Have you ever felt like becoming a mum changed more than your daily routine? Like it changed you?

If you’ve felt a shift in your identity, confidence, or sense of self since having a baby, this episode will put words to it.

This episode opens The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your favourite episodes, the ones that made you feel seen, understood, and less alone in your motherhood journey.

In this replay, Renee sits down with Lucy Jones, science writer and author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, to unpack the real transformation that happens in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Not just emotionally, but biologically and socially too.

You’ll hear about:

What matrescence is, and why motherhood can feel like a full-body identity shift
How your brain and body change through pregnancy and postpartum
Why the “this should be natural” narrative can fuel shame and silence
What helps mums feel steadier, supported, and more like themselves again

If you’ve been thinking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me it could feel like this?”, you’re not alone. This episode gives you language, validation, and a way to make sense of what you’re experiencing.

If it helped, share it with a mum who needs it, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next replay.

Resources & Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

📚 Lucy Jones’ book: Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood

🌐 Lucy’s website: https://lucyfjones.com/

📲 Lucy on Instagram: @lucyfjones

This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village.

Disclaimer

The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

Ep 207. Why You Feel Different After Having a Baby (Matrescence, Explained)