Is it normal to feel regret with a newborn?
Yes, it can be normal to feel regret or wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into after having a newborn. Those feelings don’t mean you don’t love your baby or that you’re a bad parent.
A newborn can turn your sleep, privacy, routines, and sense of self upside down. Lots of new parents have moments of grief or regret about how life has changed, especially when they’re exhausted or overwhelmed. You can love your baby and still miss your old life.
If the regret feels constant, gets more intense, or comes with persistent hopelessness, panic, or trouble functioning, tell someone you trust and reach out to a healthcare professional; postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable. If you’re worried you might hurt yourself or the baby, seek urgent help now.