Mother Becoming

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.

Jessie Harrold, B.Sc., MA, is a coach, doula and author of the award-winning book Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage. A pioneer in the field of matrescence, Jessie is the founder of the internationally acclaimed matrescence support program MotherSHIFT, as well as The Village, its sister program for perinatal professionals. She is a mother of two children and lives on the wild ocean coast of Mi?kmaq?i.