We have designed this glossary to help you highlight the key terms for understanding the postpartum phase and the broader journey of matrescence, to navigate these female life stages with confidence.
Postpartum Terms
1. Postpartum Period: The time following childbirth, usually lasting six weeks, during which the body begins to recover physically and hormonally.
2. Lochia: Vaginal discharge after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.
3. Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles during or after pregnancy.
4. Baby Blues: Temporary feelings of sadness, anxiety, or mood swings affecting many new mothers in the first few weeks postpartum.
5. Postpartum Depression (PPD): A more severe, long-lasting form of depression occurring after childbirth, requiring medical support.
6. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or injury to the pelvic floor muscles due to pregnancy or delivery, potentially leading to incontinence or prolapse.
7. Lactation: The process of producing breast milk to feed the baby.
8. Engorgement: Swelling of the breasts due to an overabundance of milk.
9. Mastitis: Inflammation of the breast tissue, often caused by blocked milk ducts or infection.
10. Perineal Tear: A tear in the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) that can occur during childbirth.
11. Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone,” it plays a key role in bonding, breastfeeding, and uterine contractions after birth.
12. Prolactin: A hormone responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
13. Rooming-In: A practice where the baby stays in the same room as the mother after birth to support bonding and breastfeeding.
14. Sleep Deprivation: Commonly experienced by new parents due to newborn feeding and care schedules.
15. Postpartum Haemorrhage: Excessive bleeding following childbirth, requiring prompt medical attention.
Matrescence Terms
1. Matrescence: The physical, emotional, and social transformation a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother.
2. Identity Shift: The emotional and psychological adjustment as new mothers navigate the balance between personal identity and motherhood.
3. Neuroplasticity: Brain changes during and after pregnancy that enhance caregiving instincts and responsiveness to the baby.
4. Attachment Bonding: The emotional connection that forms between the mother and baby, influenced by touch, eye contact, and interaction.
5. Postpartum Anxiety: Excessive worry or fear related to the health and care of the baby or one’s role as a mother.
6. Hormonal Rebalancing: The body’s process of returning to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, which can affect mood and energy.
7. Fourth Trimester: The first three months postpartum, viewed as an extension of pregnancy when the baby adapts to life outside the womb and the mother continues to heal.
8. Parental Burnout: Physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from the challenges of caregiving.
9. Support Networks: Community resources, family, or friends who help provide emotional or practical support to new mothers.
10. Self-Compassion: The practice of treating oneself with kindness and understanding during the often-challenging transition to motherhood.
