Workshop for mothers to take place

By Sarah Filan, Workshop facilitator

Have you ever heard of the term matrescence?

It is a term which was coined by an anthropologist named Dana Raphael in 1975. Matrescence is defined as the process of becoming a mother. When a child is born, so is a mother. During matrescence, so many bodily, emotional and hormonal changes take place, which can feel very overwhelming and unsettling at times.

Did you know that during pregnancy, a woman's brain receives a ‘software upgrade’ and it is one of the times of greatest neurogenesis a woman will experience, which is exceeded only by the changes and growth that happens in our brains when we are a developing foetus! A woman's journey into matrescence is completely unique and her transition will be dependent upon many factors for example - prior expectations and education around motherhood, pre-birth physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, resources and support network available and many more.

Becoming a mother is, beyond doubt, one of the most fulfilling and rewarding roles any woman can take on. However, the changes, challenges and responsibilities that process brings, is quite underestimated and very often has to be experienced to be truly understood.

In the process of carrying and birthing a child, it deserves to be acknowledged and recognised, that in medical systems but also among social and cultural systems, there is an imbalance of focus, which is very much put on the child and their welfare.

To bring about more balance of focus, much more importance needs to be placed on the physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of mothers. It cannot be overstated that both mother and child are equally important in this process.

What can we do to show mothers that they are just as important as their child? We can start by actively listening and encouraging mothers to express their needs, feelings, experiences and challenges, without fear of shame or condemnation. We can show much more appreciation, understanding, admiration and support for their journey. We can create more space for them to discuss their experiences and be empowered to learn skills, knowledge and techniques which will support them to manage or improve their emotional and mental health and wellbeing effectively. This is my aim in creating the Merry Mamas Workshop.

For 6 weeks, I will hold for mothers, a safe, healing, empowering and non-judgemental space, for sharing, engagement, support, learning and connection. We will discuss all topics mentioned above plus much more. Each week we will discuss a new theme related to matrescence and maternal emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

I will teach skills and techniques to manage stress and anxiety, regulate emotions and the nervous system, improve mind-body connection and overall emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

Merry Mamas will run from 10-11.30am on 12 October in Upper Glanmire Community Hall for 6 weeks.