Is it normal to not instantly love your baby?
Yes. Plenty of parents don’t feel instant love or a strong bond with their baby; for many, those feelings grow over time as they get to know each other.
The idea that you’ll be swept away by love the second you meet your baby is a popular story, not a rule. Birth, recovery, exhaustion, stress, and the huge adjustment can leave you feeling numb, overwhelmed, or simply focused on getting through the day. That doesn’t make you a bad parent, and it doesn’t predict how close you’ll feel later.
Bonding can build through ordinary moments—feeding, cuddling, and responding to your baby—without a dramatic rush of emotion. If the lack of connection is causing you distress, sticks around, or comes with persistent sadness or anxiety, tell a healthcare professional; you deserve support, not judgment.