The Sparkle Project
The version of motherhood we're sold looks nothing like the one we're actually living. That's by design.
The Sparkle Project is for the moms who are done pretending otherwise, and ready to reclaim the parts of themselves that got lost along the way. Hosted by Emily MacDonald, a single mom, feminist, and late-diagnosed ADHDer, each episode digs into the identity shifts, invisible labor, and systemic failures that make motherhood so hard. You'll hear from the experts, advocates, and real women who are finding their way back to themselves, so you can feel less alone in the hard parts and more like yourself in all the rest.
Somewhere between the mental load and the mom guilt, your shine is still there. The Sparkle Project is your space to find it.
(Formerly Worthy Mother Podcast)
The Sparkle Project
What Is Matrescence? Why Having Language Matters with Chelsea Robinson
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The transition into motherhood often feels disorienting and destabilizing - and when we don't have the language to adequately communicate our experiences, it can feel isolating and like there is something wrong. So in this episode, we are putting a name to the experience: Matrescence. I am joined by motherhood therapist & matrescence coach Chelsea Robinson, LCSW, for a conversation on the experience of becoming a mother, the continual transformation that comes with that role, and how an understanding of matresence can expand our views of motherhood for all.
In this episode, Chelsea and I talk about:
- What matrescence is, as both the transition into motherhood and the entire motherhood experience
- Why having adequate language to describe our experiences makes a difference
- The societal, cultural, & generational factors that impact moms
- How far we've come in increasing support for moms, and how far we still have to go
- The importance of community & connection in motherhood
- How spending time alone can help us embrace our motherhood experiences
A little about our guest:
Chelsea Robinson, LCSW, is a motherhood therapist, matrescence coach, village builder and founder of Mama’s Modern Village. With over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health, she supports women on their motherhood journey at the intersection of modern motherhood culture and a woman’s matrescence, her transition from woman to mother. Chelsea is not a parenting expert, rather an expert on the mama, whose work centers on bringing the mother back into focus. Chelsea has created "Becoming Mama", a 12-week program designed to support women all along their motherhood journey in decreasing their burnout, stress and overwhelm, while increasing their confidence, joy and understanding of their matrescence. She is bringing her work into the professional sphere this year when she launches her Becoming Mama professional training. You can find her as a Motherly expert and contributing to international publications like the UK's #1 woman's health magazine.
To connect with Chelsea, follow her on Instagram @mamasmodernvillage or visit her website www.mamasmodernvillage.com.
If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @honestlyemilyrose, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
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