How Being Kind to Myself After Pregnancy Changed Everything — And What It Means for Your Fertility Journey

Have you ever felt like you’re falling behind the ‘bounce back’ race after pregnancy? I stumbled upon an eye-opening story recently that flipped my perspective, especially as someone passionate about empowering folks on their path to parenthood, often through at-home methods.

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer and new mom, shared her journey of gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy. Instead of rushing to shed the weight, she embraced being a ‘beginner’ again — and that kindness to herself made all the difference in getting fit postpartum. You can read her full story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.

Her experience is more than a postpartum fitness tale — it's a profound reminder for anyone navigating the twists and turns of fertility and pregnancy, especially when trying innovative at-home conception methods.

Why does this matter for those using at-home insemination kits like MakeAMom’s? Because fertility journeys often come with emotional ups and downs — and being gentle with yourself can be just as critical as the physical steps you take.

When you’re embarking on this path, maybe using the CryoBaby, Impregnator, or BabyMaker kits, it’s easy to let frustration creep in when things don’t go as planned. But what if you treated yourself with the same kindness Emily practiced? What if instead of pressuring yourself to “bounce back” to some imagined ideal, you leaned into the beginner mindset — curious, patient, hopeful?

Here’s how embracing kindness early on can make a game-changing difference:

• Eases emotional stress: Fertility challenges are taxing. Kindness reduces anxiety, helping you stay centered.
• Improves body awareness: Listening to your body without judgment supports better reproductive health.
• Keeps motivation alive: Celebrating small wins keeps you moving forward instead of feeling stuck.

And here’s a little secret: at-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom are designed with you in mind. They offer a discreet, convenient, and cost-effective way to take control of your conception journey without the pressure of clinical environments. Knowing you have tools tailored for your needs — whether dealing with low motility sperm or sensitivities — can boost your confidence and reduce stress.

So, what does ‘being kind to yourself’ really look like in practice?

• Give yourself permission to rest when you need it.
• Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
• Avoid comparing your journey with others’ highlight reels.
• Reach out to communities, friends, or peer groups who understand your experience.

Remember, fertility and pregnancy are not races. They’re deeply personal journeys filled with hope, learning, and resilience.

If Emily’s story taught me anything, it’s that starting over, whether it’s getting fit again or trying a new conception method, isn’t a setback — it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate with yourself.

To all of you embracing the unknowns of at-home conception or recovering from pregnancy, I encourage you to take a deep breath and apologize less to yourself. Instead, celebrate the courage it takes to keep trying. Your story is unfolding, and kindness is the thread that holds it all together.

What’s one way you’ve practiced kindness during your fertility or postpartum journey? Share your thoughts below — let’s support each other as we move forward, together.