Why 'Bouncing Back' After Pregnancy Is The Wrong Goal — And What To Aim For Instead

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 3 min

What if the key to postpartum fitness isn’t about 'bouncing back'?

For many women, pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and expectations. Society often pushes the idea that after giving birth, women should strive to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy bodies. This pressure can be overwhelming and even detrimental. Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, shares a refreshing perspective: instead of rushing back, she embraced being a beginner again — and it made all the difference.

Emily’s story, detailed in a recent Business Insider article, reveals a truth many new mothers need to hear. Instead of beating herself up for not fitting into old jeans right away, she practiced kindness and patience. This shift in mindset transformed fitness from a punishment or a race into a nurturing and empowering journey.

So, why is this shift important?

Pregnancy is not just a physical event; it’s a profound transformation on every level. Your body nurtures a new life, adapts, and changes in incredible ways. Trying to 'bounce back' ignores this reality and can undermine your mental and emotional health. Being kind to yourself postpartum acknowledges the miracle your body has accomplished and sets a sustainable foundation for wellness.

What does being kind to yourself postpartum look like?

Embrace new beginnings: Just like starting from scratch in any fitness journey, accept that your postpartum body is a new starting point.
Set realistic goals: Forget the idea of 'bouncing back' to a previous body shape quickly. Instead, focus on building strength, energy, and joy.
Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s a ten-minute walk or simply feeling more energetic, every step counts.
Listen to your body: Prioritize rest, nourishment, and gentle movement before pushing harder.

This mindset resonates deeply with those trying to conceive and those navigating early motherhood. When it comes to fertility and conception, the journey is often paved with hope, patience, and the need for self-compassion.

How does this connect to conception technology and at-home fertility support?

For many aspiring parents, the road to pregnancy is filled with uncertainties. That’s where innovations like at-home insemination kits come in—offering control, privacy, and comfort during an emotionally charged journey. Companies like MakeAMom provide thoughtfully designed reusable kits such as CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker that cater to various fertility needs with an average success rate of 67%. This approach empowers individuals and couples to take charge of their fertility journey on their own terms.

Just as postpartum fitness requires kindness and patience, so does fertility. Integrating compassion into every step—from conception to pregnancy and beyond—can alleviate stress and build resilience.

What can you take away from all this?

Ditch the pressure to 'bounce back' quickly. Instead, honor your body's unique postpartum story.
Approach your fertility and conception journey with kindness and knowledge. Use tools and resources that support you gently but effectively.
Remember that feeling like a beginner again isn’t a setback — it’s an opportunity for growth, strength, and self-love.

As Emily’s journey reminds us, sometimes the hardest battles are won not by pushing harder, but by treating ourselves with compassion. Whether you’re embracing postpartum life or navigating the path to conception, kindness is your greatest ally.

Ready to explore empowering fertility options that respect your journey? Discover how at-home insemination kits can fit into your story — providing privacy, affordability, and flexibility along the way.

What does being kind to yourself look like in your journey? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below — let’s support each other every step of the way.