Things No One Warned Me Would Be So Hard as a New Parent
You can read all the books, take all the classes, and scroll every parenting expert on Instagram—but nothing truly prepares you for what it feels like to actually become a parent. Not just the obvious stuff, like the sleepless nights and blowouts—but the weird, relentless ways motherhood sneaks into every corner of your life. Your body. Your brain. Your relationships. Your sense of self.
And here’s the thing no one says out loud: it’s okay if you’re struggling. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re doing something really hard without nearly enough support.
Navigating Postpartum Emotions: When to Seek Help and How Therapy Can Help
After giving birth, your body, mind, and entire life shift dramatically. Forget about sleep—it's now more precious than gold. Coffee might become your new best friend, and your toddler might treat every household object like their newest favorite toy. It's no wonder new moms experience so many complex feelings:
Anxiety and Overwhelm: Ever feel like you're constantly behind, juggling tasks with one hand while calming a crying baby with the other? Yep, you're not alone.
Mood Swings: Laughing at something silly one moment and sobbing over spilled milk the next? That's motherhood in a nutshell.
Guilt and Self-Doubt: It's completely normal to question if you're doing enough—especially when Instagram moms seem to have it all together. Spoiler alert: they don't.
Isolation: Ironically, motherhood can feel lonely, even when you're surrounded by little humans all day.
Exhaustion and Burnout: Sleepless nights add up quickly. Feeling drained physically and emotionally is more common than you might think.