Why Bouncing Back After Pregnancy is Totally Overrated (And What To Do Instead)

Let’s get real: the ‘bounce back’ culture after pregnancy? It’s exhausting, unrealistic, and frankly, overrated.

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant, recently shared an eye-opening revelation in her piece on Business Insider (read it here). Instead of chasing the elusive ‘bounce back’ ideal—which too often feels like a race against our own bodies—Emily found motivation through a surprising mindset: embracing being a beginner again.

Why Is Postpartum Fitness So Tough?

Pregnancy transforms your body in ways that no Instagram before-and-after photo can truly capture. For many, the pressure to “snap back” as soon as baby arrives creates a toxic cycle of guilt and frustration. Emily’s story dismantles this myth by highlighting a gentler, more sustainable approach.

Imagine this: instead of beating yourself up for not fitting into your old jeans by week six postpartum, you treat yourself like a novice embarking on a new adventure. How revolutionary does that sound?

The Power of Starting Fresh

Emily’s approach taps into a crucial concept often missed in our fast-paced, results-obsessed culture—kindness to self. She describes the postpartum period as a fresh start rather than a disappointing setback. This mindset shift can transform your entire fitness journey and help you reconnect with your body on a deeper level.

No comparison to old self: Embrace where you are now, not where you think you should be.
Small, achievable goals: Celebrate tiny victories like a short walk or a gentle stretch.
Patience is a superpower: Let your body heal and grow stronger at its own pace.

But What If You’re Trying to Conceive? How Does This Connect?

Whether you're currently pregnant, postpartum, or still on your journey to parenthood, emotional health and self-compassion are vital cornerstones. The fertility path, especially when you’re exploring at-home options, can be an emotional rollercoaster.

Here’s where tools like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits come into play. They don’t just offer a practical, cost-effective alternative to clinical procedures—they empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Whether you need specialized equipment like the CryoBaby, Impregnator, or BabyMaker, these kits can reduce some of the stress and stigma often associated with fertility treatments.

Speaking of comfort and kindness to self, isn’t it wonderful to have resources that respect your unique needs?

How to Stay Kind to Yourself Through Your Pregnancy and Fertility Journey

Celebrate every step: Fertility struggles, pregnancy, and postpartum are all milestones worthy of recognition.
Arm yourself with knowledge: Knowing your options, like home insemination kits and fitness strategies, helps reduce anxiety.
Seek support: Whether from friends, professionals, or online communities, you’re not alone.

Ready to Redefine Your Journey?

Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t about how fast you “bounce back,” but about how kindly you treat yourself when the going gets tough. If you’re exploring conception or recovering postpartum, consider shifting your focus from pressure to progress.

Curious about at-home insemination options that prioritize privacy, efficacy, and your comfort? Check out MakeAMom’s innovative kits that have helped many turn hope into reality with a reported 67% success rate.

Final Thought:

What if the real goal isn’t bouncing back, but moving forward—on your own terms, with compassion and confidence?

Drop your thoughts below—how have you embraced kindness in your fertility or postpartum journey? Let’s start a conversation that supports the real and raw sides of becoming a parent.

Because sometimes, the best fit is the one that fits your heart.