‘I kept scribbling in the margins: ‘We need to know this stuff!” Joanna Pocock, Spectator

A radical new examination of the transition into motherhood and how it affects the mind, brain and body

During pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, women undergo a far-reaching physiological, psychological and social metamorphosis.

There is no other time in a human’s life course that entails such dramatic change-other than adolescence. And yet this life-altering transition has been sorely neglected by science, medicine and philosophy. Its seismic effects go largely unrepresented across literature and the arts. Speaking about motherhood as anything other than a pastel-hued dream remains, for the most part, taboo.

In this ground-breaking, deeply personal investigation, acclaimed journalist and author Lucy Jones brings to light the emerging concept of ‘matrescence’. Drawing on new research across various fields – neuroscience and evolutionary biology; psychoanalysis and existential therapy; sociology, economics and ecology – Jones shows how the changes in the maternal mind, brain and body are far more profound, wild and enduring than we have been led to believe. She reveals the dangerous consequences of our neglect of the maternal experience and interrogates the patriarchal and capitalist systems that have created the untenable situation mothers face today.

Here is an urgent examination of the modern institution of motherhood, which seeks to unshackle all parents from oppressive social norms. As it deepens our understanding of matrescence, it raises vital questions about motherhood and femininity; interdependence and individual identity; as well as about our relationships with each other and the living world.

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Every woman will experience the panic years in some way between her mid-twenties and early-forties.

This maddening period of transformation and personal crisis is recognisable by the myriad of decisions we make – about partners, holidays, jobs, homes, savings, friendships – all of which are impacted by the urgency of the single decision that comes with a biological deadline, the one decision that is impossible to take back; whether or not to have a baby.

But how to stay sane in such a maddening time? How to know who you are and what you might want from life? How to know if you’re making the right decisions?

Raw, hilarious and beguilingly honest, Nell Frizzell’s account of her panic years is both an arm around the shoulder and a campaign to start a conversation. This affects us all – women, men, mothers, children, partners, friends, colleagues – so it’s time we started talking about it with a little more candour.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

– ‘Loved this book! Highly recommend for any woman (or man!) during the weird time in your 20s’ *****
– ‘Those panicky feelings of being a 24-30 something put into words’ *****
– ‘This book brings forth a sigh of relief. Excellent book that really taps into what so many of us are thinking and feeling, but not saying’ *****

Like any new mum, Laura Dockrill felt rather overwhelmed after the birth of her son. But a slow recovery, sleep deprivation and anxiety quickly escalated into postpartum psychosis, and she had to spend a fortnight in a psych ward, separated from her family. It was only when Laura began to put her ordeal into words that she began to find herself again, and recovery seemed within reach.

This is Laura’s raw, honest and life-affirming story of how she made it through one of the most frightening experiences a mother can face. Now, she wants to break down the silence around postnatal mental health, shatter the idealised expectations of perfect motherhood, and show all new struggling parents that they are not alone.

‘A book to save a whole generation of women’ Adele

A pleasure to read…I didn’t want to put it down. If anyone is going through a similar experience it will make them feel less alone’ Philippa Perry

‘A humbingly honest and human war report from the front lines of mothering psychosis and recovery; there is no other book like it’ Caitlin Moran

‘An incredibly powerful book’ Jessie Ware

‘This book will give women and their families confidence that the brain and body will heal’ Dr Jessica Heron, CEO of Action on Postpartum Psychosis

‘An amazing read’ Fiona Telford, postpartum psychosis survivor

Every woman will experience the panic years in some way between her mid-twenties and early-forties. This maddening period of transformation and personal crisis is recognisable by the myriad of decisions we make – about partners, holidays, jobs, homes, savings, friendships – all of which are impacted by the urgency of the single decision that comes with a biological deadline, the one decision that is impossible to take back; whether or not to have a baby.

But how to stay sane in such a maddening time? How to know who you are and what you might want from life? How to know if you’re making the right decisions?

Raw, hilarious and beguilingly honest, Nell Frizzell’s account of her panic years is both an arm around the shoulder and a campaign to start a conversation. This affects us all – women, men, mothers, children, partners, friends, colleagues – so it’s time we started talking about it with a little more candour.

‘Vital reading. Nell Frizzell is a master.’ Rob Delaney, co-writer and co-star of Catastrophe
‘Smart and perceptive…a must read for 2021’ Stylist
‘Wonderful… touching, helpful and enlightening’ Sara Pascoe