Early parenthood is a significant developmental stage that involves abrupt and dramatic changes to a new parent’s life. It is thought to be both a stressful and rewarding period, requiring significant adjustment to pre-parenthood lifestyles and routines. This study explores the emotional journey that new parents experience during the early phases of parenthood, examining these with a critical lens and giving consideration to the impacts of social constructions on early parenthood. Thirty parents were interviewed as part of a grounded theory study which uncovered parents’ experiences of significant emotional disturbance including self-doubt, isolation and loneliness. Both the role (lack of sleep, frustration) and social expectations and demands contributed to emotional disturbance. Many parents experienced a culture of comparison, competition and judgement that impacted on their emotional well-being, which we believe can be resisted with professional and social supports and the application of critical reflection.

早期为人父母是一个重要的发展阶段，涉及新父母生活的突然和戏剧性变化。这被认为是一个既紧张又有益的时期，需要对生育前的生活方式和日常生活进行重大调整。本研究探讨了新父母在为人父母的早期阶段所经历的情感旅程，从批判的角度审视这些，并考虑社会结构对早期为人父母的影响。作为一项扎根理论研究的一部分，对 30 位父母进行了采访，该研究揭示了父母严重情绪障碍的经历，包括自我怀疑、孤立和孤独。角色（睡眠不足、沮丧）和社会期望和要求都会导致情绪障碍。许多父母经历过比较的文化，