Is it normal to not like your newborn?
It can happen, and it doesn’t make you a bad parent. Bonding isn’t always instant, especially when you’re exhausted, recovering, or overwhelmed—but if the feeling is intense or sticking around, you deserve support.
You don’t have to feel instant love or delight just because you’ve had a baby. Some parents feel distant, irritated, or simply not fond of their newborn at first; bonding can take time, and sleep deprivation, birth recovery, feeding struggles, and a huge life change can make everything feel harder. People’s experiences vary, and there’s no required timeline for feeling close.
Try to focus on getting through the basics and accepting help where you can. If the dislike or numbness is strong, lasts, or comes with hopelessness or anxiety, talk with a healthcare professional or someone you trust. You deserve care too, not a guilt trip.