Why ‘Bouncing Back’ After Pregnancy Is Overrated — And What Really Helps

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 3 min

Ever felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ right after pregnancy? You’re not alone. Society loves tossing around this phrase like it’s some golden rule for new moms, but honestly? It sets a trap that can weigh heavy on your heart and mind.

I recently came across an incredibly relatable article on Business Insider where Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, opened up about gaining 50 pounds during pregnancy and how embracing kindness toward herself was the real game-changer in getting fit again. (You can check out her story here).

Emily’s story hit me hard because it flips the script on what so many of us believe about postpartum fitness. Instead of rushing to shed “baby weight,” she embraced the idea of being a beginner again. Imagine that — letting go of the expectation to perform perfectly and instead celebrating the small wins, the tiny strengths regained day by day.

So why is being kind to yourself after pregnancy SO important?

Your body just created life. That’s a huge, miraculous process. It deserves patience, not pressure.
Mental health matters. Stressing over quick weight loss can increase anxiety and even impact your overall recovery.
Fitness isn’t a race. Approaching postpartum fitness as a gentle journey means you’re more likely to stick with it and feel good doing it.

If you’re on a fertility journey or have recently welcomed a little one, these ideas might feel revolutionary or even comforting.

But what if you’re still trying to conceive? Does this mindset still apply? Absolutely.

Trying to get pregnant can come with its own emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes it involves medical or at-home interventions. This is where innovations like the MakeAMom home insemination kits come in — designed to support people on their unique paths to parenthood.

MakeAMom offers reusable, cost-effective systems that empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Knowing that your path to starting a family can be gentle, supportive, and tailored to your needs might just be the kindness you need to offer yourself during this time.

Here’s a quick reality check:

Postpartum and fertility journeys are deeply personal and non-linear.
Embracing your body and its process is key to long-term wellness.
Tools that respect your privacy and comfort, like MakeAMom’s discreet kits, can make all the difference.

And while we often hear about pushing ourselves to “bounce back,” Emily’s story encourages us instead to start fresh, with compassion.

Whether you’re navigating the incredible shifts of postpartum or exploring fertility options, the real secret isn’t about rushing — it’s about honoring where you are right now.

So, what if the best thing you can do for your body and mind is to be gentle, patient, and open to new beginnings? How might that change your experience?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories about kindness during fertility and postpartum in the comments. Let’s support each other in rewriting these narratives together.