Is it normal to not enjoy the newborn stage?
Yes. Lots of parents find the newborn stage exhausting or monotonous, and not enjoying it doesn’t mean you love your baby any less.
Newborn life can be a relentless loop of feeding, changing, soothing, and trying to sleep whenever you get the chance. There’s also a big adjustment to your body, routine, and sense of self, while your baby may not yet give much back in the way of interaction. It’s completely possible to love your baby and still not enjoy this stage.
People have very different experiences: some adore the newborn bubble, while others find it their hardest stretch of parenting. You don’t have to feel grateful or enchanted every minute. If sadness, anxiety, numbness, or hopelessness feels intense or isn’t letting up, tell someone you trust and reach out to a healthcare professional—you deserve support, too.