Parenting is a journey, and the beginning can be especially hard.

Parenthood is often depicted as a magical time with the inherent belief that as soon as a baby is born, you’ll know what to do. The truth is, navigating life challenges, including the whirlwind of parenting, is tough. Parents often find themselves learning in ‘real-time’ how to care for their infant while also navigating their own postpartum changes.

The postpartum period marks a time of change, including a shift in identity, as well as a change in physical, hormonal and emotional wellbeing. Both parents are impacted during this period, but might experience the period differently. Some parents struggle with their identity. Others feel waves of guilt, fear, or inadequacy. For many, it’s a season marked by exhaustion, loneliness, and intrusive thoughts like:

• “Am I doing this right?”
• “Why does this feel so hard for me?”
• “What if I’m not doing enough for my child?”

You might be feeling disconnected from your partner or unsure of how to care for yourself during this time, and grapple with doubt around caring for your child.

At Crosstown Psychology, we recognize the importance of supporting you with the whirlwind changes that occur when becoming a parent. Whether you’re struggling with mood changes, anxious thoughts, or simply feeling overwhelmed by it all, we’re here to help you feel grounded and supported.

We work with parents to:

• Shift from a mindset of threat (“I’ll never figure this out”) to one of challenge (“This feels hard right now, but I’m learning.”)
• Develop tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cope with intrusive thoughts
• Build self-care routines that are realistic and restorative
• Strengthen the emotional foundation needed to feel more confident and connected

Sound familiar? You don’t need to have it all figured out. And you don’t have to go through this alone.

If you’re a new parent and feeling overwhelmed, DM us to book a complimentary consultation or learn more about how we can support your parenting journey.