The First Few Days with a Newborn: A Therapist’s Perspective on Postpartum Adjustment

We’re joined on the blog today by one of our favorite local Wichita postpartum therapists, Madison Meyerson, LSCSW. We greatly appreciate hearing her perspective on adjusting to your new reality when your baby joins the family.

"The First Few Days with a Newborn: A Therapist’s Perspective on Postpartum Adjustment”

The first few days at home with a newborn can feel disorienting in ways people don’t always talk about. One minute you’re staring at your baby in complete awe, and the next you’re crying because you can’t remember the last time you slept or ate a real meal. That emotional whiplash you might be feeling is incredibly common.

As a therapist, I often remind new parents that the early postpartum period is a major adjustment, not something you’re supposed to handle alone or navigate perfectly. Your body is recovering, hormones are shifting quickly, and you’re suddenly responsible for caring for a small baby around the clock. Even when a baby is deeply loved and wanted, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotional, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. A lot of people put pressure on themselves to enjoy every moment or settle into parenthood right away. But for many parents, bonding and confidence build gradually. There is nothing wrong with that.

One of the most helpful things you can do during those early days is simplify. Focus on the basics: rest when you can, drink water, eat regularly, get out into the sun if even for a few moments, and let other things wait. The laundry is not urgent right now. A spotless house is not urgent right now. Recovery and support matters in these moments. 

It’s also important to pay attention to your emotional wellbeing, not just your physical healing. Many new parents experience baby blues during the first week or two after birth. That can look like crying more easily, irritability, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or feeling unusually sensitive and overwhelmed. Hormonal changes, exhaustion, recovery from birth, and the major life adjustment of caring for a newborn can all play a role in these emotions. At the same time, postpartum mental health struggles are more common than many people realize, and they can affect anyone, regardless of how prepared or excited they felt for parenthood. Postpartum depression and anxiety may show up as persistent sadness, panic, racing thoughts, hopelessness, anger, numbness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, or feeling disconnected from yourself or your baby. Some parents also experience intrusive thoughts that can feel frightening or confusing. Having these thoughts does not make you a bad parent, but it is important to talk to a trusted healthcare provider or mental health professional if they occur.

You do not have to go through this season alone or feeling isolated. Leaning on supportive friends, family members, a partner, a therapist, or a doula can make a meaningful difference. Even small things, like getting outside for a short walk, eating regularly, resting when possible, or talking honestly about how you’re feeling, can help lighten some of the emotional weight. Most of all, try to speak to yourself with patience during this season. You do not need to know exactly what you’re doing right away, nobody truly does. Healing, bonding, and adjusting to a new identity as a parent all take time, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

You and your baby are getting to know each other at the same time. That relationship grows slowly, one feeding, one sleepless night, and one small moment at a time.

- Madison Meyerson, LSCSW

You can find Madison’s therapy practice online at Madison Therapy Co, located in Wichita KS.

Madison Meyerson, LSCSW, a mental health therapist in Wichita KS specializing in postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, perinatal mood disorders

Outside of her NE Wichita therapy office, Madison enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her two kittens.