Why ‘Bouncing Back’ After Pregnancy Is the Worst Advice You’ll Hear This Year

If you’re pregnant, or have recently welcomed a little one into the world, chances are you’ve heard the dreaded phrase: “bounce back.” Society tends to pressure new moms into shedding pregnancy weight at lightning speed. But what if I told you that this push to instantly ‘return to normal’ is not only unrealistic but also downright harmful?

I recently read an inspiring article on 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." Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, shares her intimate journey of embracing the ‘beginner’ mindset after pregnancy instead of chasing the impossible ideal of a quick postpartum weight loss. Her story struck a chord with me — it's refreshing, empowering, and honestly, a game-changer in how we think about postpartum fitness.

Here’s the truth: Pregnancy transforms your body in profound ways. It’s not simply about gaining weight; it’s about growth, adaptation, and sometimes healing from challenges you never anticipated. Expecting to ‘bounce back’ like a rubber band puts unfair pressure on new moms and can make the postpartum period emotionally draining.

So, what does it mean to be ‘kind to yourself’ during this time? Emily’s experience shows us that patience and self-compassion are the real fitness tools. Instead of punishing herself for the weight she’d gained, she embraced her body’s new reality, approached fitness as a fresh start, and gradually rebuilt strength — all while honoring her emotional needs.

This approach resonates particularly well in sensitive fertility and postpartum journeys—where every individual’s needs differ, and conditions like vaginismus or hormonal sensitivities can complicate the path. It’s crucial to nurture the body gently and avoid adding stress, which can impact not just physical recovery but mental wellness too.

If you’re navigating conception or postpartum with sensitivities or specific health conditions, you might be wondering how to balance self-care with an active lifestyle. Believe it or not, some fertility solutions and reproductive health products can actually support this balanced approach. For instance, at-home insemination kits tailored for sensitive users, like the BabyMaker kit from MakeAMom, not only foster intimacy and hope but also reduce stress by offering privacy and convenience away from clinical pressures.

But back to fitness — how can you start your postpartum wellness journey with kindness?

• Set Realistic, Personalized Goals: Forget the ‘one-size-fits-all’ timeline. Your body’s timeline is the one that matters.
• Embrace Movement You Love: Whether it’s gentle yoga, walking, or beginner-friendly strength exercises, find what feels good without pushing too hard.
• Prioritize Mental Health: Mindfulness and self-compassion can be as important as physical activity.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every bit of progress deserves recognition.

The pressure to ‘bounce back’ is rooted in outdated ideas about motherhood and beauty, but it’s time for a cultural shift. Taking your time, listening to your body, and being kind to yourself isn’t just easier — it’s smarter, healthier, and more sustainable.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by postpartum expectations or fertility challenges, consider this your official permission slip to slow down. To treat your journey with empathy. To focus on long-term wellness rather than quick fixes.

And remember, resources exist that honor your unique needs and sensitivities. Whether you’re exploring conception at home or rebuilding strength postpartum, you’re not alone.

Have you experienced pressure to ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? How did you handle it? Share your story below — your voice might just be the encouragement someone else needs today.

Here’s to gentler beginnings and stronger selves!