Why ‘Bouncing Back’ After Pregnancy Is The Wrong Goal – And What To Aim For Instead

Have you ever felt the crushing pressure to 'bounce back' after pregnancy? To shed those extra pounds as quickly as possible, to slip back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, and to look like nothing changed? If so, you're not alone. But what if I told you that this common mindset might actually be doing more harm than good?

Recently, a candid article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, went viral for all the right reasons. Instead of succumbing to societal pressure, Emily embraced being a beginner again. She found motivation not in rushing back to her old self but in kindness and patience with her new body. This, she says, made getting fit postpartum much easier and more fulfilling. You can read her inspiring story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.

Why does this matter so much for people on a fertility or conception journey? Because the journey to parenthood is not just physical—it’s deeply emotional and mental. And learning to be gentle with yourself is a game-changer.

The Problem With ‘Bouncing Back’

It creates unrealistic expectations.
It can make postpartum women feel like failures if they don’t immediately shed weight.
It ignores the incredible physical and emotional changes the body goes through.
It increases stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact fertility and recovery.

So, what should you aim for instead?

Embrace the ‘Beginner’ Mindset

Emily’s story highlights a powerful shift: see postpartum fitness as starting anew, not racing to a finish line. Here’s why it works:

Patience is empowering. Giving yourself time to heal means you build strength sustainably.
Kindness fuels motivation. Treating your body with empathy keeps you mentally resilient.
Focus on functionality. Celebrate small wins like increased energy or improved mood.

This approach is particularly vital for those using tools like at-home insemination kits. The path to pregnancy can be unpredictable and challenging. Having a supportive mindset—not just a results-driven one—can reduce stress, which is known to improve fertility outcomes.

How At-Home Insemination Supports Empowerment

At-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, provide a discreet, cost-effective, and user-friendly way to take control of your fertility journey without the clinical pressure. Their kits are designed thoughtfully to accommodate different needs, whether it’s low motility sperm or sensitivities like vaginismus.

Think about it: using such kits allows you to carry out inseminations in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and with privacy. This autonomy can foster a sense of calm and empowerment, perfectly aligning with the kind, patient approach Emily Ricketts advocates for postpartum fitness.

Practical Tips To Cultivate Self-Kindness Postpartum and During TTC

Celebrate progress over perfection. Your resilience is worth applauding.
Set small, achievable goals. Whether it’s a gentle walk or a mindful breath.
Connect with communities. Sharing experiences relieves isolation.
Prioritize mental health. Meditation, therapy, or journaling can help.
Choose tools that fit your needs. Whether it’s fertility products or fitness routines, personalization matters.

The Takeaway

The striking takeaway from Emily’s story—and one we want everyone embarking on a fertility journey to embrace—is that kindness to yourself is not just a feel-good mantra, it’s a powerful strategy. The pressure to rush recovery or conception can be overwhelming, but shifting toward patience, acceptance, and self-care can transform your experience.

By choosing to view your postpartum body and fertility journey as uniquely yours, you can foster both physical and emotional strength. And if you’re exploring home insemination options, finding trusted, adaptable, and discreet products like those from MakeAMom can support you in taking gentle control of your path to parenthood.

So, what if the secret to success isn’t rushing back, but moving forward with kindness? How might this mindset change your approach to fitness and fertility? Share your thoughts and stories below—we’d love to hear how you’re embracing your journey with compassion and strength.