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If you think postpartum fitness is all about 'bouncing back,' think again.

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, shared a refreshing perspective in a recent Business Insider article: instead of rushing to recover her pre-pregnancy body, she embraced kindness toward herself and treated the postpartum period like starting fresh. This mindset shift made all the difference in her journey back to strength and fitness. You can check out her full story here.

Sound radical? Maybe—but it’s exactly what so many new parents need to hear right now.

The Pressure to ‘Bounce Back’: Where Did It Come From?

Society has long pushed the idea that a new mom’s number one postpartum goal is to look exactly the way she did before pregnancy. Magazines, social media, and even some fitness programs trumpet the importance of snapping back quickly. But the truth? That pressure isn’t just unrealistic—it can be downright harmful.

Emily’s story highlights a movement away from this toxic narrative. Instead of demanding perfection, she chose compassion. And it got us thinking: What if we all started viewing postpartum fitness as a journey, not a race?

Embracing the ‘Beginner’s Mind’ After Baby

Emily described feeling like a beginner again—a newbie in fitness, and in many ways, that’s exactly what postpartum life is: a fresh start. When you give yourself permission to be a beginner, the pressure melts away. You can celebrate small victories, accept setbacks, and build your strength sustainably.

Here are some ways to cultivate that mindset:

• Set realistic goals: Forget expectations set by Instagram influencers. What feels manageable for you?
• Celebrate progress, not perfection: Even tiny improvements count.
• Be patient: Your body just did something incredible—give it time to heal and adapt.
• Ask for help: Whether from friends, fitness experts, or supportive communities.

Self-Kindness Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s a Game-Changer

Why is being kind to yourself so powerful? Because stress and self-criticism can literally hinder your body’s recovery. When you treat yourself with respect and care, your mental and physical health improve.

Plus, embracing kindness means you're more likely to stick with your goals long-term. You’re not chasing perfection—you’re nurturing wellness.

What Does This Mean for Fertility and Family Planning?

If you’re considering expanding your family via home insemination or other fertility options, a kind, patient mindset can be just as essential. Tools like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits not only empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey from the comfort of home but also encourage a supportive, stress-reduced environment.

MakeAMom’s range—whether the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility, or BabyMaker for those with sensitivity concerns—offers a reusable, cost-effective solution that respects your privacy and your pace. After all, fertility journeys are deeply personal, and a little kindness goes a long way.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

The real secret to postpartum wellness isn’t about squeezing into your pre-baby jeans ASAP or following rigid workout routines. It’s about:

• Treating yourself with compassion.
• Embracing your new beginning.
• Finding tools and support that work for you.

Emily’s story is a reminder that strength comes from patience and self-love—not perfection.

Ready to flip the script on postpartum pressure?

Tell us: how are you embracing kindness in your wellness journey? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s start a conversation. Because every journey deserves a little compassion.

(And if you’re curious about home insemination options that honor your body and your pace, explore MakeAMom’s innovative kits—your future self might just thank you.)