Why 'Bouncing Back' After Pregnancy Is the Wrong Goal — And What Really Matters

What if everything we’ve been told about postpartum fitness is wrong? If you’re a new mom, or someone planning to become one, that question might hit home more than you expect. Recently, personal trainer Emily Ricketts shared her candid journey in a Business Insider article, revealing how she gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy and then found a surprisingly gentle way back to fitness — one that didn’t involve punishing herself to “bounce back.”

Emily’s story is a breath of fresh air in a world where postpartum women face relentless pressure to shed baby weight fast. Instead of rushing, she embraced the experience of feeling like a beginner all over again — and with kindness as her foundation — her fitness journey became not just easier but genuinely rewarding.

Why the 'Bounce Back' Mentality Is Flawed

Society’s obsession with “bouncing back” postpartum can be harmful. It suggests that your body after childbirth is a problem to be fixed quickly, rather than a powerful vessel that just grew and delivered a life.

Pressure adds stress. Women often feel rushed to return to pre-pregnancy shapes, leading to unhealthy diets and workouts.
Body changes are natural and permanent. Pregnancy reshapes muscles, ligaments, and fat distribution.
Mental health is overlooked. Fixation on appearance can overshadow emotional and psychological postpartum needs.

Emily’s approach reminds us that accepting and honoring our postpartum bodies is not weakness — it’s wisdom.

Feeling Like a Beginner Can Be Empowering

Starting over with your fitness after pregnancy might feel intimidating, but Emily reframed it as a chance to learn and grow. Here’s why that mindset matters:

Reduces self-imposed pressure. You’re allowed to be out of shape — it’s expected and okay.
Creates a foundation for sustainable progress. Small achievable goals build confidence.
Encourages listening to your body. You learn what feels good, what hurts, and how to adapt.

What This Means for Those Planning a Family

If you’re considering pregnancy or are using assisted reproductive technology like at-home insemination kits, it’s crucial to think beyond conception and about the whole journey including postpartum wellness.

Resources like MakeAMom’s range of at-home insemination kits offer individuals and couples a compassionate, empowering way to take control of fertility outside clinical settings. Their kits — including the Impregnator kit designed for low motility sperm — are designed to support your family-building journey with privacy, affordability, and impressive outcomes.

Learn more about how innovative tools like the Impregnator at-home insemination kit can support your path to parenthood.

Practical Tips for Postpartum Wellness Inspired by Emily’s Story

Be kind to yourself. Celebrate small wins rather than fixating on fast results.
Set beginner-level fitness goals. Gentle walking, stretching, or pelvic floor exercises can be great starts.
Prioritize rest and nutrition. Your body needs fuel and recovery time.
Seek support. Whether it’s a partner, therapist, or community group.
Use resources tailored to your needs. From specialized fitness plans to fertility kits designed for your unique situation.

Why Stories Like Emily’s Matter

Emily Ricketts’ honest perspective offers a much-needed counter-narrative to the unrealistic postpartum “bounce back” myth. It reminds us that fitness after pregnancy is less about speed and more about respect — for your body’s journey, challenges, and achievements.

For those on the path to motherhood, embracing this mindset can transform how you approach conception, pregnancy, and postpartum life. Whether you’re using traditional methods or embracing home insemination kits, kindness to yourself can pave the way to success.

So, what’s your postpartum fitness story? Have you challenged the 'bounce back' myth in your own life? Share your thoughts below — let’s start a conversation that celebrates every journey, every body, every win.