relaxation, enjoying the Baby Steps garden, pamper, a cuppa & a WhatsApp group for the course this will be a very special few weeks which will give you tools, memories (and maybe friends) to last a lifetime 🩵
There are discounts available if friends book too. All in the calming, cosy cocoon of the Baby Steps Studio in the woods with home comforts & private parking.
Use Code: SFSEPT
I can’t wait to welcome you and give you the support you need & deserve
Katherine x
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