Why ‘Bouncing Back’ Postpartum Is The Wrong Goal—And What To Do Instead

Ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? You’re definitely not alone. I recently came across an inspiring story by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during her pregnancy. What struck me most wasn’t just her weight gain, but how she completely changed her mindset around postpartum fitness — shifting from pressure and expectation to kindness and curiosity. (You can read her full story here: Business Insider article)

Emily talks about embracing the experience of feeling like a “beginner again” and how that approach made all the difference in regaining strength and fitness. Instead of rushing to a goal, she allowed herself to heal, adapt, and celebrate small wins. And honestly, that message feels especially important for anyone on their journey to parenthood right now, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or still trying to conceive.

The Toxic Myth of the ‘Bounce Back’ Culture

We’ve all seen those headlines: “Moms Who Lost All Their Baby Weight In Weeks!” or “How To Get Your Pre-Baby Body Back Fast!” But what does that actually do to new mothers? More often than not, it piles on stress, guilt, and self-criticism.

The truth is your body just did something incredible. It grew a baby, supported life, and deserves patience and respect. The rush to “bounce back” can overshadow that miracle and make you feel like you’re failing if you don’t snap right back.

So, What If Kindness Was The Goal?

What if instead of focusing on a number on the scale or fitting into old jeans, you focused on feeling good, building strength, and reconnecting with your body? Emily’s story shows us this isn’t just easier on the mind — it actually leads to better, longer-lasting fitness results.

Here’s why kindness matters:

Healing Takes Time: Your body needs time to recover postpartum. Pushing too hard too soon can cause injury or setbacks.
Mental Health Counts: Being gentle with yourself reduces anxiety and depression, which helps motivation.
Celebrating Small Wins: Every bit of progress, from getting out of bed to gentle stretches, is worth acknowledging.

This Mindset Matters Before You Even Get Pregnant

If you’re exploring your path to parenthood, whether naturally or through at-home options, embracing kindness now can help you mentally prepare for the journey ahead. For example, MakeAMom, a company specializing in at-home insemination kits, understands that each fertility journey is unique and often challenging. Their approach reflects a deep respect for your individual needs, offering reusable kits tailored to different situations — designed to empower without pressure.

You can check out their thoughtful, discreet solutions that help people conceive outside of clinical settings here: MakeAMom at-home insemination kits.

How To Practice Kindness Postpartum (And Beyond)

If you’re in that postpartum phase or planning on getting there, these simple practices can make a huge difference.

Listen to Your Body: Rest when you need it. Move when it feels good.
Set Realistic Goals: Forget timelines. Focus on how you feel, not just how you look.
Find Support: Whether it’s friends, online groups, or professionals, having a support system is key.
Celebrate Progress: Keep a journal or share your small victories.

A Final Thought

Fitness and health after pregnancy is a journey — sometimes slow, often surprising, and always unique. By ditching the ‘bounce back’ pressure and choosing kindness, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable wellness and peace of mind.

If you’re trying to conceive or navigating the postpartum phase, remember: your journey is valid, your body is incredible, and you’re not alone. Curious about gentle, at-home fertility solutions or want to learn more about empowering options? Take a peek at resources designed to support you every step of the way.

What’s one kind thing you can do for yourself today? Share your thoughts in the comments — let’s inspire each other! 🌸