Why ‘Bouncing Back’ Postpartum is Overrated (And What Actually Works!)

Let’s face it: Pregnancy changes everything. And if you’re like Emily Ricketts—a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy—you might be feeling the weight of the world, literally and figuratively, when it comes to postpartum fitness. But hold on, before you dive headfirst into that “bounce back” obsession, let’s unpack why being kind to yourself is the real game-changer.

Emily’s story, recently spotlighted in a Business Insider article, is a breath of fresh air in a culture obsessed with rapid post-baby body fixes. Instead of rushing to reclaim her pre-pregnancy physique, she embraced the process like a beginner—acknowledging that her body had gone through a marathon, not a sprint.

Why ‘Bouncing Back’ is So Last Decade

We’ve all heard it: “Bounce back!” “Get your body back!” But here’s the kicker—women’s bodies aren’t just machines that snap back to default mode. Pregnancy and childbirth are monumental events that demand respect, patience, and yes, kindness.

Physiological realities: Your body has remodeled muscles, stretched ligaments, and hormonal shifts that take time to reset.
Mental health matters: Embracing the journey rather than punishing your body helps fight postpartum anxiety and depression.
Setting sustainable goals: Fitness after pregnancy isn’t about rapid weight loss; it’s about rebuilding strength and confidence.

Feeling Like a Beginner? That’s a Strength!

Emily’s revelation was all about mindset: treating postpartum fitness like starting fresh. Imagine learning a new skill—not with frustration, but with curiosity and excitement. This approach helps:

Reduce pressure and self-criticism
Celebrate small wins
Build lasting habits instead of quick fixes

What Does This Have to Do with Fertility and Home Insemination?

Glad you asked! Much like the postpartum fitness journey, trying to conceive—especially through assisted methods—can be daunting and full of unknowns. Companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how individuals and couples approach conception by providing at-home insemination kits that empower users to take control, comfortably and confidentially.

Whether you’re dealing with low motility sperm or sensitivities like vaginismus, MakeAMom’s reusable kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker are designed with real users in mind, making the process less clinical and more compassionate.

Their average 67% success rate speaks volumes, but just as importantly, their plain packaging and user-friendly resources respect privacy and emotional wellbeing—key when navigating fertility journeys.

So, How Do You Embrace Postpartum Fitness and Fertility on Your Terms?

Here are a few tips inspired by Emily’s story and the ethos behind MakeAMom:

Be patient with yourself: Progress is progress, no matter how slow.
Seek tools that fit your unique needs: From fertility kits to fitness routines, one size does NOT fit all.
Prioritize mental health: Kindness to yourself reduces stress, which is crucial for both fitness and fertility.
Look for support systems: Communities, professionals, and resources can make all the difference.

Wrapping It Up: Your Journey, Your Rules

The pressure to “bounce back” after pregnancy is not just unfair—it’s unnecessary. Taking a page from Emily Ricketts’ book, giving yourself permission to start fresh and prioritize kindness isn’t just easier; it’s smarter.

And if conception is part of your story, tools like the innovative, discreet, and cost-effective kits from MakeAMom might be just what you need—because every journey deserves compassion and confidence.

Now it’s your turn: How have you redefined success and kindness in your postpartum or fertility journey? Share your story below. Let’s rewrite the narrative together!