Why Motherhood Feels So Much Harder Than We Expected (You're Not Doing It Wrong)

About this episode

<p><strong>Ready for a career that fits who you are now? </strong>Join my 30-day Career Pivot Challenge, starting 17th November 2026. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, explore what’s possible and turn your next move into a practical plan. <a href="https://course.motherkind.co/your-next-move-waitlist"><strong>Join the waitlist</strong></a> for first access and 30% off.</p><p>Why does becoming a mother change us so deeply? And why does nobody really prepare us for it?</p><p>So many mothers believe they're doing something wrong because motherhood feels harder than they expected. But what if the problem isn't you?</p><p>In this powerful conversation, writer and bestselling author Lucy Jones explains the life-changing concept of matrescence – the physical, emotional, psychological and identity transition of becoming a mother. It's a word that has helped thousands of women finally understand why motherhood can feel so overwhelming, and why it's never "just" about having a baby.</p><p>Lucy and Zoe explore why modern motherhood can feel so isolating, why we place impossible expectations on mothers, and how understanding matrescence can replace guilt and shame with self-compassion.</p><p>If you've ever found yourself thinking "Why don't I feel like myself anymore?" or "Why is this so much harder than I thought it would be?" this episode will help you realise you're not failing. You're going through one of the biggest transitions of your life.</p><p><strong>💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li><p>What matrescence is and why every mother should know about it</p></li><li><p>Why motherhood changes your identity so profoundly</p></li><li><p>How understanding matrescence can reduce guilt, shame and self-blame</p></li><li><p>Why the problem isn't mothers — it's the way modern motherhood is designed</p></li></ul><p><strong>Watch every full episode on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Zoe-Blaskey"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong> and subscribe.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Loved this episode?</strong></p><p>Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s solo episodes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-word-every-mother-needs-to-hear/id1295306961?i=1000706761817">The word every mother needs to hear</a> and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feeling-lost-this-is-how-to-rediscover-you/id1295306961?i=1000685116782">Feeling Lost? This is how to rediscover you</a></p><p><strong>Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your</strong> <a href="https://course.motherkind.co/the-matrescence-podcast-epiodes-cheat-sheet">FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Zoe:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Follow Zoe on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zoeblaskey/">Instagram</a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoelevings/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblaskeymotherkind?lang=en">TikTok</a></p></li><li><p>Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motherkind-happiest-fulfilled-empowering-podcast/dp/0008650829/ref=zg_bsnr_g_books_d_sccl_2/260-9943622-5435716?psc=1">'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at <a href="http://wildnutrition.com/motherkind">wildnutrition.com/motherkind</a>. Ts and Cs apply.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/jurassic-oceans.html">Jurassic Oceans Exhibition</a> at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.</p></li></ul>