“Is This Normal?”: Support for New Parents from our Georgia Therapists
This post is part one of our “Parenting Through the Seasons” blog series, where Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness explores the emotional challenges of parenting across different life stages. Whether you're navigating new parenthood, feeling overwhelmed in the middle years, or adjusting to life with a young adult, our Georgia therapists are here to help.
Explore more in the series on our blog.
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound transitions. Alongside the love, excitement, and awe that often accompany new parenthood, there can also be deep exhaustion, fear, frustration, and confusion. The truth is, this stage of life is full of contradictions—and most new parents ask themselves at some point:
Is this normal?”
When Reality Doesn’t Match Expectations
You may have imagined what it would be like to hold your baby for the first time, to settle into a rhythm as a family, or to feel a wave of love and confidence as you stepped into your role as a parent.
But for many people, that’s not how it goes.
You might feel unsure of yourself, overwhelmed by responsibility, or disconnected from your partner. You may be mourning the loss of independence, or feel confused by the mix of love and resentment you experience in the same moment. You may feel like you’re supposed to be enjoying this—but instead, you find yourself wondering why it feels so hard.
All of that is normal.
And more importantly, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Common Myths About New Parenthood
So many new parents find themselves feeling confused or ashamed because their experience doesn’t match what they were told—or what they see others posting online. Here are a few common myths that often leave parents feeling like they’re doing something wrong:
Myth 1: “Bonding with your baby is instant.”
While some parents do feel an immediate connection, many others need time to adjust emotionally. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you—it just means you’re human, and your relationship with your baby will grow over time.
Myth 2: “If you're doing it right, it shouldn’t feel this hard.”
Parenting is hard, no matter how much you love your child. The early days are filled with hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, identity changes, and constant decision-making. Struggling doesn’t mean you're failing.
Myth 3: “Good parents don’t need help.”
In reality, good parents know when to ask for support. Reaching out for therapy is a sign of strength and self-awareness—not weakness.
By naming these myths, we can begin to replace them with something more compassionate, flexible, and real.
What Therapy in Georgia Can Offer New Parents
Whether you're navigating postpartum anxiety or depression, identity shifts, or simply trying to adjust to your “new normal,” therapy can offer a compassionate, judgment-free space to explore what you're feeling and why.
Through counseling, you can:
Understand and manage intense emotions like guilt, sadness, irritability, or fear
Build tools for communication with your partner during high-stress moments
Explore changes in your identity and self-worth
Reconnect with your needs, boundaries, and values
Learn how to care for yourself while caring for someone else
Working with a Georgia therapist can also provide you with space to say the hard things out loud—the ones you might not feel safe saying to your partner, your friends, or even yourself.
You’re Not a Bad Parent—You’re a Human One
It’s easy to feel like everyone else has it figured out. But behind every “perfect” social media post is a real person who’s likely struggling too. Parenthood is deeply human. It’s messy, raw, and beautiful—and it can bring out parts of us we didn’t even know existed.
Counseling in Atlanta gives you the space to bring your full self into the room. The tired, overwhelmed version. The hopeful version. The grieving one. The one that’s still finding their way.
Therapy in Georgia for New Parents
At Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness, we offer both in-person therapy in Decatur and virtual therapy for new parents across Georgia. Our compassionate team of therapists understand the emotional weight of early parenthood and are here to support you through all stages of the parenting journey—including the vulnerable, messy, beautiful beginning.
You don’t have to wait until things are “bad enough” to ask for help. If you’re feeling off, anxious, stuck, or just not like yourself, therapy can help you feel seen, supported, and a little more like you again.
Ready to Talk?
If you're a new parent navigating the ups and downs of this season, we’d love to connect. Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today with a Georgia therapist who truly understands what you’re going through.
Embarking on a therapeutic journey can be transformative, offering insights, growth, and healing. We at Aspen Grove Counseling and Wellness are here to support you every step of the way. If you have more questions or are ready to take the next step, please reach out. Your journey, your pace. We're here for you.
Click here to schedule your free 15-minute free phone consultation with one of our therapists in Decatur.
Or give us a call at 770-954-5476, or email us at info@decaturgacounseling.com, and we’d be happy to hear what is happening and direct you to the right person to help.