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What if the secret to postpartum fitness isn’t rushing to ‘bounce back’ — but learning to be kind to yourself first?
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “snap back” to your pre-pregnancy body immediately after childbirth, you’re definitely not alone. That overwhelming societal expectation can leave many new moms feeling defeated before they even start. But recently, personal trainer Emily Ricketts shared her transformative postpartum story in a powerful article on Business Insider that flipped this narrative entirely. Instead of succumbing to pressure, Emily embraced feeling like a beginner again — and that simple mindset shift made her fitness journey easier, more fulfilling, and far less stressful than she expected.
At first glance, gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy might seem intimidating, especially for someone whose profession revolves around fitness. But Emily’s story is a testament to the power of self-compassion, patience, and redefining success on your own terms. She didn’t rush or push her body too hard — she listened to it. She allowed herself the grace to rebuild strength progressively, celebrating small milestones rather than focusing on an arbitrary finish line.
Why is this so important? Because postpartum recovery is not just physical — it’s deeply emotional and psychological. The pressure to immediately ‘bounce back’ can create feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Instead, adopting a beginner’s mindset, like Emily did, is revolutionary. It invites you to relearn your body’s needs, recognize its incredible work, and build a sustainable foundation for health moving forward.
This mindset doesn’t just apply to fitness. It’s a crucial perspective shift for anyone on their fertility journey. Whether you’re just starting, facing challenges, or exploring options, it’s okay — and even necessary — to be kind to yourself. The path to parenthood is rarely linear, and embracing patience and compassion can be powerful tools to help you persevere.
That’s why innovative solutions, like those offered by MakeAMom, are game-changers. Their thoughtfully designed at-home insemination kits—such as the CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker—allow individuals and couples the comfort of pursuing pregnancy in private, at their own pace. Knowing that support exists outside traditional clinical settings gives many people the freedom to navigate fertility on their terms, reducing stress and encouraging self-kindness throughout the process.
Here’s a quick reminder of how powerful embracing patience and self-compassion can be:
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Small wins are monumental when rebuilding fitness or working toward conception.
- Listen to Your Body: What felt easy before pregnancy might be challenging now—and that’s okay.
- Redefine Strength: Strength isn’t just physical stamina; it’s emotional resilience too.
- Seek Resources That Empower You: Tools like MakeAMom’s reusable insemination kits put control back in your hands.
If Emily’s journey teaches us anything, it’s this: being kind to yourself isn’t a detour in your path—it’s the path. The pressure to rush often leads to burnout, disappointment, or feeling disconnected from yourself. But embracing your beginner status? That opens the door to genuine growth.
So, if you’re navigating the postpartum period or the emotional rollercoaster of fertility, ask yourself — what if you chose encouragement over expectation? What if you gave yourself permission to grow at your own pace?
It’s a transformative mindset that could change everything.
For those exploring options to conceive comfortably and confidentially, MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits offer a compassionate, effective resource loved by many, boasting a 67% success rate. They exemplify how modern fertility support is evolving to meet you where you are.
Ready to embrace kindness, patience, and strength on your unique journey? Share your thoughts and stories below — because when we support each other, incredible things happen.
For the original inspiration, check out Emily Ricketts’ full story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.