Matrescence Is Adolescence for Moms

ROAR with Danielle Davies: Women, Culture and Impact · Oct 22, 2026 · 2m

A quick takeaway from my conversation with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz about one of the biggest women’s experiences we barely name: matrescence.

Matrescence is the physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual change a woman goes through when she becomes a mother. It’s being studied as the equivalent of adolescence in its scope and depth. When a teenager is struggling, we say, “Of course. They’re in adolescence.” New moms deserve that same understanding.

Becoming a mom was the most spectacular thing that ever happened to me. It was also the most difficult. Having a word for it helps.

Listen…