What does “perinatal” mean? And, what about “matrescence?”
Let’s clear up the confusion about all the “P” words - prenatal, postpartum, postnatal, perinatal, pre-conception.
And, what about “matrescence?”
What do these words really MEAN? And, why are they important?
I’ve coined the termed “Perinatal Yoga Therapist” to emphasize that my work spans beyond solely pregnancy and post-birth. It’s so much more vast and necessary to focus on the years pre-pregnancy and the years (yes, YEARS) of postpartum, which is why I work in overall women’s health, too.
What’s resoundingly clear in our modern vernacular is the dearth of understanding that surrounds this continuum:
Fertility —> Planning for pregnancy —> Pregnancy —> Birth —> Immediate postpartum —> Postpartum —> and, so on.
i.e. The Perinatal Period.
See how expansive it is? And, because of this, our health during one of these periods will affect the next phase. Which means that how we care for ourselves during the immediate and secondary postpartum phases affects our health and well-being FOR LIFE. This is why when I work with older clients, we sometimes talk about their postpartum experiences! It matters.
Who doesn’t love a brief glossary of terms?
Fertility - Refers to the time of life where a woman or female body menstruates and can become and stay pregnant. Fertility does not necessarily equate to “wanting a baby.” Fertility is an indicator of overall health. For example, if a woman isn’t cycling or experiencing irregular cycles in between her first period and peri-menopause, then that would indicate a fertility issue. She may or may not want to become pregnant, but this could (and does) indicate a state of dis-ease, deficiency, or inflammation somewhere in the body.
Pre-Conception - Refers to the period of time where a woman or birthing person, AND her partner prepare for conceiving a child and a healthy pregnancy. Pre-Conception is commonly overlooked in the West. We’re an impatient culture. We want something and then want it to happen in the next breath. In Ayurveda and other innate wisdom traditions, we know there’s a period of time to prepare for pregnancy. To eat nourishing foods and properly nourish the bodily tissues. To practice the right forms of movement to encourage blood flow. To address stress. To let go, etc.
Prenatal - Refers to the time where a woman or birthing person is pregnant and carrying a baby or babies. Pregnancy includes three trimesters. This is the time pre-birth.
Labor + Birth - Refers to the period of time where a woman is in labor and in the process of birthing her baby or babies. Labor has three stages - Early/Active Labor, Transition (birthing a baby), and the Delivery of the Placenta. It can be a few hours or days long. Labor and birth can take place at home, in a birthing center, or at a hospital; and there are so many ways to GIVE birth. Remember, the mother or birthing person delivers her baby, not a care provider.
Postnatal + Postpartum - Refers to the time after birth. In my work, I use the terms interchangeably on a broader scale. I define postpartum in different phases, as well - Immediate Postpartum, Primary Postpartum, Secondary Postpartum, For Life. Understanding each of these phases and how they differ is crucial to postpartum care, mother care, and care of the children.
Perinatal - Refers to the entire continuum of fertility, preconception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and years postpartum. Clinically, the term “perinatal” means more or less the time right around birth. I expand how we define “around birth,” as there is more nuance and depth.
We did it! All those P’s! But, wait…there’s something else…
Matrescence.
There is a period of becoming when transitioning to the new role and/or identity as mother. Much like adolescence, matrescence includes massive physical changes - hormonal shifts, brain pattern restructuring, production of milk (i.e. FOOD for baby), and healing from birth. It’s a time of emotional and mental changes, spiritual growth or wavering, social change, financial change.
Change. Change. Change.
All at once. It’s a naturally intense time.
And, yet…we pathologize it. We want a diagnosis for why we feel a certain way, why we don’t feel like ourselves. We criticize ourselves for our “mom brains,” our changed bodies, our emotional instability, our baby blues, our heightened sense of awareness and survival instincts. We berate ourselves when we realize the lie of “you can do it all,” doesn’t actually apply to motherhood. Because, no…you can’t do it all and, in fact, you were never meant to. What if these were all super-powers in disguise?
Matrescence is a process of becoming that may take years. Not hours. Not days. Not months. But, years.
It’s a process that can assist us in re-aligning our priorities. IF we allow it. And, IF we are surrounded by a community who supports this shift, rather than advising us to power and push through and “lean in.” It’s okay to lean out to lean into something else. It’s okay to acknowledge that your needs and that of your family are different now. That’s self-empowerment. That’s anchoring into truth.
What might happen if we embraced a concept like matrescence? How would health change? Policies? Expectations? Real connection? Acceptance of Self?
What term is new to you? Or resonates with you? I’d love to hear from you!
Jai Ma.
With love,
Leanne
