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How We Live Now with Katherine May

Lucy Jones on matrescence, maternal myths and transformation

Season 6, Ep. 7

This month, Katherine spoke to Lucy Jones about Matrescence, her book about the profound changes wrought by pregnancy and birth. Combining the biological, the social and the political with exquisite writing, this is a radical revision of a subject veiled in forced cosiness and obfuscation. 


Lucy's frankness and curiosity - her utter realness - are an absolute balm for anyone who’s navigated the very particular environment of contemporary western maternity, whether that contact has been personal or at one remove. It helps us to understand why pregnancy feels like such a hinterland, and also why it doesn’t need to be this way. 


Katherine's book, Enchantment, is available now: US/CAN and UK


Links from the episode:



  • Join Katherine's Substack for a free reading guide, video recordings and transcripts
  • Find show notes and transcripts for every episode by visiting Katherine's website.
  • Follow Katherine on Instagram



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