The Surprising Secret to Embracing Your Postpartum Body (and Why Kindness Beats ‘Bouncing Back’ Every Time)

Posted on 29 July 2025 by Priya Patel — 4 min

Ever felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? You’re definitely not alone. Society bombards us with images and stories about quickly shedding pregnancy weight and snapping back to pre-baby bodies — but what if that pressure is doing more harm than good?

I recently read an eye-opening article from Business Insider titled “I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.” It really challenged the typical postpartum narrative and made me rethink what it means to regain strength and health after having a baby.

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, shared a refreshingly honest insight: instead of forcing herself to bounce back immediately, she embraced feeling like a beginner again — and that mindset shift was key to her success. This approach isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about tuning in to your body, respecting the journey it’s been through, and focusing on holistic well-being.

Why ‘Bouncing Back’ Is A Toxic Trap

The notion of “bouncing back” implies returning quickly to a former state, but pregnancy and childbirth are anything but a temporary detour. They’re transformative experiences that alter your body in profound ways. When new moms feel rushed to shed pounds or regain old fitness levels, it often leads to frustration, guilt, and burnout.

Here’s what the pressure can do:

Encourage crash diets or unrealistic workouts
Ignore emotional recovery and mental health
Overlook the physical realities like pelvic floor healing or hormonal shifts

Instead of treating postpartum fitness like a race, why not approach it as a journey of rediscovery?

Embracing ‘Feeling Like a Beginner’

Emily’s story highlights a powerful truth: you’re not failing by starting small. In fact, beginning where you are is a strength, not a setback. This perspective allows space for:

Patience with progress
Compassion for your body’s current state
Celebration of small victories

It’s about regaining strength gently and sustainably, rather than chasing an impossible ideal.

How This Ties Into Sustainable and Supportive Family Planning

Postpartum health is a crucial part of the larger conversation around family planning and fertility. As you nurture your body after pregnancy, having the right support and tools at hand can make all the difference.

For example, products designed to support conception and pregnancy at home — like those from MakeAMom — provide discreet, cost-effective options that empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey on their own terms. Their reusable insemination kits are thoughtfully designed for various needs, from low motility sperm to sensitivity considerations, embodying a holistic, sustainable approach to family building.

Practical Tips for Gentle Postpartum Fitness and Wellness

Wondering how to adopt this kinder mindset while getting back into shape? Here are some ideas:

Start small: Begin with simple stretches or gentle walks.
Listen to your body: Rest when you need it; don’t push through pain.
Set realistic goals: Focus on feeling good, not fitting into old clothes.
Seek community: Connect with others who prioritize wellness over appearance.
Celebrate progress: Every step forward counts, no matter how small.

A Final Thought

So, next time you catch yourself stressing about ‘bouncing back,’ remember Emily’s story and the power of kindness. Your postpartum body is not an opponent but a resilient partner in this next chapter.

To anyone navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or fertility challenges, know that embracing where you are right now is the ultimate act of self-love — and that’s the foundation for real, lasting health.

What’s your experience with postpartum fitness or family planning? I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s build a community where kindness replaces pressure, and every journey is celebrated.

Remember, you’re not alone — and sometimes, the best way forward is simply to be gentle with yourself.

Inspired by this insightful Business Insider article and supported by resources like those from MakeAMom, the path to holistic postpartum health is about more than physical changes — it’s about embracing your story and your strength.