Is it normal to feel NOTHING when the baby is born?

Jan 141 min read

My son is 2 weeks old and everyone keeps asking if I'm so in love and obsessed and ngl I'm not really feeling it yet? Like I'm doing all the dad stuff - changing diapers, feeding, holding him - but I don't have this overwhelming wave of love everyone talks about. I care about him obviously but it feels more like... obligation right now? Is this postpartum depression or is this just normal and people don't talk about it? My wife seems instantly bonded and I feel like I'm supposed to feel the same way but I just don't. Kinda worried there's something wrong with me.

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Comments(5)

NNathanNew DadJan 14

Totally normal man. I felt the same way at first and thought something was wrong with me. Took a few weeks before it clicked. Everyone's timeline is different no matter what the movies show you.

RRyanRegularJan 15

Sleep deprivation doesn't help either. When you're running on fumes it's hard to feel much of anything except exhausted.

BBrad H.RegularJan 15

The instant love thing is such a myth. My wife and I had this exact conversation around week 3 and our pediatrician said she hears this all the time. The bond builds gradually.

JJake M.RegularJan 15

Don't stress about it. You're probably in survival mode right now just trying to keep this tiny human alive and figure out what you're doing. The attachment will come.

GGreg H.New DadJan 17

Give it time. I was the same way and honestly felt guilty about it for way too long before realizing it was fine. Now my kids are 7 and 5 and I'm obsessed with them.