Feeling lonely as a new mum.

[Vix150]

My son is almost 8 weeks old, my husband has gone back to work and I've started to feel really lonely. When family members come to the house all they want to do is hold him and talk about him and I love him but I would like them to talk to me too and talk about their day/life etc. I don't have much family of my own close by so it's normally husbands family and at the start I attempted to make conversation but they genuinely were not listening and so I've stopped. Is this normal? To be fair they didn't come to visit before he was born so they've never shown that much interest in me but I've had a lot of anxiety in the first few weeks and I don't think the lack of conversation from the outside world is helping.
Is this normal?

Oh bless you. Being a new mum is incredibly hard. I coped by having a LONG walk every day with baby strapped to my front and then going to baby groups. I think I did 4 a week to save my sanity. It does get easier I promise.

Totally normal. It's a very tough time and I really feel for you.

Try to get involved in as many community events as you can. There will be other new mums in your area, hopefully, so if you see a woman with a baby, go up to her and chat - she's probably looking for company too.

When your baby gets older, there might be opportunities for soft play sessions, rhyme time, library story groups, etc. I used to talk to literally anyone at these, just to get some adult human connection.

I’m sorry you’re struggling OP, I think it is really normal but that doesn’t make it any less hard.

My daughter is 7 months old now but I also felt the same during pregnancy & especially when she was tiny, it’s a strange feeling to be surrounded by people and yet still feel really quite alone, it feels like your whole life has changed while everybody else continues the same and every chat is baby related because they are the “new” thing. It really does get easier. I agree with others suggesting baby groups, I go to few every week with my baby and 2 of the ones I go to which I’d really recommend if there’s any in your area are mum & baby exercise classes. You take your baby but the focus is more on the mums, getting some exercise, having a good chat, we all have a bit of a moan and I honestly feel so much better afterwards!

Hi OP did you do NCT? What about any local baby groups? The churches always run a few. Also have you thought about signing up for any classes? This is the way to meet people.

Aww OP ♥️ it can be a lonely and hard time!

Have you done any baby classes / playgroups / coffee mornings etc? These things can be a little daunting but in my experience they tend to be full of parents who are just as keen to make friends with others in similar circumstances, with young babies.

New motherhood can feel like a real loss of identity for a while. Meeting up with others in the same situation can be a life saver.

Find all the local baby and toddler groups, go to all of them tell you make some new friends.

Go to as many baby groups as you can and find some people who are interested in you :-)