Is it normal to dislike the newborn stage?
Yes—it’s normal not to enjoy the newborn stage. You can love your baby and still find the constant care, disrupted sleep, and lack of routine miserable.
The newborn stage can be relentless: feeding, soothing, recovery, and sleep in tiny scraps. Some parents love the newborn bubble; others mostly count down until their baby is a little more interactive and predictable. Both reactions are normal, and they don’t say anything about how much you love your child.
You also don’t have to feel an instant, movie-style bond. For many people, closeness grows over time as they get to know their baby and feel more rested. If feeling awful or disconnected is intense or sticking around, tell someone you trust or a healthcare professional—you deserve support, not a guilt trip.