Empowering reproductive experiences
Empowering reproductive experiences
Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, research, and resources for your journey
Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, research, and resources for your journey
Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, research, and resources for your journey
Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, research, and resources for your journey
The time of mother-becoming
The time of mother-becoming
"The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence, the times of the mother-becoming… Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of the woman… the amount of time it takes for a woman to become a mother needs study."
"The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence, the times of the mother-becoming… Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of the woman… the amount of time it takes for a woman to become a mother needs study."
"The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence, the times of the mother-becoming… Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of the woman… the amount of time it takes for a woman to become a mother needs study."
Dana Raphael, Ph.D. Anthropologist, 1975
Dana Raphael, Ph.D. Anthropologist, 1975
— Dana Raphael, Ph.D.
— Anthropologist, 1975
As an academically trained medical anthropologist, the language of motherhood speaks deeply to me. There's a term first coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael, a student of Margaret Mead, in the 1970s: matrescence—the defining process of becoming a mother. Raphael believed this term was essential because childbirth brings dramatic changes to a mother's physical being, her own identity, and her status within her community. She recognized how deeply transformational becoming a mother is, yet no one was studying it, and we failed to acknowledge that this process is unique to everyone.
As an academically trained medical anthropologist, the language of motherhood speaks deeply to me. There's a term first coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael, a student of Margaret Mead, in the 1970s: matrescence—the defining process of becoming a mother. Raphael believed this term was essential because childbirth brings dramatic changes to a mother's physical being, her own identity, and her status within her community. She recognized how deeply transformational becoming a mother is, yet no one was studying it, and we failed to acknowledge that this process is unique to everyone.
This term has become more mainstream in recent years, often appearing across social media and popular science circles. My favorite definition has come from Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. (2016) , a clinical psychologist who expanded matrescence to include the transformations that occur during preconception, pregnancy, birth, surrogacy, adoption, and early parenting—affecting every domain of human life experience. This journey is distinctly biological, social, spiritual, psychological, and ecological in nature.
This term has become more mainstream in recent years, often appearing across social media and popular science circles. My favorite definition has come from Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. (2016) , a clinical psychologist who expanded matrescence to include the transformations that occur during preconception, pregnancy, birth, surrogacy, adoption, and early parenting—affecting every domain of human life experience. This journey is distinctly biological, social, spiritual, psychological, and ecological in nature.
The study of matrescence is more important than ever, especially as we witness a decline in maternal wellbeing and the social structures that support a mother's journey into mothering and beyond.
The study of matrescence is more important than ever, especially as we witness a decline in maternal wellbeing and the social structures that support a mother's journey into mothering and beyond.
As an educator, researcher, and full-spectrum doula, my goal is to be part of your village as you navigate these transformative periods in life—from preconception to postpartum, matrescence, and beyond.
As an educator, researcher, and full-spectrum doula, my goal is to be part of your village as you navigate these transformative periods in life—from preconception to postpartum, matrescence, and beyond.
Evidence Based-Birth® Childbirth Classes
Childbirth education that prioritizes you and the latest evidence
Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that strives to provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers communities. Birthing families around the world deserve to have access to safe, respectful, and empowering care that is evidenced based. By taking my class, you will gain knowledge and skills needed to empower your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. You will be mentored and gain knowledge alongside me on your pregnancy journey.
Evidence Based-Birth® Childbirth Classes
Childbirth education that prioritizes you and the latest evidence
Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that strives to provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers communities. Birthing families around the world deserve to have access to safe, respectful, and empowering care that is evidenced based. By taking my class, you will gain knowledge and skills needed to empower your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. You will be mentored and gain knowledge alongside me on your pregnancy journey.
Evidence Based-Birth® Childbirth Classes
Childbirth education that prioritizes you and the latest evidence
Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that strives to provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers communities. Birthing families around the world deserve to have access to safe, respectful, and empowering care that is evidenced based. By taking my class, you will gain knowledge and skills needed to empower your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. You will be mentored and gain knowledge alongside me on your pregnancy journey.
Evidence Based-Birth®
Childbirth Classes
Childbirth education that prioritizes you and the latest evidence
Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that strives to provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers communities. Birthing families around the world deserve to have access to safe, respectful, and empowering care that is evidenced based. By taking my class, you will gain knowledge and skills needed to empower your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. You will be mentored and gain knowledge alongside me on your pregnancy journey.
Evidence Based-Birth® Childbirth Classes
Childbirth education that prioritizes you and the latest evidence
Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that strives to provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers communities. Birthing families around the world deserve to have access to safe, respectful, and empowering care that is evidenced based. By taking my class, you will gain knowledge and skills needed to empower your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. You will be mentored and gain knowledge alongside me on your pregnancy journey.
doula services
doula services
Every journey into matrescence needs a village
Every journey into matrescence needs a village
Every journey into
matrescence needs a village
Full-spectrum doula care across reproductive stages, including childbirth, loss, and postpartum. My doula support is grounded in compassionate, intentional listening, and unbiased education to help support you and your family. I use my research background to help my clients and students better understand the process of matrescence and get empowered about their care.
Full-spectrum doula care across reproductive stages, including childbirth, loss, and postpartum. My doula support is grounded in compassionate, intentional listening, and unbiased education to help support you and your family. I use my research background to help my clients and students better understand the process of matrescence and get empowered about their care.
Preparing For Birth
Comprehensive, holistic support and education to aid in your pregnancy journey and childbirth. I provide intimate support, evidence-based education, and a compassionate presence to help you navigate all joys and challenges of matrescence.
Comprehensive, holistic support and education to aid in your pregnancy journey and childbirth. I provide intimate support, evidence-based education, and a compassionate presence to help you navigate all joys and challenges of matrescence.
Loss Doula Support
Compassionate and tender support from a fellow loss mom. We will honor your baby, or babies, every step of the way and ensure you are receiving appropriate and evidence based care for both your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum transition.
Compassionate and tender support from a fellow loss mom. We will honor your baby, or babies, every step of the way and ensure you are receiving appropriate and evidence based care for both your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum transition.
Postpartum Support
Intimate, gentle, and compassionate support throughout your postpartum journey. Postpartum care focuses on making space for the mother or birthing parent, and helping you feel supported as you navigate your early matrescence. My care is centered around you and your needs.
Intimate, gentle, and compassionate support throughout your postpartum journey. Postpartum care focuses on making space for the mother or birthing parent, and helping you feel supported as you navigate your early matrescence. My care is centered around you and your needs.
academic work
academic work
More information on my research and academic background
More information on my research and academic background
More information on my research and academic background
I have my PhD in Medical Anthropology, and I completed an additional two years postgraduate training in the field of social-behavioral public health,
specializing in implementation science. I currently teach classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada.
I have my PhD in Medical Anthropology, and I completed an additional two years postgraduate training in the field of social-behavioral public health, specializing in implementation science. I currently teach classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada.
I have my PhD in Medical Anthropology, and I completed an additional two years postgraduate training in the field of social-behavioral public health, specializing in implementation science. I currently teach classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada.
I have my PhD in Medical Anthropology, and I completed an additional two years postgraduate training in the field of social-behavioral public health, specializing in implementation science. I currently teach classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada.
testimonials from clients
testimonials from clients
Love notes from clients
Love notes from clients
"Kristen was an absolute dream doula. She supported me through labor with so much calm, care, and presence— constantly checking in on what I needed and even coming to our home prior to seeing the space and better prepare how she’d support me. She made sure both my husband and I felt heard, asked about our preferences, and even my favorite birth affirmations, which meant so much. Also… I was laboring on the toilet and my water literally broke on her 😂 and she handled it like a total champ…zero disgust, just steady support (I laugh about it now). I’m a pelvic floor therapist and I often refer my clients to Kristen because I trust her completely—and after having her support me through my own birth, I can say she’s truly incredible. She’s become so much more than just a doula to me. "
— t.b. Birth Doula client
“My gratitude, respect and appreciation for Kristen goes far beyond any review and will last forever. I was so incredibly lucky to have her by my side during my hospital birth. She advocated for my husband & I and worked hand in hand with our care team. When I didn’t think I’d have the strength to go any further it was Kristen who coached me and helped me realize that incredible inner strength all us mothers possess. She brought a sense of calm and incredible knowledge to every moment of my labor (especially when things got scary) and my pregnancy in general. She played such an integral role in bringing my son earth side that I can truly say couldn’t have done it without her.’
— g.k. Birth Doula client
"Kristen was my doula for the birth of my son. Kristen is extremely passionate about being a doula. She puts her whole heart into making sure that you are supported and prepared for your birth. There was never a moment of judgement. She always was willing to show me all of my options and provide research so I could make my best possible choice. Her support continued after birth as well. Kristen was kind enough to help connect me with a lactation consultant and a postpartum therapist. She really is the whole package."
— j.m. Birth Doula client
“My gratitude, respect and appreciation for Kristen goes far beyond any review and will last forever. I was so incredibly lucky to have her by my side during my hospital birth. She advocated for my husband & I and worked hand in hand with our care team. When I didn’t think I’d have the strength to go any further it was Kristen who coached me and helped me realize that incredible inner strength all us mothers possess. She brought a sense of calm and incredible knowledge to every moment of my labor (especially when things got scary) and my pregnancy in general. She played such an integral role in bringing my son earth side that I can truly say couldn’t have done it without her.’
— g.k. Birth Doula client
"Kristen was my doula for the birth of my son. Kristen is extremely passionate about being a doula. She puts her whole heart into making sure that you are supported and prepared for your birth. There was never a moment of judgement. She always was willing to show me all of my options and provide research so I could make my best possible choice. Her support continued after birth as well. Kristen was kind enough to help connect me with a lactation consultant and a postpartum therapist. She really is the whole package."
— j.m. Birth Doula client
"Kristen was an absolute dream doula. She supported me through labor with so much calm, care, and presence— constantly checking in on what I needed and even coming to our home prior to seeing the space and better prepare how she’d support me. She made sure both my husband and I felt heard, asked about our preferences, and even my favorite birth affirmations, which meant so much. Also… I was laboring on the toilet and my water literally broke on her 😂 and she handled it like a total champ…zero disgust, just steady support (I laugh about it now). I’m a pelvic floor therapist and I often refer my clients to Kristen because I trust her completely—and after having her support me through my own birth, I can say she’s truly incredible. She’s become so much more than just a doula to me. "
— t.b. Birth Doula client
Meet your doula
Meet your doula
Learn more about Kristen
Learn more about Kristen
Learn more about Kristen
I’m Dr. Kristen Herlosky (she/her)- a medical anthropologist, educator, full-spectrum doula, and mother. My work is rooted in cultural humility and a strong belief that birth and maternal health experiences are both biological and deeply spiritual. They are profoundly shaped by community, policies, and health care access. My work alongside families is collaborative, holistic, and compassionate.
I’m Dr. Kristen Herlosky (she/her)- a medical anthropologist, educator, full-spectrum doula, and mother. My work is rooted in cultural humility and a strong belief that birth and maternal health experiences are both biological and deeply spiritual. They are profoundly shaped by community, policies, and health care access. My work alongside families is collaborative, holistic, and compassionate.
childbirth resources
childbirth resources
My recommended resources
My recommended resources
My recommended resources
Empowering resources for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Supportive and informative resources for families experiencing loss.
Empowering resources for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Supportive and informative resources for families experiencing loss.
social
social
Follow me on instagram
Follow me on instagram
Follow me on instagram
Follow along on Instagram to see how I work with families,
share resources, and explore the anthropology of mothering.
Follow along on Instagram to see how I work with families, share resources, and explore the anthropology of mothering.
based in las vegas, nevada
based in las vegas, nevada
The Mojave Connection
The Mojave Connection
As a lifelong Las Vegas native, I've always been drawn to the beauty and resilience of our desert mountains. The Mojave plants found native to the Las Vegas region have long been an essential part of the ecosystem and have medicinal roots with many of the Native communities who have been here as our first stewards of the land. Matrescence asks us to honor our own transformative process of becoming mothers, much like the plants that flourish in harsh environments and bloom in their own time. Mojave Matrescence is a homage to my deep Las Vegas roots and my love of mothering.
As a lifelong Las Vegas native, I've always been drawn to the beauty and resilience of our desert mountains. The Mojave plants found native to the Las Vegas region have long been an essential part of the ecosystem and have medicinal roots with many of the Native communities who have been here as our first stewards of the land. Matrescence asks us to honor our own transformative process of becoming mothers, much like the plants that flourish in harsh environments and bloom in their own time. Mojave Matrescence is a homage to my deep Las Vegas roots and my love of mothering.
An anthropological exploration of mothering and reproduction. Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, and research.
© 2025 Mojave Matrescene. All rights reserved.
An anthropological exploration of mothering and reproduction. Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, and research.
© 2025 Mojave Matrescene. All rights reserved.
An anthropological exploration of mothering and reproduction. Full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, and research.
© 2025 Mojave Matrescene. All rights reserved.