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

Ever felt like the world expects you to ‘bounce back’ from pregnancy like a superhero? Yeah, same here. But here’s a shocking truth: that’s a recipe for stress, not success.

Our inspiration today comes from Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy — and guess what? Instead of fighting to shed it all as fast as possible, she found a happier, healthier way by being kind to herself. You can read her full 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Why the ‘Bounce Back’ Mentality Is Outdated

After bringing a tiny human into the world, many women feel pressured to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy body. Magazines, social media, and even well-meaning family members pile on the expectation. But let’s pause:

Your body just did something incredible. It deserves celebration, not criticism.
Crash dieting and intense workouts too soon can harm your physical and mental health.
Comparing yourself to others’ ‘bouncing back’ stories can zap your confidence faster than a toddler on a sugar high.

Enter Emily’s Refreshing Approach: Embrace Beginner Status

Emily’s key insight? She treated postpartum fitness like starting over — a beginner again, not someone trying to erase history. That mindset shift made all the difference.

Instead of harsh goals, she set kind, achievable milestones.
She celebrated small wins, like building core strength or fitting into a favorite pair of jeans again.
Most importantly, she stopped rushing and started nurturing herself.

How This Applies If You’re Trying to Conceive or Navigating Fertility Challenges

Whether you’re on the journey to pregnancy or dealing with fertility complexities, mental health and body kindness matter hugely. Stress, anxiety, and frustration can affect hormone balance and overall wellness.

This is why organizations like MakeAMom are game-changers. They empower individuals and couples to take control of conception in a private, stress-reducing way with their at-home insemination kits designed for different needs — whether it’s low motility sperm, sensitivities, or simply a more affordable route. Knowing you have options that fit your unique body and lifestyle eases mental burden tremendously.

So, How Do You Practice Kindness and Get Moving Postpartum?

Here’s a quick starter pack for turning self-compassion into action:

Listen to your body: Some days that means a slow walk, other days a gentle yoga stretch.
Set micro goals: Maybe it’s 5 minutes of deep breathing or 10 squats — progress is progress.
Avoid the mirror trap: Focus on how you feel, not just how you look.
Connect with supportive communities: Whether online or offline, find your tribe who gets it.

Ready to Flip the Script?

The takeaway? Your postpartum journey is uniquely yours. It’s not about snapping back like a rubber band. It’s about rewiring your mindset to build strength with love and patience.

If you’re curious about tools that support your conception in a discreet, empowered way, check out the innovative options at MakeAMom’s site. Their reusable insemination kits are thoughtfully designed to meet diverse needs without the fuss of clinical visits.

What do you think? Have you faced the pressure to ‘bounce back’ or found your own pace instead? Drop your story below — let’s support each other in rewriting what postpartum and fertility journeys can look like. After all, kindness is more powerful than any scale or stopwatch.

Thanks for reading, and remember: You’re already amazing.