pregnancy-weight

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.

Have you ever felt crushed by the pressure to ‘bounce back’ right after having a baby? You’re not alone. Recently, I came across a powerful article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who shared her honest journey of gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy and how shifting her focus from quick fixes to kindness made all the difference. You can read her full story here, but let me tell you why this perspective is a total game-changer for anyone navigating the ups and downs of parenthood and fertility struggles alike.

The Myth of ‘Bouncing Back’

From day one of pregnancy, society bombards women with images and messages about losing baby weight fast — like it’s a race or a punishment. But Emily’s story throws that myth out the window. Instead of rushing to regain her previous shape, she embraced the fact that she was a beginner again, learning to love her body as it healed and transformed. And guess what? That mindset made her postpartum fitness journey not only easier but actually more joyful.

I think this resonates beyond just postpartum fitness. For many trying to conceive or exploring at-home insemination options, there’s often an additional layer of emotional and physical pressure. Whether you’re going through IVF, timed cycles, or using discreet home insemination kits, the path can feel isolating and fraught with expectations.

Why Kindness Matters on the Fertility Journey

When you’re using tools like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits, you might be handling so many emotions — hope, anxiety, excitement, or even disappointment. These kits are designed for privacy and ease, helping individuals and couples create families on their own terms. But beyond the product itself, kindness to yourself throughout the process is crucial.

• Recognize It’s Okay to Feel Vulnerable: Just like Emily embraced being a beginner again, it’s normal to face uncertainties and setbacks when trying to conceive.
• Prioritize Your Well-Being: Whether you’re using a BabyMaker kit for comfort or the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm, your emotional state impacts your fertility journey as much as the physical tools you use.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition. A positive mindset can boost your overall success and happiness.

The Convenience and Privacy of At-Home Insemination

One of the reasons I’m inspired by companies like MakeAMom is how they remove some of the barriers that make fertility treatment so intimidating. Their kits are designed with discretion in mind — shipped in plain packaging and reusable, so there’s no extra waste or exposure. Plus, with a reported 67% success rate, many clients experience real hope right at home.

This kind of privacy helps reduce stress, which is super important. When you don’t have to worry about explaining your situation or exposing your fertility journey to the world, you can focus more on self-compassion and less on external pressures.

What Can You Take Away from Emily’s Story?

• Treat yourself like a beginner — that’s not a weakness but an opportunity for growth.
• Forget societal timelines and judgments about your body or fertility journey.
• Look for tools and resources that prioritize your comfort and privacy.
• Let kindness, not pressure, be your motivator.

Emily’s experience flips the script on postpartum expectations, and honestly, it’s a lesson we can all take to heart, especially if you’re on a fertility journey or thinking about one. It’s time to ditch the pressure cooker and embrace patience, self-kindness, and hope.

Ready to Embrace Your Unique Journey?

Whether you’re healing postpartum or exploring at-home insemination options, remember: you’re doing your best, and that’s what counts. Curious about discreet and user-friendly insemination kits? Take a look at how MakeAMom’s home insemination systems are changing the game for hopeful parents everywhere — with privacy, care, and real results.

At the end of the day, what’s your story? How are you practicing kindness toward yourself on your health or fertility journey? Drop a comment below or share your experience — we’re all in this together.