Clinical Framework

Matrescence-Informed
Assessment Framework

A 15-item practitioner assessment tool spanning five domains — designed to assess the full transition of becoming a mother, not just mood disorder.

The MIAF is an evidence-grounded clinical framework currently being prepared for formal validation. It is intended to be used alongside existing validated screening tools such as the EPDS, not as a replacement.
What is the MIAF

A framework built for
the transition, not the disorder.

The Matrescence-Informed Assessment Framework (MIAF) is a 15-item practitioner assessment tool spanning five domains: Identity & Sense of Self; Neurological & Physical Experience; Emotional Experience & Mental Load; Relationships & Support; and Cultural, Social & Structural Context.

Designed for health visitors, midwives, and perinatal practitioners, MIAF sits alongside existing tools to assess the full transition of becoming a mother — not just mood disorder.

Current perinatal screening tools were designed to identify pathology. The MIAF was designed to recognise transformation — and the distress that can accompany it when it goes unacknowledged.

The clinical gap

"Current perinatal mental health screening identifies a fraction of what women are experiencing. The MIAF was built to find the rest."

Sharon Dawson ANP, Creator of the MIAF

Alignment

Evidence-aligned to NICE guideline NG201 and the NHS Long Term Plan perinatal mental health commitments. Designed to complement, not replace, validated screening tools.

The Five Domains

What the MIAF
assesses.

01
Identity & Sense of Self
Assesses disruption to pre-maternal identity, sense of continuity, and the psychological experience of self-transformation across the perinatal period.
02
Neurological & Physical Experience
Captures the neurobiological and physical dimensions of matrescence — including brain changes, body experience, and the embodied reality of the transition.
03
Emotional Experience & Mental Load
Evaluates the emotional and cognitive dimensions of becoming a mother — including grief, ambivalence, overwhelm, and the invisible labour of maternal mental load.
04
Relationships & Support
Examines shifts in partner, social, and professional relationships, and the quality of support available during the transition — as clinical risk factors.
05
Cultural, Social & Structural Context
Assesses the broader contextual factors shaping a woman's experience — including cultural identity, structural inequalities, and the social conditions in which she is making the transition to motherhood. This domain is central to the MIAF's relevance to Black and minoritised mothers whose experiences are most poorly captured by existing tools.
MIAF Training

Two products.
One framework.

MIAF training operates across a stepped care model aligned to NICE CG192 — peer workers identify and refer; clinicians assess and escalate. The MIAF provides the connective framework across both tiers.

Tier 2 — Clinical

MIAF Clinical Training

Half-day CPD training for health visitors, midwives, ANPs, GPs, and school nurses. Covers the full 5-domain, 15-question MIAF framework, clinical application, and escalation pathways alongside existing tools (EPDS, PHQ-9, GAD-7).

  • → Full 5-domain, 15-question MIAF framework
  • → Clinical application alongside EPDS, PHQ-9, GAD-7
  • → Escalation pathways and referral criteria
  • → NMC-aligned with reflective practice
  • → CPD accreditation in progress
Audience

Health visitors · Midwives · ANPs · GPs · School nurses

Enquire about clinical training →
Tier 1 — Community

MIAF Community Training

Half-day accessible training for peer support workers, community support staff, doulas, and family hub workers. Focuses on understanding matrescence, recognising need, and making warm referrals to clinicians.

  • → Understanding matrescence and its significance
  • → Recognising when a mother needs clinical support
  • → Warm referral skills and language
  • → Conversational framework use — not clinical assessment
  • → No clinical registration required
Audience

Peer support workers · Doulas · Community staff · Family hub workers

Enquire about community training →

Both products are delivered via sharondawson.org. Pricing on application. Available in person or live virtual. CPD accreditation in progress for clinical tier.

Enquire

Get in touch
about the MIAF.

Whether you are interested in training, piloting the MIAF in your organisation, or simply want to stay informed — use this form and I will be in touch.

I aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days. For piloting or research enquiries please include your organisation name and the nature of your interest.

Other ways to reach me

Email: sharon@sharondawson.org
Back to main contact page →

Get in touch

Online enquiries are coming soon. In the meantime, please contact me directly by email.

Please include your name, job title, organisation, and whether you are interested in MIAF training, piloting, or staying informed about developments.

Email sharon@sharondawson.org →

I aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days.