Why Being Kind to Yourself After Pregnancy Is the Game-Changer No One Talks About
Posted on 21 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 5 min
Have you ever felt the pressure to just 'bounce back' after pregnancy? You're definitely not alone. Society often bombards new moms with this impossible expectation—to snap back into their pre-pregnancy shape immediately. But what if I told you the real secret to regaining strength and fitness after having a baby is actually something much gentler? Something most people overlook: kindness to yourself.
Recently, I came across a thought-provoking article on Business Insider by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who openly shared her postpartum journey. Emily gained over 50 pounds during her pregnancy—a lot of weight, especially for someone whose job is all about fitness! But instead of rushing back to her “old self,” she embraced the idea of feeling like a beginner again and chose to be patient and kind with her body. And guess what? That mindset shift made all the difference in how she recovered physically and mentally. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend checking out her full story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant.
This story really struck a chord with me because it flips the narrative around postpartum recovery on its head. Instead of focusing on rushing back to 'normal,' Emily's journey reminds us that embracing the new beginner phase after birth is not just okay—it’s essential. And for many parents trying to conceive or who are already on this path, this kind of compassionate approach isn’t just good advice postpartum—it’s a mindset that can carry you through the entire fertility journey.
Why Kindness Matters in Fertility and Beyond
Trying to conceive can already feel overwhelming enough. When you add the pressures of fertility treatments, tracking cycles, and the emotional rollercoaster, it’s easy to be hard on yourself. But here’s a little reminder: your body is doing something incredible. And sometimes, it needs time, care, and patience—not criticism.
That's where at-home fertility solutions like MakeAMom come in. Their insemination kits are designed to empower individuals and couples to take control of their conception journey in a private, comfortable setting. Knowing you can approach this process at your own pace and in your own space creates room for self-kindness.
For instance, if you’re working with lower motility sperm or other challenges, MakeAMom offers specific kits like the Impregnator or CryoBaby that cater to unique needs. This tailored approach lets you work with your body’s rhythm rather than against it, lessening stress and building confidence. Plus, their kits are reusable and discreetly shipped, ensuring your privacy and reducing anxiety around the process.
What Can You Take From Emily’s Story for Your Own Journey?
Allow Yourself to Feel Like a Beginner: Whether it’s embracing a new body postpartum or navigating fertility for the first time, starting fresh doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.
Be Patient: The best results often come when you give yourself time. Remember, pregnancy and conception are journeys, not races.
Seek Support and Resources: From personal stories like Emily’s to tools that fit your lifestyle, leaning on a community or helpful products can alleviate the pressure.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every positive step—whether it’s a successful insemination or a moment of self-acceptance—is worth cheering for.
Practice Self-Compassion: Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend. Kind words and encouragement go a long way.
Making Your Fertility Journey More Empowering
Have you ever considered how tools and technology can support you in being gentler with yourself? MakeAMom's at-home insemination kits are a perfect example. By providing a cost-effective, private, and user-friendly option, they enable you to take the process into your own hands without added stress or embarrassment.
Imagine the relief of not having to schedule countless clinic appointments or deal with the anxiety of medical waiting rooms. Instead, you create your own nurturing space—physically and emotionally. That’s a powerful foundation for success, and it aligns beautifully with embracing kindness during this vulnerable time.
Final Thoughts
Emily’s story is a refreshing reminder that the pressure to “bounce back” postpartum or to conceive quickly can actually do more harm than good. Being kind to yourself, slowing down, and feeling okay about starting anew aren’t signs of weakness. They’re marks of strength.
Whether you're in the thick of pregnancy, on the path to conception, or navigating postpartum life, I encourage you to lean into compassion. Take it one step at a time, celebrate each win, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours.
If you’re curious about how at-home fertility technology can support you in creating that kinder, more empowering experience, you might want to explore this resource that offers thoughtfully designed insemination kits tailored to your needs.
What’s one way you’ve been kind to yourself lately? Share your story below—I’d love to hear from you and keep this important conversation going. Because kindness, after all, may just be the game-changer we all need.