Mother Becoming: (Reflections and Scholarship on Matrescence)

Mother Becoming explores the emerging concept of matrescence, the word used to describe the transition to motherhood. Cultivating a better understanding of matrescence is imperative for the wellbeing of mothers. There is often little acknowledgement of this tremendously life-changing experience, and the vast majority of support proffered during this tender time is directed toward the wellbeing of the baby. But becoming a mother is rife with upheaval and disorientation, and mothers must renegotiate their identities, relationships and values while simultaneously contending with the immense learning curve of motherwork. Through scholarship and storytelling alike, Mother Becoming unearths the multidimensional, kaleidoscopic nature of matrescence while also highlighting research, policy and practice recommendations to better support mothers. Mother Becoming is a wise companion for mothers and a practical guide for the professionals, communities and family members who support them.