Ep. 35 Matrescence, the history, rite of passage, understanding and role in today's world with clinical psychologist Aurelie Athan PhD

Heart Fire Podcast

Aurelie Athan PhD is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at The Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. Aurelie has dedicated much of the last 15 years of her career in Reproductive Identity, understanding and revival of the term Matrescence, originally coined by Anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970’s. In fact the popular TED Talk by Alexandra Sacks on Matrescence, was inspired by one of Aurelie’s conference talks. Aurelie’s working definition of the term Matrescence is: “The process of becoming a mother, coined by Dana Raphael, Ph.D. (1973), is a developmental passage where a woman transitions through pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond. The exact length of matrescence is individual, recurs with each child, and may arguably last a lifetime! The scope of the changes encompass multiple domains --bio-psycho-social-political-spiritual-- and can be likened to the developmental push of adolescence. Increased attention to mothers has spurred new findings, from neuroscience to economics, and supports the rationale for a new field of study known as matrescence. Such an arena would allow the roundtable of specialists to come together and advance our understanding of this life passage.”

- Aurélie Athan, Ph.D.

Listen in to this super interesting and thought provoking podcast to hear us discuss:

- The history of Matrescence

- The importance of reviving an understanding in this area of Matrescence and creating new language for a greater understanding across many professions and amongst our communities

- Aurelie’s 15 years of dedication in this area, the how, why and discoveries

- The spiritual aspect of Motherhood

- Creating a wholistic cross-disciplinary approach

Find out more about Aurelie’s work, professional courses and papers at her Website and Twitter

Find out more about me at Pollination Mamas Website

Podcast Sponsor - Olive Gap Farm ’The Littlest Birds' The gorgeous song features on the intro and outro. Performed by: The O’Luca Family Band from Olive Gap Farm; Alex (Dad) - Drums/Vocals, Tara (Mum) - Vocals/Guitar, Olive (13) - Violin/Vocals, April (11) - Cello/Vocals, Cedar (8) - Percussion/Vocals. Song: Originally performed by The Be Good Tanyas. Written by: Samantha Parton and Jolie Holland. Released 2000. Generously sponsored by Olive Gap Farm, certified organic family farm specialising in small batch native essential oils and seasonal cut flowers. Located on Bundjalang Country in the Northern Rivers of NSW Australia. Olive Gap Farm Website - Instagram

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