MY STORY
I’m Bree - the Founder + Creator of The MotherWell Movement™
The vision for this community was born out of my own experience going through matrescence.
When I gave birth to my daughter in March 2017, I knew immediately that my life would never be the same. I was bursting with love for my daughter, and the first few weeks at home with her were nothing short of magical. I was also surprised at how quickly I was able to adjust to the sleep deprivation, and the ease with which I shifted towards caring exclusively for the needs of my baby while neglecting my own. But as the weeks progressed, the depth and complexity of the transformation that I was experiencing began to sink in. I felt confused at times and surprised by paradoxical feelings around my new life and identity.
I felt….
>> BOTH deep connection to my husband over the new family we created AND distance from him as we each processed and responded to becoming parents in different ways and struggled to find ways to connect.
>> BOTH a sense of clarity in what I truly value AND a sense of aimlessness.
>> BOTH awe for the things my body was able to do- carry, birth, and nourish my baby - AND insecurity and disconnection from a body that felt foreign to me as it changed before my eyes.
>> BOTH immense joy in my new role as a mother AND a deep sense of grief over losing who I was.
“Now I know that all of this was a normal part of matrescence; But at the time, I was confused and overwhelmed by the way that I felt, and what’s worse, I felt all alone. ”
Thankfully, I wasn’t alone, and nothing was “wrong” with me. Over time I was able to find resources and people that helped me to understand, articulate, and process the transformation that I was undergoing. And today, as I continue to invest in community, growth, and well-being, I feel like I can thrive, even in the hardest of seasons.
Connection, empowerment and wellness were and continue to be the foundation for navigating the ups and downs of motherhood for me. And that’s what I want to help create for other women as well.