Becoming a parent is a major life transition that brings joy, fulfillment, and meaningful connection—but it can also introduce significant stress and emotional challenges. The physical changes of childbirth, lack of sleep, shifting responsibilities, and the pressure to care for a newborn can all contribute to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or sadness. For new parents, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about parenthood that don’t seem “right.”
Therapists who have extensive education and training in postpartum disorders understand that hormone changes, personal and family history, and social support are all vital factors in understanding and alleviating postpartum symptoms.
Common symptoms and concerns include:
- Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a parent in the first place
- Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling disconnected
- Racing thoughts that make it difficult to quiet your mind
- Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
- Guilt, self-doubt, or feeling “not enough”
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Beliefs that you "should just know" what to do
- Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities
- Beliefs that others are minimizing your feelings or concerns
- Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
- Being constantly in a state of worry
These experiences are common and do not reflect personal weakness. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space for new parents to process emotional changes, build coping skills for stress or low mood, and strengthen confidence in their parenting. It can also help improve communication with partners and family while offering practical strategies for self-care and overall well-being.
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I invite you to contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help.