Motherhood, inside out
Think tank: Theos
Author(s): Marianne Rozario; Rhiannon McAleer; Madeleine Pennington; Eona Bell
July 19, 2026
This report from UK think tank Theos reveals Britain does not pay enough attention to the profound transformation that comes with becoming a mother.
Motherhood, Inside Out explores the profound process of matrescence – the transition of becoming a mother. Like adolescence, matrescence is a period of far-reaching physical, emotional, psychological, social, political and spiritual change that reshapes a woman’s identity. It affects not only her body and daily life, but also her relationships, values, priorities, sense of self, and understanding of the world.
Drawing on interviews and focus groups with 91 mothers and interviews with 14 maternal care professionals, the report examines women’s lived experiences across a wide range of themes, including identity, faith and spirituality, body image, media, work, family, community, politics and mortality. While every woman’s experience is unique, the research found a common thread: motherhood often transforms how women see themselves, others and society.
The report captures the diversity of these experiences through mothers’ own stories, from rethinking mortality and finding new meaning in faith, to frustration with inadequate maternity policies, childcare costs and workplace expectations. It highlights how motherhood exposes vulnerability and dependence in a culture that often prizes autonomy, productivity and self-sufficiency.
The research concludes that the inner dimensions of matrescence remain poorly recognised and inadequately supported. Mothers benefit most from consistent, relational and face-to-face support, yet current systems rarely address the full complexity of this transition. Churches and faith communities can play an important role in providing sustained accompaniment, although their potential is not always fully realised.
The report ends with recommendations for healthcare providers and faith communities, while calling for a broader cultural recognition of the deep personal, relational, political and spiritual transformation that accompanies becoming a mother.
