I Gained 50 Pounds Pregnant and Here’s Why Being Kind to Myself Was the Best Fitness Advice
Have you ever felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ instantly after pregnancy? If so, you’re definitely not alone. The societal narrative tends to push new moms to shed that baby weight fast, often disregarding the emotional and physical journey behind it. But what if the true secret to postpartum fitness isn’t rushing, but instead, kindness to yourself?
Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, recently shared her deeply inspiring story in this Business Insider article. She candidly revealed how she gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy and instead of rushing to “bounce back,” she embraced feeling like a beginner once again. That mindset shift made all the difference in regaining her strength and wellness.
The Pressure to “Bounce Back” Is Real — But It’s Also a Myth
We live in a culture obsessed with quick results and perfection, especially when it comes to postpartum bodies. Social media bombards new moms with before-and-after transformations, creating a relentless standard. But here’s the hard truth: every woman’s journey after pregnancy is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Emily’s experience invites us to rethink how we approach postpartum wellness. Instead of shame or rush, what if we gave ourselves grace? What if we celebrated the fact that our bodies just did something incredible—brought new life into the world?
Why Being Kind to Yourself Is a Game-Changer
When Emily stopped focusing on speed and started focusing on her strength, she found joy and progress in the process—not just the outcome. This isn’t just a feel-good slogan; there’s science behind it. Self-compassion has been linked to better mental health, increased motivation, and more sustainable physical goals.
- Motivation blooms: When you’re kind to yourself, you feel safer to try again without fear of failure.
- Resilience grows: There’s less burnout and more consistent effort over time.
- Healing accelerates: Both your mind and body recover better when they aren’t under constant stress.
Doesn’t that sound like the kind of fitness journey anyone would want?
Your Unique Fertility and Parenthood Journey Deserves the Same Compassion
Emily’s story resonates beyond postpartum fitness. Whether you’re navigating conception, pregnancy, or parenthood in unconventional ways, kindness and privacy are paramount. For instance, many individuals and couples now turn to at-home options like insemination kits to create families on their own terms.
This is where organizations like MakeAMom step in. They offer discreet, reusable at-home insemination kits tailored for a variety of needs—from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus. What’s inspiring about MakeAMom is that they help people empower their reproductive journeys with privacy, affordability, and high success rates (averaging 67%!).
Having options that respect your comfort and privacy can make the emotional and physical journey smoother. Just like Emily found strength in being patient with herself, you can find strength in choosing solutions that fit you.
How to Embrace Your Postpartum or Parenthood Path with Kindness
If you’re on this journey right now—whether pregnant, postpartum, or building your family through assisted methods—here are a few empowering tips inspired by Emily’s approach:
- Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, proud, or anything in between.
- Set realistic goals: Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Celebrate small victories: Every step forward counts.
- Seek supportive communities: Find people who lift you up without judgment.
- Prioritize privacy and comfort: When exploring fertility options, choose services that honor your confidentiality and unique needs.
The Bottom Line
Your body and your journey are remarkable. Whether you’re regaining strength postpartum or nurturing hope through an at-home insemination kit, kindness is your most powerful tool. Embracing yourself as a beginner, just like Emily did, opens the door to sustainable wellness and joy.
If you’re curious about how at-home options can quietly support your fertility dreams with discretion and care, check out the resources from MakeAMom. Their innovative kits might just be the discreet, empowering choice you’ve been searching for.
What’s your story? How have you found kindness in your journey? Share your thoughts below and inspire others to embrace their own unique paths!