Is it normal to regret having a baby postpartum?
Yes, some parents feel regret after having a baby, especially while exhausted or adjusting to a huge life change. If the feeling is intense or sticks around, talk with a healthcare professional, since postpartum depression or anxiety can be part of the picture.
You can love your baby and still miss your old life, feel trapped, or wonder if becoming a parent was the right choice. Sleep deprivation, pain, feeding struggles, and the sudden responsibility can make those feelings hit hard; having them doesn’t make you a bad parent, and it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll feel this way forever.
If the regret feels overwhelming, lasts, or comes with persistent sadness, anxiety, numbness, or trouble functioning, tell your doctor, midwife, or another trusted healthcare professional. Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and you deserve support—not judgment.