There’s a version of parenthood that lives in disguise on social media. It’s filtered and carefully selected. It’s well-lit. It drinks its coffee while it’s still hot and is always filled with moments of treasured bliss.

And then there’s real parenthood.

Real parenthood looks like loving your baby so much and still wondering how everyone else makes it look so easy. Real parenthood is where frustration and thankfulness coexist in hourly intervals. Real parenthood involves thinking, “I thought I’d enjoy this more, and I feel guilty thinking that way.”

The truth is this: Parenthood is hard. It’s exhausting, it’s stressful, it’s scary, and it’s amazing. Loving your child and not loving every moment of parenting is where the truth lies. At the same time.

And it’s normal.

Myth #1: “If I were doing this right, it would feel more natural.”

Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and it definitely doesn’t come with instant confidence. Many parents we work with tell us they expected to instantly feel like a pro, like they were born to parent. Instead, they felt unsure, overwhelmed, or emotionally all over the place.

If you’re feeling like that, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It means you’re human.

Supportive therapy in Pasadena can help normalize these experiences and create space to talk through the adjustment without judgment.

Myth #2: “Everyone else is handling this better than I am.”

Comparison can eat away at you faster than an acidic drink on an empty stomach. This is most true when parents are exhausted.

Behind most “doing great!” updates are parents who are also Googling things at 2 a.m., questioning themselves, and trying to hold it together. This, too, is normal, and almost everyone at some point feels inadequate, scared, or just not good at parenting. That’s okay!

Community matters, whether that’s a trusted friend, a partner, private sessions with a therapist, or a postpartum therapy group where honesty is encouraged, not curated. Social support reduces postpartum stress and anxiety; support systems are where you can go to find others who are dealing with the same situations and feelings you are. From those in your support group, you can get the advice, support, and confidence you need as a successful parent. You don’t have to go through the journey alone!

Myth #3: “Struggling means I’m failing.”

No; struggling means you’re adapting to something enormous.

New parenthood involves identity shifts, sleep deprivation, relationship changes, and pressure to “bounce back.” That’s a lot for one nervous system. Feeling overwhelmed does not mean you’re failing. It means you might need support, rest, or a reset (or all of the above).

Therapy for anxiety, perfectionism, or adjustment issues can be incredibly grounding during early parenthood. If you’re interested, organizations like Postpartum Support International offer education and resources that can guide you as a new parent, and for personal therapy to really keep you grounded, reach out to us!

A More Honest Reframe

Parenthood is not going to be enjoyed every second. It’s meant to be lived. Messy moments, quiet wins, and everything in between.

If you’re finding yourself stuck in self-criticism or carrying more emotional weight than feels sustainable, perinatal therapy in Pasadena can help you unpack what’s happening and reconnect with yourself, not just your role as a parent.

You don’t need to be a “perfect” parent. You just need to be a supported one. Perinatal therapy can offer a steady, judgment-free space to talk honestly about what this stage of life is really like, without pressure to feel a certain way. We’re here to help you feel more grounded, supported, and like yourself again; reach out to us, and let’s get through these incredible times together.