Matrescence: Campaign asks dictionaries to add the word

Peanut and Tommee Tippee launched a campaign, beginning with a New York Times ad and a public petition, urging dictionary publishers to recognize the term "matrescence"; they say many mothers lack language for the transition into motherhood.

Peanut and Tommee Tippee have launched an international campaign to press dictionary publishers to add the word "matrescence." The effort began with a full-page New York Times advertisement and organizers plan a public petition and ongoing advocacy. The term "matrescence" was coined in 1973 by anthropologist Dana Raphael and is used to describe the physical, psychological and social transition to motherhood. Campaign organizers say many mothers do not have language for that change and cite survey and research findings to support the effort. Key details: - The campaign partners are Peanut, a global community app for women, and parent-care brand Tommee Tippee. - The launch included a full-page ad in the New York Times and a planned public petition calling on dictionary publishers to recognize "matrescence." - "Matrescence" was coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in 1973 to describe the process of becoming a mother. - Peanut reports that 67% of mothers in its survey had never heard the term and highlights research that becoming a mother reshapes brain, body, and identity. - Peanut says it has facilitated more than 34 million connections globally and connects over 5.5 million members; Tommee Tippee notes more than 60 years in parent-care product design. Summary: The campaign aims to move "matrescence" from academic use into everyday language and secure its formal recognition in dictionaries, with organizers saying formal naming could support more research and resources. Planned actions include the public petition and continued advocacy to prevent the term from being marked as a spelling error in digital tools.