Middle Ground Motherhood

It’s reasonable to say something is wrong or hurtful, even though we’ve been conditioned to put up and shut up.

In today's I explore listening and caring more and (re)learning how to speak up.

There is also a call to action for our 2026 campaign.

Follow the link in bio to read all about it - https://open.substack.com/pub/middlegroundmotherhood/p/getting-in-right-relationship?r=2s1n5y&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Matrescence is an anthropological term that describes the all-encompassing process of change – including the physical, hormonal, emotional, social, cultural, economic, and spiritual transformation - women undergo when they become mothers.

The term matrescence was first coined by Dana Raphael in 1975, yet over 50 years later, it still hasn’t reached mainstream awareness.

When I consider the omission of matrescence from the dictionary, I am reminded of Pip Williams’ writing in The Dictionary of Lost Words, when character Esme overhears one of the men in the Scriptorium say, “Should it really be included?… It’s such an unpleasant word that I feel we should discourage its use”.

Read more in the MGM - https://open.substack.com/pub/middlegroundmotherhood/p/what-is-matrescence?r=2s1n5y&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

We’re so close to making Releasing 2025: Women’s Circle happen on Sunday, 4 January 2026. I need just three more mums to say yes by 21 December to go ahead.

This Circle is a chance to pause together and acknowledge everything this year has held — the growth, the grief, the challenges, the lessons, and the wins. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to slow down, reflect, and be held in community, we would love you to join us.

A place is also held for a mum experiencing financial barriers. Please use the same link below to access that place if that’s you this year.

https://events.humanitix.com/releasing-2025-womens-circle

🎃 Halloween is inescapable now.

Fake blood, skeletons, and spooky tricks everywhere, even at after-school care. Yet here in the South, we should be welcoming Beltane—a celebration of fire, fertility, and new beginnings.

In my latest blog, I reflect on Halloween, Beltane, and the Life/Death/Life cycles that shape us.

🕯 Read more - https://open.substack.com/pub/middlegroundmotherhood/p/our-search-for-ritual-brought-us?r=2s1n5y&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
🕯 Secure your place at our Releasing 2025 Women's Circle - https://events.humanitix.com/releasing-2025-womens-circle

Keeping the Faith: How feeling unsupported is not personal and deeply personal during this season of our lives.

Logically, we know that, like us, friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances have fluctuating levels of capacity and interest in being part of our lives. Most often, that’s not personal, although it can feel deeply personal when we lack support and feel isolated.

✉️ Most often, it’s action, not faith, that secures the support we need in our lives - read more in this week's - https://open.substack.com/pub/middlegroundmotherhood/p/faith-is-not-enough-to-get-our-needs?r=2s1n5y&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

🫶Recognising the constraints of capitalism/patriarchy - How can you prioritise your support networks, including friendships and hobbies, this month?

Here’s one option 👇

🌙 Bookings for the next Great Mothering New Moon gathering on Sunday, 27 July, at 7.30 pm are open - secure your place https://buy.stripe.com/eVq7sM8GA2hxgCR2s8aZi04

Your participation contributes to something bigger, not just for yourself but also for those who need the support that your presence provides.

The investment is $33, or you can opt for the pay-as-you-can option.

Bookings close at 9 pm on Sunday, 20 July.