Book Review: Matrescence by Lucy Jones

With chapter titles including “Care Work and Creativity in Late-stage Capitalism” and “Zombie Cells”, I had a feeling that I would find Matrescence* by Lucy Jones fascinating. I was correct. Such a unique book that did make me reflect on, as the subtitle mentions, “the metamorphosis of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.” Today, let’s chat about what Matrescence is, and how this book will leave you feeling empowered. 

Firstly, if you haven’t come across the phrase before, Matrescence is the process, named by anthropologists, of becoming a mother. Author Jones first came across the phrase in an article in the New York Times, written by a reproductive psychiatrist named Alexandra Sacks. Digger deeper, Jones found the first mention of a name for this shift in identity in an essay written by Dana Raphael; the title of which was Matrescence; Becoming a Mother, A New/Old Rite de Passage.”  Bringing us back to the early 2020s, it is clear how little research prioritises the psychological, social, and physiological changes that occur when a person becomes a mother – across all disciplines. However, this book hopes to raise the profile and volume of this critical area of work.

Lucy Jones is an author who has a wide-ranging portfolio of pieces covering culture, science, and nature. Her experience of pregnancy and motherhood is a thread across this book, but the power lies in her almost poetic connection between the natural world and the post-pregnancy world. She writes impactfully about the ways that other living beings, live and develop, opening our minds to the connections that we all have. This leads to, I believe, the ability to create a compassionate critique of how society treats mothers, and the impact that has, when layered with the very real cognitive, emotional, physical and identity shifts that begin (but don’t end when the baby is born!). This is one of the books that I wish I had read with a highlighter pen within easy reach, and I found myself stopping to read out key parts to those that were around me.

The book is challenging in parts; learning about the way our bodies change for DECADES, the cultural impact of how motherhood (especially in a work-first, socially scattered society) is de-valued, and how truly little is understood compared to other parts of the female and reproductive health science. This is noticeable by the timing of so many of the studies that she cites, it’s not really been taken seriously enough to invest in previous times. It needs to be read by all – parents and parents-to-be – to help them understand the monumental changes that will occur. (Whilst it talks about motherhood – parenthood in general is mentioned. It highlights that the changes that happen aren’t only linked to biologically giving birth.) But this also needs to be a must-read for ANYONE who personally or professionally connects with, looks after or claims to support mothers. Like everything, education is power.

You read this book with a clear understanding, that the medical profession needs to spend time understanding what happens physiologically and emotionally during pregnancy, to better prepare mothers. Communicating about these neurobiological changes, in the same way we are told about puberty and more recently perimenopause, with reduce the mental health impact of motherhood, and help us all understand our bodies better. As long as the research is taken seriously, of course. 

However, the overarching message for me is the mothers aren’t given the support they need. During pregnancy, we are looked after, as a “vessel,” and are then set adrift. The changes that we undergo aren’t discussed, which can lead to isolation and an impact on our mental health. Generally, Western Society values productivity over parenting, and the social structures aren’t collectively in place to support the needs of the mother, navigating this new experience. 

Like some other books, I have not included the Clara Cliff Notes this time. I want each person to read this book and gain what they need from it. This book shares the harder part of Matrescence – it’s like anything when it’s going well, we don’t always seek out information to reassure ourselves. Yet when we are struggling or confused, we can feel on our own. Hopefully, this book will reassure you as it educates.

I’d love to know what you think about it! Come over to Creating Careers to Enjoy.
If you want more title suggestions, read my other book reviews via the website.

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