I Gained 50 Pounds Pregnant and Didn’t ‘Bounce Back’—Here’s Why That’s the Real Power Move

Ever heard the phrase 'bounce back' after pregnancy and felt like, huh, no thanks? You're definitely not alone. Recently, Business Insider shared a raw and refreshing story by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy. Instead of rushing to 'snap back' to her pre-pregnancy self, Emily embraced kindness and viewed her postpartum body as a beginner's playground rather than a setback. This perspective shift didn't just make fitness easier – it made it joyful.

Sounds revolutionary, right? In a world where social media bombards us with perfectly toned moms snapping back in no time, Emily’s story feels like a breath of fresh air. So, why is kindness such a game-changer after pregnancy? And how can it help more aspiring parents, especially those navigating new family-building technologies?

The Pressure to 'Bounce Back' is Real – But Maybe It Shouldn’t Be

From magazines to Instagram, new parents often feel the unspoken pressure to shed pregnancy weight ASAP. This 'bounce back' culture can be downright toxic, turning what should be a tender phase of growth and adjustment into a stressful race against the mirror.

Emily’s approach? Instead of chasing yesterday's version of herself, she leaned into starting fresh. Imagine treating your postpartum body like a new, exciting beginner-level challenge instead of a failure to fix. That simple mindset shift? It’s a mental reset that transforms fitness from a chore into an adventure.

Why Feeling Like a Beginner Is Actually a Superpower

Here’s the kicker: everyone loves a beginner. Beginners get grace, time, and space to grow without crushing expectations. Emily used that wisdom to shed pounds and regain strength bit by bit, enjoying every step rather than hating every mirror glance.

So, what if all parents—expecting, postpartum, or trying to conceive—treated their journeys this way? What if instead of focusing on perfection or immediate results, we celebrated progress, patience, and self-love?

Modern Family-Building Meets Mindful Self-Kindness

Now, here's the exciting twist: families today aren’t just growing naturally; they're growing tech-savvy. Companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing conception by offering at-home insemination kits that empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journeys in the comfort of their own home.

Why does that matter for what we’re talking about? Because whether you’re working your way back to fitness postpartum or just starting the path to parenthood, having accessible, discreet, and user-friendly tools reduces stress and adds an extra layer of control and kindness to your family-building journey.

MakeAMom’s thoughtfully designed kits—like CryoBaby for sensitive needs or the BabyMaker for special conditions—are not only reusable and cost-effective, but they also come with an impressive 67% success rate. That’s a confidence booster worth celebrating, just like Emily’s empowering attitude.

Let’s Break It Down: How to Be Kind to Yourself Postpartum and Beyond

  • Ditch the “Bounce Back” Myth: Your body did something incredible. Give it time and love instead of pressure.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Every extra step, every healthy meal, every stretch counts.
  • Use Smart Tools: Whether it’s top-notch fertility kits or postpartum fitness apps, technology is here to help.
  • Find Your Community: Shared stories and support can transform self-doubt into empowerment.
  • Embrace Beginner’s Mindset: If you’re new to this phase, be proud. It means you’re growing.

Why This Story Matters for Everyone on the Family-Building Journey

Emily’s honesty helps us remember that success isn’t just a number on a scale or a milestone on a fertility chart. It’s a mindset, a feeling, a celebration of resilience. Being kind to ourselves, embracing new beginnings, and welcoming modern innovations in fertility tech can make this wild journey less intimidating and more joyful.

If you’re curious about how technology can support your path—whether that’s conception or postpartum wellness—explore more about solutions like those from MakeAMom. Their discreet, effective, and thoughtfully made kits might just be the kind of support you didn’t know you needed.

In the end, the real power move isn’t bouncing back—it’s moving forward with kindness, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

What’s your postpartum or family-building story? Have you found power in kindness over pressure? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep this vital conversation going!


Inspired by the candid and inspiring story of Emily Ricketts, as featured in Business Insider.

Author

Priya Raman

I'm Priya, a biomedical engineer turned tech mom, passionate about how innovation is reshaping the path to parenthood. After navigating my own fertility journey with the help of new technologies, I'm eager to guide others through the exciting, sometimes overwhelming world of modern family-building. When I'm not writing or tinkering with the latest gadgets, you’ll find me painting with my daughter or hiking with my partner.