Becoming a mother changes far more than your schedule.

It changes your brain, your nervous system, your identity, your relationships, and the way you move through the world.

In this episode, I sit down with El Fort of Mindful Healing Mama to talk about the invisible transition women go through when they become mothers.

El introduces the concept of matrescence—the developmental transition into motherhood—and explains the science behind why motherhood can feel so emotionally, physically, and psychologically destabilizing.

IIf you’ve ever felt…

• disconnected from yourself after becoming a mom
• overwhelmed by emotions you didn’t expect in motherhood
• like you should have “bounced back” by now
• unsure why motherhood feels so physically and emotionally intense
• like your identity shifted and no one warned you

In this conversation, we explore:

• what matrescence reveals about the transformation into motherhood
• how pregnancy and postpartum reshape the brain and nervous system
• why high-achieving women often experience identity disruption after birth
• how stress and regulation patterns are transmitted between parent and child
• the science behind why “bouncing back” is not biologically accurate
• small, practical ways mothers can begin restoring regulation and grounding

About the Guest:

Elle Fort is a mindfulness educator, motherhood advocate, and nervous system practitioner who helps mothers regulate stress, reconnect with themselves, and break generational patterns through somatic healing and nervous system support.

Links + Resources:

• Elle’s Website: Mindful Healing Mama
• Follow Elle: Instagram @mindfulhealingmama
• Follow ThatMom: Instagram
• Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL
• Learn more: That Mom Website

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