matrescence

There's a word for the seismic identity shift of becoming a mother: matrescence. On the grief, the love, the becoming, and being seen in the middle of it.

Matrescence: The Becoming No One Named for You

There is a moment, somewhere in the early weeks or months of motherhood, when a woman catches sight of herself in the mirror and does not entirely recognize the person looking back. The face is familiar enough, more tired perhaps, softer or sharper than before, but something behind the eyes has shifted in a way […]

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