Couples Therapy for New Parents in Los Angeles
Reviewed by Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, PhD, PMH-C
You didn't expect a baby to make your relationship harder. You might have even expected the opposite. And now you're three months in, barely speaking except about logistics, sleeping in shifts, and having the same argument every Thursday. This is one of the most common things we hear from couples in Los Angeles — and it has less to do with your relationship than it does with what a baby actually does to two people.
In LA, couples often navigate new parenthood with less support than they expected. Extended family is across the country. Your social circle is made up of other people who are also working intense jobs, also exhausted, also unavailable. Two-career households in this city run on efficiency and mutual independence — neither of which works with a newborn who needs everything, all the time.
Our couples therapy for new parents isn't just conflict resolution. It's helping two people who are both overwhelmed find each other again in a moment that's genuinely hard. Our therapists specialize in exactly this transition — the shift from partners to co-parents, and how to not lose the first thing in the process.
What brings couples in
The "roommate phase" — functioning together but feeling completely disconnected
Different parenting styles creating friction from week one
One partner carrying the mental load while the other feels shut out — a core part of relationship changes after baby
Physical intimacy after baby — when to, how to, what if you don't want to
Resentment that built faster than either of you expected
Communication that worked before the baby and doesn't anymore
What makes this kind of therapy different
A general couples therapist can help. But a therapist who works specifically with new parents understands that the issues showing up in your relationship right now are often driven by the postpartum experience, sleep deprivation, and the identity changes both of you are going through — not just communication style. They'll hold the full picture.
Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, our founder, holds a PhD and a PMH-C. Every therapist on our team has trained specifically in maternal and perinatal mental health — which means they understand the postpartum context that shapes so many new-parent relationship struggles.
Brentwood office, or wherever works
Our office is in Brentwood, easy for Westside couples — Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Century City. For new moms who aren't ready to leave home yet, we also offer at-home postpartum therapy. For couples further out, telehealth sessions are available throughout California and much easier to schedule around nap times. We see a lot of couples doing sessions from their car in the garage after the kids go down.
Start with a free consultation
15 minutes — together or separately, whatever's easier. We'll hear what's happening and connect you with the right therapist. You may also want to read about postpartum depression therapy in Brentwood if one partner is struggling with the postpartum piece specifically.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or contact the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
2026-04-29
Last Reviewed: