You’re Becoming, But Not Broken: The Identity Shift of Motherhood

Written By Allison Zweig, PMH-C, MSW

“You’re Becoming, But Not Broken: The Identity Shift of Motherhood”

Introduction

Motherhood changes everything. not just your schedule or your sleep, but your sense of self. Many women describe feeling both deeply fulfilled and strangely lost in early motherhood. This isn’t failure; it’s matrescence: the profound, natural identity transformation that comes with becoming a mother.

What Is Matrescence?

Matrescence is a term coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael to describe the process of becoming a mother physically, emotionally, and socially. Just as adolescence transforms a child into an adult, matrescence reshapes a woman into a mother. Hormones shift, priorities realign, and self-concept evolves.

This process takes time and grace.

Why It Can Feel Like an Identity Crisis

Many mothers struggle with a quiet question: “Where did I go?”
Modern culture often skips over this tender transformation, expecting instant joy and capability. But changing this deep asks for patience. You are not losing yourself; you’re becoming someone new: layered, wise, and strong.

How to Support Yourself

  • Name your feelings without shame.

  • Journal regularly and capture who you’re becoming.

  • Seek connection with others who understand this season.

  • Honor your own pace since there’s no timeline for self-redefinition.

Call to Action

If you’re craving a safe space to explore who you’re becoming, Elephant Embrace™ Coaching offers guided reflection and community for mothers navigating the transition of matrescence. You don’t have to do it alone. The herd is here for you.

Allison Zweig, PMH-C, MSW

💛 You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone

Whether you're preparing to welcome a baby, adjusting to postpartum life, grieving a loss, or seeking emotional clarity in the midst of hormonal shifts, you deserve support.

I am so glad you are here. My name is Allison, and I am a Postpartum Doula, Postpartum Coach, and Maternal-Child Health therapist serving Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

My experience and training position me perfectly to assist you with pregnancy and parenting concerns.

I can be a valuable resource when you prepare to become a parent.

I can help you through the challenges and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. As a Peripartum Mental Health (PMH-C) therapist, I can help you and your partner prepare for the arrival of a new baby.

Pregnancy is full of emotional and physical changes! Together, we will work to manage them.

I can help you plan the best “4th” trimester for your family.

In addition to my therapy practice, I have experience as a hospital social worker in a mother-baby unit. This job allowed me to help families get the very best postpartum support.

https://allisonzweig.com
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You Don’t Have to Mother Alone: Rebuilding Your Village