Mum shares regret over having baby in brutal post

A struggling new mum has taken to the internet to confess that she regrets having a baby as it has “ruined her life”.

A mum has shared a brutally honest post about how she regrets having a baby and wishes she never had, as parenthood has turned her into a “shell of my former self”.

Struggling to adapt to a new normal after giving birth, the anonymous mum turned to the internet for advice from fellow mums, as she confessed if she could go back in time and not become a mum, she wouldn’t hesitate.

The woman, who revealed her son is now seven months old, said becoming a mum took a serious toll on her physical and mental health and warned others against having a baby, as it could “ruin your life”.

Overwhelmed and struggling to cope, the mum said she doesn’t think she’ll “ever be happy again”, as she shared a post to Mumsnet titled “If you’re thinking of having a baby – don’t”.

It read: “Or do. But be aware it may ruin your life.

A mum has shared a brutally honest post about how she regrets having a baby. Picture: Getty

“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.”

Reflecting on how much becoming a mum has changed her as a person, she continued: “I used to be a vibrant, interesting, fun person with a great family life and hobbies, purpose and fulfilment. I’m now a shell of my former self, my world is so, so small.

“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.”

While interacting with other mums online, the woman revealed that her baby’s sleep has been “awful” and she has previously sought help from a mental-health nurse.

The nurse had given her sertraline – an anti-depressant – to try, but she claims it gave her “horrendous insomnia” so she decided to stop taking the medication.

The woman did add, however, that her partner has been a huge support to her while she’s been struggling.

She posted: “My partner is amazing – he does so much for us both, way more than his fair share.

“But I can see what a burden I am to him by feeling this way and I am so so worried about the toll it takes on him, having to be a parent and also support me through this.”

Fellow mums made sure to reach out to the woman and reassure her that they too had found the first stage of parenting difficult to adjust to.

She revealed in a post online that she regrets having a baby. Picture: Mumsnet

Offering words of support, one person posted in response: “Oh I felt like that when mine were that age. I think the first 3-4 years can be brutal depending on the nature of the child. It WILL get easier and more enjoyable, especially if you stick with just the one. Hang in there OP it’s not forever.”

Another said: “Oh poor you. It sounds like you are feeling terrible at the moment. I just wanted to say that doesn’t sound unfamiliar. I love being a parent, my DD 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.”

A third wrote: “Hey OP, hang in there! 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 ten-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.”

“There is a huge pressure on new mums to be over the moon despite the first year being very hard for many, many women,” shared one more.

Others claimed the mum could possibly be going through post-natal depression (she hasn’t confirmed whether she has officially been diagnosed) and suggested looking into therapy or seeking out a professional for support.

After reading their messages and taking them on board, the mum thanked those who had reached out for making her feel “less alone”.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.