Becoming a parent is often described as transformative, but for many new parents, the emotional shift is hard to anticipate or articulate. In a recent conversation, actor Vicky Kaushal spoke about this early, overwhelming phase of parenthood, sharing that “every day, a new emotion hits.” In November this year, Vicky and actor Katrina Kaif welcomed their firstborn, a son, marking the beginning of a life change that, as he admits, he is still trying to process.When asked about his feelings as a new father, Vicky said, “It’s too soon for me to analyse. Every day, a new emotion hits. You surrender to this in a way you’ve never surrendered to anything.” He also described fatherhood as “a grounding experience,” adding, “It’s a feeling I can’t put into words, and wasn’t prepared for.” Admitting that, despite being at such a glamorous event, all he could think of was going back home, he told GQ India, “For the entire time that I was there, I kept feeling something pulling me back. Your centre just changes. It’s kind of beautiful.”Vicky and Katrina had announced the arrival of their son with a heartfelt note on Instagram: “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina & Vicky.” Earlier, in September, they had confirmed her pregnancy with a joint post from what appeared to be a maternity photoshoot, writing, “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.” While these moments are deeply personal, the emotions behind them are widely shared by new parents navigating identity shifts, emotional surrender, and the realities of early parenthood.Meaning of emotional surrender for new parentsVicky Kaushal says, “You surrender to this in a way you’ve never surrendered to anything.” Gurleen Baruah, existential analyst at That Culture Thing, reflects on this, adding that for many new parents, this surrender feels almost magical. “A baby brings a deep sense of belonging and connection that is hard to explain. Biologically, hormones like oxytocin rise sharply, creating strong bonding, tenderness, and protectiveness,” says Baruah, in a conversation with indianexpress.com. ALSO READ | Women recount first pregnancy experiences: ‘Seeing life grow within you feels extremely special’Psychologically, she adds that the child is experienced as “my own,” not just an external responsibility but an extension of oneself. “From a developmental psychology lens, the parents’ emotional world reorganises around the infant. Sleep deprivation, constant caregiving, and the baby’s complete dependence intensify this bond,” mentions Baruah. Story continues below this adWhy many first-time parents are unprepared for the emotional changes of parenthoodMost people imagine parenthood, Baruah notes, but imagination is not lived reality. Anticipation often focuses on joy, milestones, and love, while the reality includes overwhelm, fear, responsibility, and loss of the old self. “Parenthood brings existential questions: Am I enough? Can I protect this life? What if something goes wrong? These feelings arrive alongside deep love, which makes them even more powerful. No amount of planning prepares someone for how permanent the role feels,” states Baruah. Emotional fluctuation in new parentsAccording to Baruah, emotional fluctuation is very normal in early parenthood. Babies’ expressions, cries, smiles, and changes can feel almost magical, stirring love, fear, joy, and anxiety all at once. New parents often swing between feeling deeply fulfilled and suddenly overwhelmed. This mix is part of the adjustment. “However, support should be sought if overwhelm feels constant rather than passing, if sleep or appetite is severely affected, if there is persistent sadness, numbness, panic, or thoughts of harm or escape. When emotions stop feeling manageable and begin to interfere with daily functioning or bonding, it’s not just a phase, it’s a signal to ask for help,” concludes the expert.