‘We need to talk about what motherhood does to women’
Sep 5, 2024
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Zoe Blaskey, author of 'Motherkind', dives deep into the psychological and physiological transformations that women experience during motherhood. She discusses the pervasive feelings of isolation and inadequacy many face, shedding light on matrescence and the confusion it brings. Zoe emphasizes the critical need for open conversations about mental health and self-compassion. Additionally, she highlights the importance of self-care and community support while navigating the overwhelming pressures of modern motherhood.
Zoe Blaskey emphasizes that the emotional and identity shifts during matrescence are often unacknowledged, leading mothers to feel isolated in their struggles.
The podcast highlights the overwhelming pressures on modern mothers due to a lack of community support and societal expectations, stressing the need for greater awareness and resources.
Deep dives
The Unspoken Challenges of Motherhood
Motherhood often comes with unexpected emotional turmoil, including confusion, self-doubt, and feelings of failure. Many women, like Zoe Blaskey, experience a stark contrast between their expectations of motherhood and the reality, leading them to feel isolated in their struggles. Zoe emphasizes that while a baby is born, a new version of the mother also emerges, a transformation that lacks discussion in modern society. This gap in understanding can deepen the emotional burden mothers feel as they navigate this significant change.
Recognizing Matrescence as a Transformative Process
Matrescence, the anthropological term describing the transition into motherhood, parallels adolescence in its transformative nature. This process involves shifts in identity, body, hormones, and relationships, making it vital for mothers to acknowledge their evolving selves. Zoe highlights that understanding matrescence can help mothers realize they are not alone in their struggles and encourage them to seek support. This newfound awareness can lead to greater self-compassion, alleviating the guilt often associated with the challenges of parenting.
The Importance of Community and Support
The modern landscape of motherhood is marked by a lack of community support, despite advancements in understanding parenting. While more mothers are participating in the workforce than ever, they often shoulder the majority of the emotional and physical burdens of raising children. Zoe points out that this imbalance, exacerbated by diminished resources and community connections, can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Recognizing these pressures is crucial in reshaping societal expectations and fostering an environment where mothers can thrive.
Zoe Blaskey, author of Motherkind, didn’t realise that she was unprepared for the huge psychological and physiological changes that motherhood brought. Now she’s spreading the word to other mothers. But why are we still not talking about this?
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Guests: Zoe Blaskey, author of the book 'Motherkind' and host of the podcast 'Motherkind'