This question lies at the heart of many new moms’ and dads’ deepest fears and doubts. It reflects vulnerability around identity, self-worth, and the pressure to get parenting “right.” As a trauma-informed therapist, I help parents explore these feelings without judgment, uncover the roots of their self-criticism, and build compassion for themselves. Understanding that healing old wounds makes space for confident, loving parenting is often the first step toward answering this question with a resounding yes.

It’s completely normal to question your feelings toward your newborn, and not feeling instantly attached doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby or that you aren’t a good parent. Many new parents carry fears and doubts beneath the surface—about their worth, their identity as a parent, and the pressure to “get it right.” These feelings often stem from deeper, sometimes hidden, experiences of trauma or unmet needs from your own past.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I encourage parents to approach these feelings with kindness rather than judgment. Sometimes, when old wounds haven’t had the chance to heal, they create blocks to connection and attachment. Healing those wounds can open up the space for genuine, confident love and presence with your child.

You are enough, even as you navigate fears and uncertainties. Being a good parent isn’t about perfection or instant feelings; it’s about showing up, seeking support, and allowing yourself the grace to grow into your role. Over time, with compassion and understanding, that bond you’re worried about will have the chance to flourish.

It’s important to recognize that not wanting to have sex with your partner right now is a valid and common experience, especially in the context of new parenthood. Your body and mind are both navigating massive changes—physically recovering from childbirth, adjusting to new routines, and managing the emotional complexities that come with caring for a newborn. These demands can significantly affect your desire and energy for intimacy.

Sometimes, underlying feelings—such as stress, exhaustion, anxiety, or unresolved trauma—can also impact your sexual desire. It doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you or your relationship. Rather, it’s a signal to listen to your needs and emotions without judgment.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I encourage you to approach these feelings with compassion. Healing past wounds and addressing current stressors can gradually help restore your connection to both yourself and your partner. Remember, intimacy isn’t solely physical—it’s also built on emotional safety, trust, and being understood.

You don’t need to rush or force anything. Prioritizing self-care, open communication with your partner, and seeking support if needed are powerful steps toward finding balance. Your feelings are valid, and taking the time to care for yourself can create a stronger foundation for intimacy when you’re ready.

Parents yell at their children for all kinds of reasons. Parents yell when they feel overwhelmed, stressed and scared. Heck, sometimes, they even deserve it.

Sometimes moms refer to it as “Mom Rage” - an intense anger that arises quickly and is often followed by shame and guilt. Moms are often overtaxed with caring for young children, the responsibilities of home as well as the responsibilities of earning family income. This leads to a never ending list of to dos, sleep deprivation and burnout.

Therapy helps mom identify their rage triggers, not only learn to set boundaries, but be comfortable setting them and take care of themselves to stop the cycle of rage and self-shame. Then moms can have healthy connected relationships with their children.

Parenting young children is tough and stressful. Often times when we are stressed we reach for what we know. What we know as parents, is the way we were parented by our mothers. So without pausing and thinking, we can respond to our children in ways that we were treated.

It doesn’t have to be this way though. Building the capacity to stop, pause, and then respond intentionally can help mothers stop intergenerational patterns of relating to one another.

Yes, you can! Parenting, or being a “good dad” is a set of behaviors. Behaviors are learned, not innate. For example, you may have picked up some behaviors from your dad, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep doing them. In therapy, you will become aware of what is driving your behaviors and how to make different choices in your role as a dad. In therapy, you can also receive parent coaching to build new and different parenting skills rather than use ones that are old and hurt you.

Pregnancy and childbirth create one of the most dramatic hormonal and neurological shifts a woman will ever experience. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly after birth, sleep deprivation intensifies emotional reactivity, and physical recovery can take months. On top of that, her identity is shifting. Becoming a mother often brings joy, but it can also bring grief for her previous freedom, body, career rhythm, and relationship dynamic. These changes can show up as irritability, emotional distance, anxiety, low libido, forgetfulness, or feeling overwhelmed. What may feel like a personality change is often a person under significant strain.

Sometimes, the shift is compounded by postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety — both common and highly treatable conditions. About 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and many more struggle with anxiety that goes unnoticed. Increased anger, withdrawal, constant worry, or feeling disconnected are signs she may need support. In fact, most couples experience a temporary dip in relationship satisfaction after a baby due to sleep loss, increased responsibility, and the invisible mental load many mothers carry. This stage does not mean your marriage is broken. It means you are both adjusting to one of the biggest life transitions a relationship can face.

As an Austin therapist specializing in the postpartum period, I provide therapy and postpartum support for new dads and couples who feel confused, disconnected, or overwhelmed after a baby arrives. Many men struggle quietly with relationship changes, sleep deprivation, increased responsibility, and uncertainty about how to support their partner while managing their own stress. In our work together, we focus on understanding postpartum mood changes, improving communication, and preventing resentment from building in the marriage. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy as a new father or marriage counseling after a baby, my approach is practical, relational, and grounded in helping couples reconnect during one of life’s biggest transitions.

I will be direct, transparent and supportive with a sense of humor that allows us to gently work through any complex emotion, experience and challenge.

If you are looking for a therapist that will agree with everything you say, we are probably not a great fit. However, if you are looking for someone to call you out when necessary and support you at all times, we should chat!

Most adults walking around have unresolved childhood issues. Our bodies are designed to survive. If our childhood is stressful, we do just that - survive. Surviving doesn’t necessarily include processing childhood traumas such as abusive parents, growing up in poverty, witnessing domestic violence, learning disabilities and struggling in school.

The transition to parenthood often brings our unresolved childhood issues to the forefront as we are faced with a pint sized version of us.

Postpartum depression can begin anywhere from 3 weeks after birth up to 6 months after birth. Postpartum depression can also happen with first born child or for the first time with the second born child.

If left untreated, postpartum depression symptoms can last several years. It is best to get treatment from a therapist, such as. PMH-C, trained in understanding and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.