In this mama's words:
"I think the most poignant part of postpartum for me so far has been the identity shift in myself. I was not expecting to have an identity crisis in postpartum. I thought adding the layer of mom would be difficult, but not utterly shattering to my sense of self. I didn't think I'd feel so lost. I also didn't expect the rounds of changing, feeding, and getting baby back to sleep would leave me with such little time to myself, or that I'd feel "touched" out by the end of the day. I thought I'd be happily chilling with a baby in my lap browsing YouTube and Netflix. Instead, I don't know what I want to do and feel frazzled- needing a shower, food, or to brush teeth in my spare moments.
I recently learned about the word "matrescence" and that the hormonal shifts of pregnancy and postpartum are as profound as that of adolescence. I was not expecting the flood of emotions- joyful and tearful to be so intertwined in this period. I thought I would still feel like me after giving birth, just with a baby added to the mix and some physical recovery. However, it really feels like my entire identity has been stripped down, and I have to relearn who I am with my new role as mom and this little human so dependent on me. I have struggled emotionally in ways I didn't expect, and I have also seen so much growth I could not have anticipated. I want to remember this transformative time for what it is and to cherish it."
Matrescence is a term used to describe the transition a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother-- encompassing the psychological, emotional, and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood. This transition is goverened by hormones-- akin to adolescence, but centered around motherhood instead of puberty. It involves a shift in identity, relationships, priorities, and responsibilities. If you are already a mother, I think you know what I am talking about. Matrescence is something that we navigate every pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
This is a tender time, even for seasoned moms who are prepared for it through past expierience. I have more than a few children myself and with each of my babies-- even when I knew it was coming, this transition to becoming a mother of 2, 3, and then 4, still shook me to my core and challenged any internal constructs I was holding dear at the time. In addition, the demands of caring for a new baby make it challengeing to hold space for this important passage in our lives.
This is why I offer postpartum photography sessions-- to hold space for this sacred transition. Postpartum session are an alternative to traditional newborn or motherhood photos-- an opportunity to honor your journey into motherhood, your developing bond with your baby and the new you. Postpartum sessions can take place any time within the first 12 months postpartum and are a unique expression of your lived experience. I love to invite collabartion to make these sessions meaningful to each individual. My intention is always to capture the images that you need to see.
You can read more about my postpartum sessions HERE.
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