In this episode, Sarah delves into the intricate physiological changes that accompany motherhood. Building on last week’s discussion on matrescence, Sarah offers a deeper exploration of the remarkable transformations—physical, emotional, and spiritual—that mothers undergo during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Drawing on science, personal experience, and poetic insights, this episode celebrates the profound journey of becoming a mother, while acknowledging the grief, growth, and evolution it entails.

Today on MotherGrief:

• Physiological changes during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum
• Hormonal, cardiovascular, and neurological adaptations in motherhood
• The lasting biological bond through fetal microchimerism
• Motherhood as a journey of grief, growth, and transformation
• The impact of modern isolation and rebuilding the “village”
• A poetic reflection on the beauty of becoming a mother

Resources:

• Science (2012): A study by Fisher et al. demonstrated the persistence of fetal DNA in a mother's body years after childbirth.
• American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (2009): This research provides evidence of fetal cells remaining in maternal organs and tissues, suggesting that fetal microchimerism plays a role in immune system modulation.
• Nature (2004): Studies that reveal the movement of fetal cells across the placenta and their long-term presence in maternal organs.
• The Journal of Neuroscience, Hoekzema et al. (2016). Brain structure changes during pregnancy.
• Psychoneuroendocrinology, on the role of cortisol during pregnancy.
• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, on maternal nutrition and its impact on pregnancy.
• The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, on postpartum recovery and immune system changes.
• The Lancet, on postpartum hormonal changes.

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @sarahsaintjohn
• Mama Nervous System Reset: https://theuncensoredempath.com/mama-nervous-system-reset