What Matrescence Really Means with Dr Aurelie Athan

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of matrescence and how motherhood represents a significant identity transformation.

Becoming a mother isn't just a personal change but a profound identity transformation on par with adolescence. In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben is joined by Dr. Aurélie Athan, clinical psychologist and scholar of reproductive identity, whose groundbreaking work on matrescence reframes motherhood as a major developmental passage. Together, they unpack how motherhood alters our physiology, status, relationships, economics, spirituality, and sense of self, and why recognising these shifts matters more than ever in today's fractured support landscape. This is a conversation that reshapes how we think about mothers, not as a monolith, but as individuals on distinct and complex reproductive journeys. From delayed childbearing to chosen childlessness, from postpartum crisis to existential reawakening, Aurélie and Danusia delve into the real universals of becoming, and being, a mother. It's not about ticking boxes. It's about honouring the full, evolving story. Discover more from us: • Join the Parents Who Think community on Substack • Follow us on Instagram • Connect with Danusia • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts • Advertising Inquiries here Credits: •…

People in this episode

Host: Danusia Malina-Derben

Guest: Dr. Aurélie Athan

Topics covered

• matrescence
• motherhood
• identity transformation
• reproductive identity
• support landscape
• personal change

Keywords

• matrescence
• motherhood
• identity
• psychology
• developmental passage
• reproductive journeys
• postpartum
• support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Parents Who Think, Apple Podcasts

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