About This Project

MINDS: Matrescent Integration via Neuroplasticity, Dyads, and Psilocybin is a novel framework that rethinks postpartum care. Psilocybin may be an opportunity to harness neuroplasticity for integration and growth rather than a risk for depression and anxiety. We hypothesize that psilocybin-assisted interventions during the postpartum period may improve the mother-baby dyad by enhancing maternal identity integration, sensitive attunement, and bonding.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Matrescence is a profound, under‑supported psycho-bio-social transition in which a mother’s identity, brain networks, and nervous system are reshaped, with consequences for maternal mental health and long‑term child outcomes.

A growing body of psychedelic research suggests that psilocybin modulates brain networks involved in self‑processing, emotion regulation, and social connection, etc. Yet women, and the unique plasticity of the matrescent postpartum brain, are almost entirely absent from this work.

To close the gap I will map converging evidence on matrescent neuroplasticity on psilocybin’s network‑level effects, gather psychometric assessments and qualitative perspectives from postpartum women to refine a dyad‑centered model of psilocybin‑assisted care in matrescence, and test if postpartum psilocybin experiences can harness maternal plasticity to strengthen mother–baby bonding and support an integrated matrescent identity.

What is the significance of this project?

To address serious injustice in research & medicine: mothers—especially those in vulnerable postpartum period—are routinely excluded from high-quality care and cutting-edge research.

Many women cannot access appropriate, culturally attuned support. Pregnant and postpartum women are left out of clinical trials altogether, including psychedelic.

Centering matrescence & postpartum within psilocybin medicine challenges exclusion & begins to build an evidence base for a neglected popualation.

This project will explore a potential new intervention to relieve maternal distress, improve the mother-baby dyad & push the psychedelic field to confront its gender inequities.

Once complete this work will produce a concrete, testable framework & the first qualitative dataset on postpartum psilocybin care, and directly inform future clinical protocols, outcome measures, and funding for postpartum women.

What are the goals of the project?

The goal of this project is to treat matrescence as the profound brain and identity transition it is and to explore whether psilocybin can safely support mothers during this highly plastic window. First, I will name and map the current gap by synthesizing existing literature on matrescent neuroplasticity, maternal mental health, and psilocybin’s network‑level effects, to highlight where risks and opportunities may lie. Second, pilot and refine the MINDS framework by collecting qualitative and quantitive data from postpartum women through interviews and psychometric assessments. Finally, translate these findings into future care by producing a concrete, testable model of dyad‑centered psilocybin‑assisted care in matrescence, along with specific recommendations and hypotheses to guide subsequent clinical protocols, measures, and grant proposals.