DS doesn't laugh for me :(

[DangerMousey]

DS1 is 4 months old next week. Whilst he does lots of smiles for me throughout the day, and has been known to do the odd little one-off chuckle, he has never full-on belly laughed, despite me singing lots of silly songs, covering him in kisses, blowing raspberries on his belly, etc etc etc.

Over the easter weekend we were visiting family and DH's brother (who himself has 2 kids) was playing with DS on the floor - he was making a funny noise on DS's tummy with his mouth over and over and DS was literally roaring with laughter . It was lovely to see at the time, but afterwards I felt really sad - why doesn't DS do that for me?

I have recently been referred to the local mental health services for assessment and treatment (CBT/counselling) for anxiety-based PND. I try so hard not to let DS know I feel sad and anxious, but I am really scared now he has somehow picked up on the fact mummy is 'not quite right' and that's why he doesn't laugh with me :(

Has anyone felt the same or had a similar experience with family members? Anyone got any good tips on how to make a 4mo laugh?? i wish any element of this motherhood thing came more naturally to me :(

[jungletoes]

Both of mine laughed with other people before me, they particularly liked other children. Don't worry about it, we're there all the time and therefore they take us for granted.

[MomaP]

My DS who is now 5, was exactly the same. My DH could make him belly laugh, whereas I couldn't. I was anxious as to why at first. I then spoke to HV and asked if she had seen this before, she said instantly she had heard of this so many times, (weekly basis) and that its more than likely because we don't act quite as silly as blokes do or that because baby sees us each waking minute of most days, (in the majority of young babies circumstances) they just take us mums for granted, even at such a young age.

Don't take it personal, I'm sure he will have a roaring giggle for you soon enough.

[LadyWidmerpool]

This was me too! I think they find novelty funny and I was part of the furniture, in a good way. I hope you get the support you need and deserve.

[TheFallenNinja]

I'm the funniest bloke I know but can barely raise a titter from DS.

I wouldn't worry about it.

[HerrenaHarridan]

Me too. I also thought it was because I was so miserable and she knew.

Glad to know its others too.

She does laugh for me now (13mo) the first thing I got a laugh for was alternating kisses and raspberries on the back of her neck. She also loves kisses / raspberries on palm of hand, when I touch the tip of her finger with mine (where she can see) and buzzzzz frantically and when I make her feet clap!

Hope that helps

Good luck getting pnd sorted, you sound very hard on yourself. Give yourself a break, stop trying to be a good mum and just take it a day at a time

[HappyJoyful]

My DD is just over 2yr and rarely does she do those hysterical laughs with me - ohh but Daddy, he can have her in fits of laughter doing very little!!

Really don't be hard on yourself. Try and relax, you sound like you are being hard on yourself and you don't deserve to me. It's not easy sometimes being the Mum!! We seem to get bum deals half the time..

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

DD is nearly 7 months and will only laugh for DS (3) or the dog!