Loneliness in Motherhood
Loneliness in Motherhood exists throughout the lifespan. AND it happens to us professionally too.
First and foremost - this blog is NOT clinical advice - it is intended to be educational in nature.
Loneliness in Motherhood
Loneliness in Motherhood is common - we know this of new mothers, but it continues years into Motherhood for many moms.
"We are pathologizing a normal human experience" said Dr. Rebecca Nowland in a recent interview with me. She explained that in any life transition, there is a period of loneliness as we navigate what this change we are experiencing means for us.
This makes sense in regards to a woman's transition into Motherhood - there is a natural disorientation as Dr. Athan suggests, inherent in her matrescence. This type of loneliness is to be expected as she navigates a changing identity and sense of self - "Where do I belong now that I am a Mother?" she thinks to herself as she experiences shifts in her social relationships.
But the loneliness that many Mothers face today, is one exasperated by Patriarchal Motherhood - the "mask of Motherhood" (Maushart), mom shaming, judgement, hyper-individualism, colonialism, etc.
Loneliness as we see it show up in Mothers exists on a spectrum (as does everything really!)...in which there are protective factors and risk factors that contribute to its heaviness (ie. the felt experience of loneliness).
This conversation with Dr. Nowland further emphasized the importance of social relationships for Mothers ALL along the maternal lifespan. (Follow the Re-Imagining Motherhood Podcast on Spotify to make sure you don't miss this episode.)
As I say time and time again..."Mothers NEED other Mothers."
Loneliness in Private Practice
For the purpose of this blog, I want to focus on you, as the practitioner. For doing this work, in this way, can feel a bit lonely too at times. I have felt, at times, like a dark cloud, when I attend Motherhood networking socials and begin to share about patriarchal Motherhood...
Some gravitate towards these concepts and feel so empowered by them and others, not so much. And that is 100% okay - it takes all of us.
This is all to say that I have heard other professionals share a similar sentiment...that this work, specifically through this expanded lens, can feel lonely too.
Where do I find other like-minded professionals to have these more challenging conversations with?
Where can I find consultation to support me in navigating the Mothers I support through this lens in particular?
I want to feel into the anger I am carrying for all the Mothers I support - who can I share this with?
I want to celebrate the incredible successes that I am seeing - who will share in them with me?
The answer...? We are waiting for you right here.
If you come for the training, you will stay for the people - for these are the other activists, creative doers, change-makers, dreamers, up-lifters, doing this work IN REAL TIME.
I am honored to know them (meet some of them here) - each with their own story, their own WHY. Each with their own purpose and meaning within this work. We are all teachers, just like we are all students...
This is The Matricentric Way - it is not just a training, but a community that is formed...and this is where movements begin.
We need one another in this work, just like Mothers need other Mothers.
Learn More and Get Involved
Professionally: The Matricentric Way is leading this paradigm shift - it truly is expanding the conversation on maternal mental health. If you are a professional that supports Mothers, I invite you to enroll in The Matricentric Way, either LIVE or self-paced. Join this movement today so that we can transform not only the lives of the individual Mothers we support, but the greater collective of Mothers.
Personally: The Becoming Mama course is available self-paced for any Mother within her first 7 or so years postpartum, interested in learning more about her matrescence AND the impact of Patriarchal Motherhood on her experience of being a Mother. (NOTE: this is NOT a substitute for clinical therapy NOR is it recommended to treat maternal mental health challenges. Consult your therapist for any mental health concerns.)
