First Time Mother 'Regrets' Having A Baby, Says She Is 'Shell' Of Her Former Self

Feb 26, 2022 by apost team

Caring for a newborn baby is one of the most challenging and exhausting things that someone can go through. Of course, there are plenty of positives to having a new baby around, but the hardships that are associated with a newborn should not be overlooked. If more people were honest when they are struggling as new parents, there could be less stigma around seeking out help when needed. 

One woman did just that when she made a post on the mothering forum Mumsnet. The author shared that she regrets having a baby “so much” and tried to warn others not to jump into parenthood. The post is brutally honest and heartbreaking, as the new mom shares that if she could go back to a time before she knew her son, she would. 

Commenters on the post were nearly all supportive and empathetic to this mom. Some suggested that the first-time mother could be suffering from Postnatal Depression and suggested that she seek out care. The author shared that she had begun seeing a psychiatrist and was considering taking antidepressants. Others gently reminded her that she is severely sleep-deprived, and once her 7-month-old son begins sleeping through the night things could start to get a lot easier. 

The main message from the fellow mothers commenting on the post was that she was not alone in missing her life before becoming a parent and that her feelings were valid. They encouraged her that as her son gets older it will become less difficult and even more enjoyable. Keep reading to learn more about this mother’s struggles.

The struggling mother shared in her Mumsnet post: “I love my son more than anything in the world, but I regret having a baby so much. It has absolutely destroyed my physical and mental health, and it’s impossible for me to envisage a time where I will ever be happy again. I used to be a vibrant, interesting, fun person with a great family life and hobbies, purpose and fulfillment. I’m now a shell of my former self, my world is so, so small.”

The mom did not hold back from the brutally honest truth, She continued, “If I could hit a button and go back to a time before my son existed, without remembering him or knowing he existed, I would do it without hesitation. I regret having a baby so much and I wish with all my heart and soul I hadn’t done it.”

One fellow parent offered this support: “I love being a parent, my Dear Daughter is 2.5 years old and I went through hell and back to get her here but I have definitely had lots of moments where similar thoughts have gone through my mind. I really didn't enjoy the newborn stage at all. I just wanted to say, I do feel it gets better the older they get.”

Another commenter said, “You've made it all the way to seven months so well done you! Sleep deprivation is appalling but he'll hopefully start sleeping through by the 10-month mark and you'll start to feel much more like your old self. Great if you could get some psychological support lined up soon too. Sending you a big hug.”

apost.com

We wish this mom and anyone else struggling with these feelings all the best. Can you relate to anything this mother shared? Let us know and feel free to send this along to your friends and family.