Why ‘Bouncing Back’ After Pregnancy is the Worst Advice You’ll Ever Hear

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 3 min

Have you ever felt pressured to ‘bounce back’ to your pre-pregnancy body? You’re definitely not alone. For years, society has pushed the idea that new moms should rapidly shed pregnancy weight and “get their body back.” But what if that pressure is not only unrealistic—it’s downright harmful? That’s exactly the insight shared by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during her pregnancy and found a more compassionate approach to postpartum fitness. (You can read her full story here.)

Emily’s journey is a powerful reminder that kindness to yourself is the ultimate game-changer in reclaiming fitness after pregnancy. Instead of rushing or punishing herself, she approached postpartum fitness as a beginner again—a fresh start rather than a race to a previous weight.

Why Is The ‘Bounce Back’ Mentality So Toxic?

Unrealistic expectations: New moms face immense physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. Expecting rapid weight loss ignores the complexity of postpartum recovery.
Mental health toll: The pressure can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of failure, creating a negative feedback loop.
Body shaming culture: It perpetuates the harmful notion that a woman’s worth is tied to her appearance.

What Happens When You Embrace Self-Kindness Instead?

Emily’s story shows that fitness and health are sustainable when built on patience and self-compassion:

Redefining success: Instead of chasing numbers on a scale, focus on strength, energy, and well-being.
Motivation through curiosity: Feeling like a beginner rekindles excitement and openness to learning.
Balanced approach: Incorporating rest, nutrition, and gradual workouts tailored to your body’s changing needs.

How Does This Connect to Fertility and At-Home Insemination?

For many individuals and couples using at-home conception methods—like those offered by companies such as MakeAMom—mental health and physical well-being are crucial pillars for success.

MakeAMom specializes in providing at-home insemination kits designed to help people conceive in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Their products, including the CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker kits, allow users to tailor their approach based on unique fertility needs, offering a cost-effective and discreet option versus clinical settings.

But beyond the tools themselves, preparing your body and mind for conception is essential. Being kind to yourself, as Emily advocates, aligns perfectly with this preparation. Stress reduction, gentle fitness, and positive mental health can improve fertility outcomes, making the journey more manageable and hopeful.

Practical Tips to Adopt a Kindness-Focused Postpartum & Fertility Mindset

Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s walking a few minutes or simply practicing mindfulness, every step matters.
Find supportive communities: Sharing your journey with others eases isolation and builds encouragement.
Listen to your body: Adapt your fitness and wellness routines to what feels right, not what looks perfect.
Educate yourself: Resources like MakeAMom offer guidance for conception that empowers you with knowledge and options.

The Bigger Picture

Modern motherhood and fertility journeys are evolving. Instead of conforming to outdated pressures, embracing individual experiences with empathy leads to better physical and emotional health. Stories like Emily’s highlight that strength comes from kindness—whether you’re postpartum or preparing for conception.

So, the next time you hear ‘bounce back,’ consider saying this instead: ‘Grow forward, with patience and care.’

What’s your experience with postpartum fitness or fertility challenges? Share your story with our community! And if you’re exploring at-home insemination options, you might find the tailored kits at MakeAMom a helpful resource on your path.

Your journey deserves respect and support every step of the way.