I Thought I’d Feel Like Myself Again After Having a Baby — Then I Learned This
Ready for a career that fits who you are now? Join my 30-day Career Pivot Challenge. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, explore what’s possible and turn your next move into a practical plan. Join the waitlist for first access and 30% off.
Everyone expects your baby to change. But who prepares you for how much you’ll change too?
If you’ve ever wondered “Where have I gone?” or felt that you should have figured motherhood out by now, this solo episode is for you.
Zoe shares ten things everyone needs to know about matrescence: the physical, emotional and psychological transformation of becoming a mother. She explores why your identity, relationships, priorities and ambitions can feel different, and why adjusting to motherhood can take far longer than we’re led to believe.
Through her jigsaw puzzle analogy, Zoe explains what it means to rebuild your life with children in the picture. She also reflects on the loneliness of feeling different inside while everyone around you still expects the old version of you.
Whether you’re a new mum or years into motherhood, this episode offers language for what you’re experiencing and a little more compassion for the woman you’re becoming.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
What matrescence means and why understanding it can change how you see yourself
How Zoe describes the brain and hormonal changes that accompany motherhood
Why rebuilding your identity takes time
How you can adore your children and still miss parts of your old life
Why motherhood can feel lonely, even when you’re rarely alone
How self-compassion, community and space to change can support you
Why asking “Who am I becoming?” can help you move forward
Watch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe.
Loved this episode?
Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with
Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet
Connect with Zoe:
Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’
This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:
Headline sponsor: Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.
Grape Tree Feel Good Foods. Buy online at Grapetree.co.uk or find your local store
Key topics: Matrescence • Identity after motherhood • Emotional changes in motherhood • Maternal wellbeing • Motherhood expectations • Loneliness in motherhood • Self-compassion • Changing priorities • Personal growth