Is it normal to resent your newborn?
It can be normal to feel resentment toward your newborn sometimes, especially when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or grieving your old routine. If the feeling is constant, frightening, or comes with thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, reach out for support promptly.
Yes, it can happen—and it doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby or that you’re a bad parent. Newborn care can be relentless, and sleep deprivation, pain, feeding stress, and the sudden loss of time and freedom can leave you feeling angry or resentful. People don’t always say that part out loud, but you’re not alone in it.
The feeling matters less than what you do with it. Tell someone you trust what’s going on, and ask for practical help and a chance to rest. If resentment feels constant or is getting worse, talk with your doctor or another postpartum support professional; depression or anxiety after birth can show up in ways that don’t look like sadness. If you’re worried you might hurt yourself or your baby, put the baby somewhere safe, like their crib, and get immediate help from someone you trust or emergency services.