Conversations with Cam
282: “Who Am I Now?” Matrescence and Identity Crises After Becoming a Mom with Psychotherapist Elizabeth Baron
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
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Instagram: @withelizabethb
Website: www.withelizabethb.com
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Substack: Fill Your Cup
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