Built to Make a Difference That Lasts
MAIA is the Matrescence Empowerment Programme. A 30-month programme of education, support and community for working mothers and their employers. Built by women who lived it, delivered by experts who understand it.
Lucy Wilson Created MAIA Because It Needed to Exist
I found the transition to motherhood incredibly challenging, and I knew there was so much more I could have learnt to help myself. I'm a huge believer in the power of matrescence education, and in everything else we can do for ourselves to feel and live better.
I'm passionate about businesses investing in supporting women at one of the most profound times of change in their lives. There is a solid business case for doing so, and when it is done well, everyone wins. Women thrive, teams strengthen and organisations grow.
I believe in action and making a difference, which is why I built MAIA. I knew we could make a massive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of new mothers. I'm incredibly proud of the amazing team of experts who have joined me in this mission. Throughout the programme I'll be your guide every step of the way, hosting live sessions, working alongside the expert team and showing up for you in our community all along the journey.
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence
The profound physical, psychological and identity transformation a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother. First coined by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael in 1973, matrescence describes changes as significant as adolescence, yet it remains almost entirely unsupported in most workplaces.
Scientists have shown that the neurological and hormonal changes during matrescence are as significant as those experienced during adolescence. The brain itself is restructured. Identity shifts. Priorities change. The woman who returns from maternity leave is not the same person who left.
Understanding this is not just good for mothers. It is transformative for organisations that want to retain their best female talent.
Built on Three Pillars
Everything within MAIA is designed to ensure women feel valued, understood and empowered throughout their pregnancy and into early motherhood. For organisations, MAIA delivers measurable results in retention, wellbeing and culture.
Seven expert-led education series covering the topics that matter most to new mothers. Matrescence, Mental Health, Maternity Leave, Nutrition, Sleep, Mindfulness and Breathwork. Every module includes a live session with the expert so participants can ask questions in real time.
Access to our in-house midwife, a maternal mental health psychotherapist, Shine Strong wellbeing classes with digital nature, meditations and affirmations, guided nature breathing moments and an exclusive antenatal colouring guide created by our midwife.
A warm, welcoming private online hub where women connect with others on the same journey. Guided by Lucy Wilson throughout, the community is a safe, judgement-free space for real conversations, peer support and celebrating every milestone together.
Eight Expert-Led Series
Every education module is delivered by a specialist in their field and includes a live session so participants can engage directly, ask questions and connect with other women in the group.
Knowledge really is power. Understanding what we may experience can make a profound difference to the mental health and wellbeing of new mothers.