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If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, chances are you’ve felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ — like, yesterday. But here’s a secret: that pressure? It’s totally overrated, and honestly, it can do more harm than good.
I recently read a heartfelt article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during her pregnancy. Instead of trying to rush back to her pre-pregnancy body, Emily embraced being a beginner all over again — and that shift in mindset made getting fit after baby feel way easier and way kinder. You can read her full story here.
So why is this idea of ‘bouncing back’ so problematic? And how can we rethink postpartum fitness to be more realistic, positive, and supportive of our emotional health? Let’s break it down.
The Myth of the ‘Bounce Back’ — And Why It Sets You Up to Fail
Right after pregnancy, society often pushes this narrative that moms should “bounce back” quickly. Ads, social media, celebrity culture — all show these unrealistic images of instant post-baby bodies. But these messages ignore a simple truth: your body just did something incredible, and it needs time, respect, and kindness.
Trying to rush fitness goals too soon can cause stress, frustration, and even injury. It’s like trying to run a marathon before you’ve finished your warm-up. Emily’s experience as a fitness expert who let go of that pressure is so eye-opening — she found herself enjoying movement more because she wasn’t chasing a timeline or an ideal.
How Being Kind to Yourself Changes Everything
Emily’s motivation came from feeling like a beginner again, and that’s a powerful mindset shift. Rather than focusing on “losing the baby weight” or hitting a number on the scale, she celebrated small wins, learned to listen to her body, and approached fitness as a journey, not a race.
This kind of self-compassion isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential for mental and physical well-being. It helps you:
- Build sustainable habits without burnout
- Reduce anxiety around body image
- Feel empowered by progress, not perfection
- Foster patience with yourself during recovery
What About Fertility and Family Planning? Here’s a Thought
If you’re thinking about starting or growing your family, understanding your body during and after pregnancy is key. Home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, can empower individuals and couples on their journey to conception, especially when clinical visits aren’t an option or preferred.
MakeAMom’s products, including their CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker kits, are designed to accommodate different fertility needs and are reusable and discreet — perfect for those who want control and comfort in their fertility journey without breaking the bank. They report a success rate of around 67%, which is pretty encouraging for at-home options.
Top Tips For Embracing Postpartum Fitness With Kindness
If you’re ready to start moving again after pregnancy, here are a few ideas inspired by Emily’s story and my own research:
- Set small, realistic goals. Think “gentle walks” instead of “run a 5K.”
- Focus on strength and energy, not numbers on a scale.
- Listen to your body’s cues — rest when you need it.
- Celebrate every win, no matter how small.
- Find a supportive community or a knowledgeable coach who gets it.
The Takeaway: You’re Not Alone, And There’s No Rush
Pregnancy and postpartum are transformative times — physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you’re struggling with the pressure to ‘bounce back,’ take a breath and remember Emily’s approach: kindness and patience can make the journey smoother and even joyful.
If family building is also on your mind, tools like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits might offer a comforting and accessible way to move forward on your terms.
What’s your postpartum fitness story? Have you felt the pressure to rush or found your own way to embrace the process? Share your thoughts below — let’s start a conversation about kindness, strength, and real progress.