July 27, 2026
I think we’ve all experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. Those persistent feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, or the sense that we’re just not cut out for the role we’ve been given. Toss in sleep deprivation and the absence of a clear rule book, and it’s no surprise that the new parent period can amplify postpartum emotions even more.
Reality of new-parent confidence
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or your fifth child; bringing home a newborn is challenging. There’s often uncertainty about whether you’re doing it the “right” way, or even if there is a right way at all.
Ebony, a mom of two, said of having her first baby: “I didn’t get a how-to when I left the hospital with my daughter. I was actually afraid to leave the hospital.”
Her fears are far from uncommon. In reality, many parents experience feeling unprepared after bringing a newborn home, especially when everyone around them suddenly expects them to be the expert. (Cue that dreaded imposter syndrome after having a baby.)
Even experts don’t have all the answers
These feelings aren’t limited to first-time parents or those without medical backgrounds. Even healthcare professionals can be surprised by how overwhelming the newborn period can be. One family medicine doctor shared that she assumed her training would fully prepare her for life with a newborn.
“I thought, ‘As a doctor, I’m going to breeze through this newborn period. We’re going to knock it out of the park.’ Boy, was I wrong,” she said with a laugh.
Her experience is a powerful reminder that new-parent confidence isn’t something you’re handed; it grows with time, reassurance and support.
No one “right” way to parent
Ebony also shared that she wished someone could just come to her home and tell her exactly what to do. It’s an understandable desire, especially in those early days when emotions are high and confidence feels low.
But the truth is:
- Every baby is different
- What works for one family may not work for another
- What works today might not work tomorrow
There is no universal playbook for parenting, only the approach that works for you and your baby.
That lack of a single “right answer” can feel frustrating, but it’s also completely normal. What parents truly need isn’t strict instructions; it’s reassurance, guidance and postpartum support that meets them where they are.
How Family Connects supports parents in the postpartum period
That’s where Denver Health Family Connects comes in. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Family Connects offers support for parents in the postpartum period through personalized care.
A trained nurse visits families in their home a few weeks after birth, offering evidence-based guidance, reassurance and a listening ear when parents need it most.
Family Connects helps by:
- Addressing questions with evidence-based guidance
- Reassuring parents that they’re doing better than they think
- Providing emotional and practical postpartum support
- Helping families build confidence without judgment
One participant shared: “I loved that I was able to talk with someone during this postpartum time who was able to clear all my doubts.”
Having doubts is normal, but navigating them alone shouldn’t be.
Growing into the parent you already are
Those first days at home with a newborn can make anyone feel uncertain, overwhelmed or inadequate. Despite how it feels in the moment, you don’t need someone to tell you how to parent; you just need support as you grow into the parent you already are.
By Delaney Murray, in partnership with Mile High Mamas
