Why Bouncing Back Postpartum is Outdated—And How Being Kind to Yourself Makes All the Difference

What if everything you’ve heard about ‘bouncing back’ after pregnancy is, well, wrong?

If you’re pregnant or recently gave birth, chances are you’ve been bombarded with advice about shedding ‘baby weight’ ASAP. But Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, is flipping the script. In her recent Business Insider article, she shares a refreshing perspective: instead of pushing herself to snap right back, she embraced the process of feeling like a beginner again—and it made getting fit post-baby easier and kinder.

The Pressure to ‘Bounce Back’—Is It Realistic or Just Exhausting?

The phrase ‘bounce back’ has become a cultural motto, practically demanding that new mothers return to their pre-pregnancy bodies at warp speed. But let’s be honest—pregnancy transforms your body in ways that aren’t just about weight. It’s muscle gain, shifts in hormones, emotional upheaval, and sometimes, unexpected challenges like vaginismus or pelvic floor sensitivity.

Trying to rush or force your body back to ‘normal’ isn’t just stressful—it can be downright counterproductive. That’s the takeaway from Emily’s story. Instead of pushing herself, she treated postpartum fitness like learning a new skill: with patience, compassion, and small victories.

Why Embracing Beginner Status is a Game-Changer

Think about it—when you learn to ride a bike or play an instrument, you don’t expect to master it overnight. Why should fitness be any different after pregnancy? By accepting the beginner role, Emily found motivation in progress rather than perfection.

• Patience wins: Real, lasting change takes time. Your body is healing and adapting.
• Mindful movement: Start with gentle exercises that respect your new limits.
• Celebrate progress: Every step forward is a victory, no matter how small.

This approach doesn’t just nurture your physical health—it supports your mental and emotional wellness too, reducing the anxiety that comes with unrealistic expectations.

The Hidden Challenges Many Don’t Talk About

Postpartum isn’t always picture-perfect. Conditions like vaginismus or pelvic pain can make even simple movements a challenge. For those navigating such sensitive issues, traditional fitness advice can feel dismissive or unhelpful.

That’s why tailored solutions matter. For example, if you’re considering conception or are on this journey, the right tools can make a huge difference. MakeAMom, a company specializing in at-home insemination kits, understands that every path to parenthood is unique. Their BabyMaker kit is designed for users with sensitivities, such as vaginismus, making the process more comfortable and accessible.

What Can We Learn From This For Your Own Journey?

1. Reject the unrealistic ‘bounce back’ myth. Your postpartum body deserves kindness, not criticism.
2. Start slow and steady. Whether it’s fitness, fertility, or emotional healing, incremental progress builds lasting strength.
3. Seek resources that meet your specific needs. From fitness routines to fertility tools, personalization is key.
4. Celebrate your resilience. Growing a family is a marathon, not a sprint.

Final Thoughts: Could Kindness to Yourself Be the Ultimate Fertility Booster?

We often underestimate the power of emotional wellness in fertility and postpartum recovery. When you treat your body and mind with care, you're setting the stage for success in every aspect—from conception to postpartum fitness.

Have you ever felt pressured to ‘bounce back’ too soon after pregnancy? How did you cope? Let’s open up this conversation and support each other on our unique journeys.

And for those exploring options outside the traditional clinic setting, remember there are compassionate, innovative resources like the MakeAMom home insemination kits ready to support you every step of the way.

After all, your journey to parenthood is yours alone—and being kind to yourself might just be the best workout of all.