Why ‘Bouncing Back’ After Pregnancy Is So 2020: The Surprising Power of Starting Fresh

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Priya Patel — 4 min

Forget ‘bouncing back’ — it’s time to bounce forward.

If you’re pregnant, recently gave birth, or just someone who’s been bombarded with the endless “get your pre-baby body back” mantras, then you absolutely must check out the inspiring story by personal trainer Emily Ricketts featured on Business Insider. She gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy. And guess what? Instead of rushing to undo it all, she embraced being a beginner again, treating her postpartum body with kindness rather than pressure. Read her story here.

This fresh mindset shift is game-changing and honestly, quite overdue. Because let’s be real: pregnancy is a whirlwind that transforms more than just your body. It flips your entire self-care script upside down. So why is society still obsessed with “bouncing back” instead of “bouncing forward”?

Why ‘Bounce Back’ Is The Wrong Goal

Traditionally, postpartum fitness is portrayed as a race — a sprint to shed the baby weight and fit back into your old jeans ASAP. The problem? This unrealistic pressure fosters guilt, frustration, and often causes women to push themselves too hard, too fast.

Emily’s journey shows us there’s a much kinder and more effective way. She leaned into the fact that she was a beginner again, and that this new body needed patience, respect, and gradual strength-building. This isn’t weakness — it’s empowerment.

What Happens When You Choose Kindness Over Pressure?

You reduce stress which aids recovery.
You allow body changes to progress naturally.
You forge a positive relationship with your new self.
You get stronger long-term instead of burning out.

This approach isn’t just feel-good fluff — it aligns perfectly with holistic postpartum health principles. It respects the fact that every pregnancy and body is unique, calling for individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all diet or workout plan.

But What About Those Trying to Conceive or Expand Their Families?

If you’re in the family-building phase and want to take a sustainable, low-stress approach, this philosophy works at every step, including conception. For example, companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing reproductive health by offering reusable, eco-friendly at-home insemination kits. Their products support people and couples on their journey to parenthood with dignity, affordability, and discretion — allowing you to nurture your body and baby plans in a stress-reduced, comfortable environment.

Reusable and Eco-Friendly Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Sustainability matters, especially when it comes to reproductive health tools and pregnancy essentials. MakeAMom’s kits are reusable, unlike many disposable alternatives, which means they’re not only cost-effective but also better for the planet. So you can care for your body and the Earth at the same time.

Here’s How to Start Loving Your Postpartum Body Today:

Embrace the beginner mindset. Be proud of progress, no matter how small.
Set realistic goals. Forget “back to before” — aim for strong, healthy, and happy.
Celebrate kindness. Talk to yourself like you would to your best friend.
Educate yourself. Learn about gentle ways to regain strength and wellness.
Explore sustainable fertility options if you’re planning a family (hello, MakeAMom!).

Ready to Flip the Script?

Postpartum and pregnancy journeys aren’t about erasing or rushing through. They’re about building — new strength, new life, new love for yourself. The media's outdated “bounce back” narrative needs a serious reboot, and inspiring stories like Emily Ricketts’ are lighting the way.

So, what if you stopped trying to “fix” your body and started celebrating it? What if kindness was the secret ingredient to unlocking lasting health and joy?

We think you’re ready for that revolution. And hey, if you want to explore sustainable, empowering tools for your fertility or pregnancy journey, take a peek at MakeAMom’s innovative solutions designed with care, science, and convenience in mind.

Your body deserves respect. Your journey deserves love. And your future family deserves the best start possible — sustainably.

What’s your take? Have you embraced kindness over pressure postpartum? Drop your story below, and let’s cheer each other on!