I Don’t Want to Parent Anymore – What Are My Options? -

Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing experiences a person can go through. While society often portrays parenting as joyful and rewarding, the reality is that it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting, and not at all what you expected.

If you recently had a baby and are realizing that you may not want to, or feel you cannot continue parenting, you are not alone. Many parents come to this realization for different reasons, and there are compassionate, judgment-free resources available to support you.

Why You May Feel You Can’t Parent Anymore

It is okay to acknowledge that parenting doesn’t feel right for you right now. If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I can’t do this anymore,” it’s important to explore the feelings behind those thoughts. Being honest with yourself is the first step toward healing and finding the support you need.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers. It can make bonding with your baby feel difficult and day-to-day parenting overwhelming.

Symptoms may include:

Intense sadness or anxiety
Irritability or mood swings
Difficulty sleeping (beyond newborn care)
Feeling detached from your baby

👉 Get confidential help here through Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Financial or Emotional Instability

Parenting without support is extremely challenging. If you are facing housing insecurity, struggling to afford basic needs, or feeling isolated without a support system, it’s understandable that parenting may not feel possible right now.

👉 Explore resources for financial help for pregnant women

Ongoing Mental Health Challenges

If you already live with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health struggles, becoming a parent can intensify those challenges. When you feel like you can’t take care of yourself, it may feel impossible to care for a child.

👉 Find support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

What To Do If You Don’t Want to Parent Anymore

If, after exploring resources and support, you feel that parenting is not right for you, it’s important to know you still have options. You are not alone, and you are not out of choices.

Temporary Guardianship or Kinship Care

If you need time to recover or stabilize but don’t want to make a permanent decision right now, temporary guardianship may be an option. A trusted family member or close friend can care for your baby while you work on your well-being, giving your child stability in a familiar environment.

Adoption

If you are thinking, “I don’t want to raise my baby anymore,” adoption could be the right path for you. Adoption allows you to choose a family who is prepared to provide the love, care, and stability your child needs.

With open adoption, you can stay connected through updates, visits, and ongoing contact, while still giving your baby a secure future. Adoption is possible at any stage, even weeks or months after your baby is born.

👉 Learn about adoption options through Adoptions From The Heart

You Are Not Alone

If you are asking yourself, “ I don’t want to parent anymore. What are my options?” know that it is okay to reach out for help. You deserve compassion, support, and guidance as you navigate this decision.

Whether you want to: