I Didn’t Bond with My Baby Right Away and That’s Okay

Not every parent feels an instant connection with their baby—and that’s completely normal. Bonding can take time, especially after the physical and emotional intensity of childbirth, exhaustion, or recovering from a difficult delivery. Some parents feel guilty or ashamed for not feeling that “magical moment” right away, but love often grows gradually through everyday care—feeding, soothing, and simply being together. You are not alone in this experience, and it doesn’t make you a bad parent. With time, patience, and support, that bond can deepen in ways that are just as meaningful, even if it doesn’t happen all at once.