“It’s not me anymore, it’s him” A hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis of matrescence with implications for counselling and psychotherapeutic practice

Abstract

NHS England (2024) estimates that perinatal mental illness affects up to 27% of all new mums, yet little explains what is typically experienced mentally when an individual becomes a mother. The void in research infers that matrescence is of little import to the maternal experience and may subsequently contribute to maternal distress as a mother’s expectations do not meet their lived reality. This article aims to better understand the lived experience of matrescence so consideration may be given to its impact on mothers. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was selected to support an in-depth exploration of matrescence phenomena. Semi-structured qualitative interviews centred around a genogram and creation of clay self-symbols, were conducted with six mothers 8-10 months after their first child’s arrival. Participants were considered low-risk, and included birth mothers and one adoptive mother, from single and dual parent families, in England. The study resulted in four themes: (1) A change of state and a state of change; expresses multi-dimensional and ongoing adjustment (2) Mother matters; explores a paradox of existential mattering (3) M/other merger; reflects relational shifts (4) Prepare to be unprepared; considers the impact of unpredictability, and real and ideal notions. The study's findings contribute toward an emerging conceptualisation of matrescence. Greater understanding may help enable perinatal health-care providers to develop preventative policies and interventions which better support mothers.