282: “Who Am I Now?” Matrescence and Identity Crises After Becoming a Mom with Psychotherapist Elizabeth Baron

Jan 29

In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Baron, a maternal mental health psychotherapist, to discuss all things matrescence: the physical and psychological changes that come from being a mother. Elizabeth shares the history of the term, how matrescence is a long-term journey, and how overwhelming feelings of ambivalence can play a role. We talk about the “apology tour” of motherhood, the range of experiences that can come from matrescence, and why grief over leaving your pre-motherhood life is natural. She also shares why the four to six month postpartum mark is often significant for mothers, what the “Ghost in the Nursery” paper reveals about reparenting ourselves, how we can allow our children to become who they are, and more.

Key Takeaway / Points:

On matrescence, what it means, and the history of the term
On matrescence being a long-term journey
On ambivalence, the constant push-pull, and the shame that comes from it
On the “apology tour” of motherhood
On the range of experiences that come out of matrescence
On the unrealistic image of the perfect mother
On the grief that comes with leaving your pre-motherhood life
On the scientific data from studying matrescence
Why the four-six month postpartum mark is often significant for mothers
On the comparison culture that has tainted our expectations for ourselves
On the “Ghost in the Nursery” paper and reparenting ourselves
On parenting your children individually
On allowing our children become who they are
On the reconciliation process in motherhood
How Elizabeth fills her cup

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

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Follow Elizabeth:

Instagram: @withelizabethb

Website: www.withelizabethb.com

Follow me:

Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers and @conversationswithcam

Substack: Fill Your Cup

Website: cameronoaksrogers.com