The Journey of Motherhood & Identity with Jessie Harrold

Motherhood is one of the most profound transformations a woman can experience—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But why is this transition so challenging in today’s world? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Harrold, a coach, doula, and author who specializes in guiding women through major life transitions, including the shift into motherhood.

Jessie shares her personal experience with motherhood, the struggles of identity shifts, and the concept of matrescence—the process of becoming a mother that reshapes every aspect of a woman's life. We dive into the common challenges mothers face, why this transition feels harder than ever in 2025, and how societal shifts have changed the support systems available to new parents.

We also explore the power of rituals in grounding and guiding women through change, as well as Jessie’s insights from her work and her book, Mothershift. If you're feeling lost in the transition to motherhood or struggling to reconnect with your identity, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the transition into motherhood is so difficult

• The concept of matrescence and how it shapes a woman’s life

• How long it really takes to "step into" motherhood

• The pressures of modern motherhood—financial, societal, and personal

• The role of rituals in navigating life’s biggest transitions

• Practical advice for mothers feeling disconnected from themselves

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Mom Existence for more real, raw conversations about motherhood.

About: https://www.jessieharrold.com/

Follow: @jessie.es.harrold

Book: https://amzn.to/42uRdx5