Matrescence: Birth as an American Rite of Passage
In part one of this two-part series on matrescence, Susie explores the transformative concept of matrescence. Drawing on insights from Dr. Aurélie Athan and Robbie Davis-Floyd's "Birth as an American Rite of Passage," Susie unpacks the stages of matrescence, comparing it to adolescence and emphasizing the need for empathy and celebration in this unique journey. She draws parallels between the classic elements of a rite of passage and matrescence. She gives globally diverse examples of birthing rituals and sheds light on how hospital births in America have unintentionally adopted rituals that emphasize society’s patriarchal core values.
Topics Included:
- Matrescence definition and stages
- Matrescence vs. adolescence
- Global birthing rituals
- Hospital births in America
- Rite of passage stages: separation, transition, integration
- Cultural variations in matrescence celebrations
- Rewriting matrescence narratives for healing
- Marginalized identities in matrescence
- Transgender and LGBTQ+ maternal experiences
- Matrescence for Black women
- Matrescence for disabled mothers
- Healing from difficult birth experiences
- Support resources for diverse maternal journeys
Resources:
- Robbie Davis-Floyd, Birth as an American Rite of Passage
- Rob Horowitz & Pam England, Birthing from Within
- Maternal and Newborn Care in the United States - Birth Settings in America - NCBI Bookshelf
- Inclusive and Gender-Neutral Language | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Birth Centers are Growing
- The Birth Trauma Association
- Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga
- Postpartum Support International
- International Cesarean Awareness Network
- Black Mamas Matter: Advocacy organization focused on black maternal health, rights, and justice.
- Ancient Song Doula Services : Provides full-spectrum doula services with a focus on communities of color.
- Sister Song: Southern based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities.
- https://www.nativechildbirth.org/ NICA provides resources, education, and support for Native American families throughout the childbirth journey.
- Reproductive Justice Program - Welcome to NATIVESHOP.ORG :This center focuses on promoting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Native American women, including maternal health.
- Women's Health | Indian Health Service (IHS) The Indian Health Service offers resources specific to women's health, including maternal health, with a focus on culturally competent care.
- Family Equality : Advocacy group supporting LGBTQ+ families.
- PFLAG : Provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
- Disabled Parenting Project : A community for disabled parents providing resources, support, and information.
- https://lookingglass.org/ : A nonprofit organization that provides resources for families where a child, parent, or grandparent has a disability.
