Specialised antenatal classes and matrescence education for parents and professionals.
Sharing the latest research to enhance parental and infant wellbeing and practitioner competence.
Pregnancy
Delivered by a psychologist, midwife and GP our antenatal classes in Christchurch and online are one-of-a-kind.
Postpartum
Maternal mental health and matrescence support online weekly, from a range of experts, through our First Year Village Membership.
Professionals
Unique, high-quality matrescence and maternal wellbeing education for professionals, available online.
What is matrescence?
Matrescence encompasses both the transition to becoming a mother and the journey throughout being a mother. Learn more by downloading our free Matrescence e-guide.
Planned for postpartum?
Download our free comprehensive 50-page postpartum plan to help you prepare for baby's arrival. Just like a birth plan, yet focused on those first few months with your baby.
Kia Ora! We’re Christina and Sam, sisters and co-founders of Matrescence NZ.
Our lives changed dramatically when we both welcomed our first pēpi into the world in 2020, just 10 days apart. This experience was the beginning of Matrescence NZ.
We’re passionate about supporting mothers’ transition to and through motherhood, this journey is called matrescence.
We’re also passionate about supporting professionals working with mothers to have an adequate understanding of matrescence.
We both have 2 children under 5. Our personal matrescence journeys continue to unfold alongside our work.
We offer workshops for parents-to-be, parents and professionals:
Antenatal
Classes for parents-to-be
Highly recommended by midwives, psychologists and GPs, focused on preparing parents for postpartum and evidence-based education to enhance infant wellbeing.
Mothers
Workshops & Support Groups
Various types of support such as a free Facebook community, First Year Village, small group programmes, and individual therapy.
Professionals
Maternal Mental Health Education
Develop expertise in matrescence through our matrescence practitioner certification or join our Facebook community for perinatal professionals.
Our Vision
A society that values mothers and has the infrastructure in place to adequately support them through the changes and challenges of motherhood.
Our Mission
For all Mums to be psychologically prepared and adequately supported for motherhood. To enable mothers to feel validated in investing in themselves instead of falling victim to the commodification of motherhood.