postpartum-fitness

What if the key to getting fit after pregnancy isn’t pushing harder, but easing up on yourself?

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, recently shared a powerful truth that’s shaking up how we think about postpartum fitness. Instead of trying to “bounce back” to her pre-pregnancy body, she embraced the feeling of being a complete beginner again. This simple mindset shift not only made her journey easier but might just offer a new path for millions of new moms struggling with postpartum weight and fitness pressures.

If you’re a new mom or someone considering home conception, you know the emotional rollercoaster that comes with pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Society often bombards us with unrealistic expectations to “snap back” quickly. But Emily’s story, highlighted in this insightful Business Insider article, breaks down those pressures and invites us to be kinder to ourselves.

The Pressure to Bounce Back: Why It’s So Tough

There’s no shortage of images showing women rapidly losing pregnancy weight, often within weeks. But what if this pressure causes more harm than good?

• Physical demands: Pregnancy and birth are monumental physical experiences. Bodies need time to heal.
• Emotional toll: New mom stress, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation impact motivation and energy.
• Mental health: Unrealistic standards can fuel feelings of failure or inadequacy.

Emily’s honest confession about gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy and then feeling like a beginner again is a breath of fresh air. It normalizes what many moms face and highlights the importance of self-compassion.

Feeling Like a Beginner Again: A Powerful Shift

Instead of viewing postpartum as a race to her former fitness level, Emily embraced starting over — with gentleness, patience, and realistic goals. This mindset helped her:

• Reduce burnout: She avoided injury and exhaustion by respecting her body’s current state.
• Build sustainable habits: Little wins built momentum without overwhelming pressure.
• Improve emotional wellness: She replaced guilt with motivation rooted in self-care, not self-judgment.

This approach can be especially empowering for those using home conception kits like MakeAMom’s range of at-home insemination tools, which support individuals and couples on their unique fertility journeys outside clinical settings. Embarking on parenthood, whether through natural conception or assisted methods, requires holistic wellness — physical, emotional, and mental.

How to Practically Apply Kindness and Realism Postpartum

If you’re navigating the postpartum period, here are some practical takeaways inspired by Emily’s experience:

• Set beginner-level goals: Think of your postpartum fitness like learning a new skill.
• Celebrate progress: Every small step counts, whether it’s a short walk or a few stretches.
• Listen to your body: Rest when needed and avoid pushing through pain.
• Connect with your community: Share your experiences to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Be mindful of mental health: Seek professional support if needed — postpartum depression is real and treatable.

Why This Matters for Home Conception Families

The journey toward parenthood, especially when involving home insemination, can be filled with unique emotional challenges and triumphs. Companies like MakeAMom understand this deeply. They provide tailored insemination kits that empower users to create life from the comfort and privacy of home, alleviating some stress around fertility treatments.

Moreover, their support extends beyond the technical: recognizing the importance of emotional wellness during conception and pregnancy is integral. As Emily’s story reminds us, being kind to ourselves is not just about physical recovery but about nurturing the emotional resilience essential for healthy motherhood.

Breaking the Cycle: From Pressure to Empowerment

Imagine replacing “bounce back” with “grow into.” What if every mom could view postpartum fitness as a new beginning — one marked by patience, self-love, and gradual progress? This shift benefits not just physical health but mental well-being, creating a stronger foundation for motherhood.

Final Thoughts

Emily Ricketts’ story is a reminder for all of us — moms, partners, and family members — that kindness and realistic expectations are the secret ingredients in postpartum fitness and wellness. Whether you’re just starting your conception journey with home-based options or awaiting your little one’s arrival, approaching these phases with compassion is transformative.

What are your thoughts on the pressure to “bounce back” postpartum? Have you experienced or witnessed the power of kindness in recovery? Share your story — because every voice helps reshape the conversation around motherhood and wellness.

Inspired by Emily’s journey on Business Insider: I’m a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier

Ever felt like society expects you to magically ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? Spoiler alert: that pressure is not only unrealistic, it’s downright unkind.

Meet Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who flipped the postpartum fitness script. Instead of chasing the fairy tale of shedding 50+ pounds rapidly, Emily embraced the unexpected role of a beginner — and that mindset shift made all the difference. You can read her full story here: Business Insider.

Her journey got me thinking: Why do we glorify ‘bouncing back’ when pregnancy literally changes your body forever? And how can new and hopeful moms—especially those navigating home conception journeys—embrace a kinder, smarter approach to fitness and self-care?

The ‘Bounce Back’ Myth: More Harm Than Help

Let’s be brutally honest. The idea that you should snap back to your pre-pregnancy body within weeks isn’t just unrealistic—it’s exhausting, discouraging, and frankly, unfair. The physical and emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and postpartum life is unique to every woman (or parent). Expecting a swift return to “normal” puts unnecessary stress on people who are already juggling so much.

Emily’s epiphany came when she stopped trying to be the pro athlete she once was and started feeling like a “newbie” all over again. This mental reset lowered the pressure and opened a fresh door to progress and acceptance.

How Can We Channel This Wisdom Into Our Own Lives?

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or using at-home conception methods (like many do with kits from places like MakeAMom), this is a game-changing mindset. Here are some tips inspired by Emily’s story and current wellness trends:

• Stop Comparing: Your journey is yours. Not your friend’s, not your sister’s, not that influencer’s.
• Start Small: Think baby steps, not giant leaps. Celebrate tiny victories like a short walk or a mindfulness moment.
• Embrace Beginner’s Mind: It’s okay to feel out of shape or clumsy—that’s the starting point.
• Focus on Strength, Not Scale: Muscle, energy levels, mood—all those wins matter more than any number on a scale.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness: Postpartum healing isn’t just physical; mental health is a vital part of the puzzle.

The Role of Home Conception and Self-Care Tools

For many hopeful parents, the journey starts long before pregnancy. Using tools like at-home insemination kits can empower you to take control of your fertility journey comfortably and privately. Companies like MakeAMom specialize in kits that cater to different needs, from low motility sperm to specific sensitivities.

Why mention this here? Because the same kindness and thoughtful approach Emily advocates for postpartum should start before conception. Giving yourself grace, utilizing smart tools, and feeling supported can ease physical and emotional stress—making the eventual postpartum phase more manageable.

What This Means for You Today

If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming a parent, here’s your permission slip:

• To be kind to yourself
• To set realistic expectations
• To embrace the messy, imperfect, beautiful journey

And remember, fitness and wellness aren’t about perfection—they’re about feeling strong, capable, and joyful in your body, no matter where you are on the timeline.

Final Thought

So, why keep buying into the ‘bounce back’ myth? Let’s celebrate being beginners, making progress at our own pace, and recognizing that every step forward is a victory.

What’s one kind thing you can do for your postpartum or conception journey today? Drop your thoughts below—let’s support each other, one honest story at a time.

And for those exploring home conception options, exploring MakeAMom’s range could be a gentle, empowering next step on your path.

Because sometimes the best fitness journey starts with kindness—not pressure.

What if the secret to postpartum fitness isn’t about bouncing back, but beginning anew?

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, recently shared her eye-opening journey on Business Insider. Instead of rushing to shed the weight and “bounce back” to her pre-pregnancy self, Emily embraced the feeling of being a beginner again — and it made all the difference.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’re somewhere on your own path toward parenthood or healing postpartum. Maybe you’re navigating home conception with hope and patience, or you’re just trying to find balance amid all the emotions that come with building a family. Emily’s story offers a powerful reminder: kindness to yourself is not just a luxury; it’s a game-changing strategy for long-term well-being.

Why Being Kind to Yourself Matters More Than Ever

From societal pressures to “bounce back” quickly to the physical challenges of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, women often face immense stress. But what if we flipped the script? What if the goal wasn’t a quick return, but a patient, loving progression?

When Emily stopped fighting against her body and instead celebrated the small victories—each step, each workout done with care—she felt stronger mentally and physically. This gentle approach can be applied to every stage of your fertility and pregnancy journey.

How Does This Relate to Home Conception?

For those embarking on the beautiful yet sometimes challenging path of home conception, patience and self-compassion are your greatest allies. Whether you're using innovative tools like MakeAMom's home insemination kits designed to empower individuals and couples outside the clinical setting, or navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with trying to conceive, treating yourself with kindness unlocks resilience.

MakeAMom’s products, such as the CryoBaby for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker for sensitive users, offer discreet, cost-effective paths to conception at home — supporting your journey on your terms. And much like Emily’s emphasis on starting fresh with compassion, MakeAMom encourages a supportive environment where you feel in control and hopeful.

The Beginner’s Mindset: Embrace It!

Feeling like a “beginner” can be scary. But it can also be empowering. It means you’re opening yourself up to growth, learning, and transformation. Instead of beating yourself up for perceived setbacks, think of them as stepping stones.

Here are a few ways to cultivate this mindset:

• Celebrate small wins. Every positive step counts.
• Practice patience. Your body and mind need time to adjust.
• Seek support. Connect with communities who understand the highs and lows.
• Be gentle with setbacks. They’re part of progress.

Incorporating Self-Kindness Into Your Routine

How can you start being kinder to yourself today? Here are some simple, effective tips:

• Start your day with affirmations that reinforce your worth beyond your physical appearance.
• Allow yourself moments of rest without guilt.
• Journal your feelings to process emotions instead of suppressing them.
• Use tools that fit your unique fertility needs, like MakeAMom’s reusable insemination kits that respect your privacy and budget.

A Final Thought: Your Journey Is Yours Alone

Pregnancy, postpartum fitness, and conception are deeply individual experiences. No two paths are the same, and that’s perfectly okay. The pressure to “bounce back” or “have it all together” can rob you of joy and peace. Instead, embrace the freedom that comes with kindness to yourself.

Inspired by Emily Ricketts’ story, why not reframe your journey not as a race, but as a powerful, transformative experience? Your body and heart are capable of incredible things — when nurtured with love and patience.

How will you show yourself kindness today?

Feel free to share your thoughts, stories, or questions below. Let’s build a supportive community where everyone’s journey is honored.

Read Emily Ricketts’ full 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

Explore compassionate home conception options at MakeAMom.