Distress is an aversive state in which a person struggles to positively process and adapt to stressors and stress responses. It can hinder healthy adaptation, which, in turn, can result in augmented illbeing, mental health conditions and other severe maladaptive behaviours. While maternal distress might be inherent to matrescence due to the very nature of this phenomenon, the hardship endured by women may vary depending on stress factors and stress responses. A matrescence-aware and holistic positive approach to navigating change and promoting adaptation and flourishing should be adopted by maternal care practice

Matrescence, this complex and meaningful human developmental stage, imposes physiological, emotional, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual challenges, putting a woman’s ability to cope and adjust to the test. The mother’s growth processes and her experience of motherhood have been overlooked, with the mother’s health and wellbeing solely addressed in cases of maladaptation and mental illness. There is a need for a matrescence-informed model of care to better support the new mother’s transitional journey, mental health and wellbeing.