How Embracing ‘Beginner’ Status Can Transform Your Postpartum Fitness Journey

I never thought gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy would be the start of one of the most empowering journeys of my life.

When Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, shared her story about embracing the 'beginner' mindset postpartum, she flipped the script on the all-too-common pressure for new moms to ‘bounce back’ physically. Instead of rushing to shed the pregnancy weight, Emily found strength in kindness — to herself, her body, and her progress.

Does this sound familiar? The moment you step off the scale postpartum, the flood of expectations can feel overwhelming. Society often whispers (or shouts) about returning to your pre-pregnancy body as fast as possible, but what if that’s not the healthiest or most joyful path? What if the secret to reclaiming your fitness isn’t about bouncing back but about starting fresh?

Why ‘Bouncing Back’ Might Be Setting You Up to Fail

The ‘bounce back’ mentality implies that pregnancy is a disruption to your ‘normal’ self — something to fix quickly. But pregnancy transforms your body in incredible ways that deserve acknowledgment and respect, not just a checklist to reverse.

• It’s normal to carry extra weight after birth — your body grew a tiny human!
• Hormonal changes mean your energy and strength will fluctuate.
• Emotional adjustments are just as big a part of postpartum as the physical ones.

By treating yourself like a beginner, like Emily did, you allow room for progress without the guilt or frustration. Imagine giving yourself the grace to rebuild your strength and fitness gradually, celebrating the small wins along the way.

What Does Being a Beginner Look Like in Practice?

It means slowing down, tuning in, and focusing on what your body needs now, not what it looked like before pregnancy.

• Start small: Gentle walks, stretching, or light strength exercises can build stamina and confidence.
• Listen to your body: Some days will be better than others — and that’s okay.
• Set realistic goals: Forget the number on the scale; focus on energy levels, mood boosts, and feeling strong.

Connecting Postpartum Fitness With Fertility Journeys

For many, the road to motherhood isn’t linear. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or the step before conception, embracing patience and self-kindness is vital. If you’re exploring options like at-home insemination or fertility support tools, feeling physically and emotionally balanced can play a huge role.

This is where products like MakeAMom's at-home insemination kits come into the picture. Designed for discretion and ease, these kits empower individuals and couples by providing a supportive pathway outside the traditional clinic setting. For example:

• The CryoBaby kit helps with low-volume or frozen sperm samples.
• The Impregnator kit is tailored for low motility sperm.
• The BabyMaker kit caters to those with specific conditions like vaginismus.

Using such thoughtfully designed tools can reduce stress and create a comforting sense of control during what can otherwise be an emotionally taxing time.

Why Discretion and Self-Care Matter More Than Ever

One of the biggest hurdles in fertility and postpartum health is privacy. Many people want to keep their journey personal — no glaring labels or awkward packaging. That’s why companies like MakeAMom package their products discreetly, respecting your privacy while supporting your goals.

Besides privacy, it’s about honoring your emotional well-being. Self-kindness during postpartum or fertility challenges isn’t just a buzzword; it’s foundational. It’s okay to feel vulnerable, to ask for help, and to prioritize what makes you feel good.

Final Thoughts: What Would It Be Like to Treat Yourself Like a Beginner?

What if every new step — whether it’s a workout, an insemination attempt, or a small lifestyle change — was met with patience instead of pressure? What if your postpartum journey was less about how quickly you return to ‘normal’ and more about creating a new, stronger version of yourself?

Emily’s story, which you can read in full here on Business Insider, is a powerful reminder that kindness unlocks sustainable change.

If you’re on a fertility journey or navigating postpartum life, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Tools and support—both physical and emotional—are available. And sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to be kind to ourselves and embrace the beginner’s path.

So, tell me — what’s one way you can be kinder to yourself today? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s to starting fresh, one gentle step at a time.