Adjusting To Parenthood

No matter how much research we do or how prepared we think we are, the reality of becoming a parent is often very different to our expectations. It can be an anxiety-provoking, exhausting and lonely time.

Parenthood changes every aspect of our lives, from our daily routines and sleep patterns to our relationships and sense of identity.

It can cause old mental health issues to resurface, or new difficulties to emerge.

Common reasons to seek therapy after becoming a new parent

  • Changes to your role and identity

  • Changes in the couple or family relationship

  • Negative self-beliefs around not being a good enough parent

  • Difficulties with bonding with your baby

  • Struggles with breastfeeding

  • Feeling low and/ or depressed, eg feeling tearful, disconnected, angry, overwhelmed, hopeless, not wanting to be around other people

  • Feeling stressed and/ or anxious, eg having racing or intrusive thoughts, feeling tense, not wanting to leave the house, panic attacks

  • Perinatal OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder where the intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours are directly related to your baby)

  • The triggering of unresolved issues from your past, such as difficult experiences of being parented

  • Fear of repeating parenting patterns from your own family of origin

  • Returning to work after maternity leave