I have having a really tough time with my new baby. I had a perfect pregnancy and loved every second of it. I am a usually very emotional person (I cry every week at The Biggest Loser) so I was pretty surprised that I didn't cry when my son was born. Since he's been born, I sometimes feel no closer to him than the person at the checkout at the grocery store. He hasn't gained his birth weight back yet (at 18 days old), he always seems to be more fussy when I hold him, and he doesn't seem to hold his gaze with me like does with my husband. Some days I feel really great and can't get enough of him, but some days I just feel like I'm not bonding with my son and that I'm failing to keep my son healthy since he isn't gaining weight like he should. I may be calling my doctor soon to talk about it, but wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this?

You are certainly not the only one. You've just gone through a huge hormonal shift in your body that affects your emotions. And, it is sometimes hard to grasp the reality of motherhood - this baby is here, and here to stay!

I believe babies "pick up" on our feelings. If you're feeling unsure or distant, it may account for the fussiness.

After two babies, I've learned to not worry so much and to be gentle on myself about feeling "guilty" unnecessarily. Check in with your doctor about yourself and the baby. And be really good to yourself! it is difficult to give to your infant if you're not taking care of you, too.

Take care!

This is totally normal. Your hormones go back to "normal" levels within 24 hours of birth - which is crazy when you think about it considering what you've just been through!

You could just have "baby blues", but if you start having more negative thoughts or feeling depressed then definitely talk to your doctor. It is nothing to be ashamed of.

My friend felt the same way with her new son and it last for about 4 months. She was just kind of indifferent and he never made eye contact with her - but did with her hubby. Then they just "clicked". Everyone is different and bonding can take time!

Sweety, Wait till the first time that you actually yell at him before you go too hard on yourself... (Believe me, any mom that says she never did it, is a flat out liar!) Some of us are willing to admit our breaking points and others choose to block it out of our memories in that effort to be the "best mom" amongst our peers...but we as moms should admit these things to other moms so that they do not feel so inferior....As it turns out those with honest support become far better mommies than those that continually hear from those that "never did that". Sounds like you have the blues and are really missing that wonderful pregnancy, combined with the overwhelming criticism you are undoubtedly faced with (as all new moms are), and your need to "get it right" despite a myriad of flaws and imperfections that you are most certainly noticing more these days.......hmmm, no wonder you are feeling detached! It will come precious, dont worry. But it does help sometimes to speak with your doctor about this. There are methods and even meds that can help you through this rough patch with your and your child's well-being firmly intact.
Cheer up Buttercup...it does get better- I promise. And remember God made our "baby" memories very short so that they couldnt use it against their mommies later! It is His gift to them & US!!! As for his weight, my grandaughter did not regain hers until the third month almost and it had not one good reason for taking so long...There was nothing wrong with her, she ate very well and often. However, she was not a sleepy baby and was very interactive right away, which could have used up instead of stored her daily intake. Ideally our grown bodies would do this, so it is not uncommon or wrong for theirs to. He will slow down some once he is done being so fascinated with his new world. It never hurts to ask his doctor if there is anything going on medically that could cause this. If nothing is found then be glad he is on his way to a great metabolism!!!
Best wishes hon....

Brenda