Why 'Bouncing Back' after Pregnancy is the Wrong Goal—and What to Aim for Instead

Have you ever felt the pressure to just ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? Like it’s some kind of race against time to shed the weight and get ‘back’ to your old self? Spoiler: That mindset might be doing way more harm than good. I recently came across an inspiring story that flipped this whole idea on its head, and I just had to share it with you.

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, openly shared how she gained over 50 pounds while pregnant—a number that might sound shocking in today’s fitness-obsessed culture. But here’s the twist: Instead of obsessing over shedding those pounds as fast as possible, Emily found motivation in a completely different approach. She embraced the fact that after pregnancy, she was basically starting over—a beginner again.

Why is this mindset so revolutionary?

Because in a world that pushes for instant results, especially for women postpartum, this story reminds us to cut ourselves some serious slack. Instead of chasing a pre-pregnancy ideal, Emily’s experience encourages something more sustainable and compassionate: viewing postpartum fitness as a new journey rather than a comeback.

Think about it. When you learn a new skill, you don’t expect to master it overnight, right? Emily treated her post-pregnancy body like it was a new client, focusing on small wins and steady progress. This approach not only made her fitness journey easier but also more enjoyable and mentally healthy.

And here’s something that really stood out—Emily’s story is proof that kindness towards yourself isn’t just some feel-good fluff. It’s actually key to long-term success, mentally and physically.

What does this mean for those on a fertility journey?

If you’re navigating the complexities of fertility—maybe even using innovative options like home insemination kits—you’re already dealing with a lot emotionally and physically. And if pregnancy happens, suddenly the pressure to “bounce back” can feel overwhelming.

That’s why stories like Emily’s matter. They invite you to reconsider your expectations and focus on wellness over perfection. Embracing the mindset of being a beginner again can make the postpartum period feel less intimidating and more like an empowering new chapter.

How can you apply this mindset today?

• Celebrate small progress. Whether it’s drinking enough water, going for a 5-minute walk, or simply getting out of bed with a smile.
• Be patient with your body. Healing and regaining strength takes time—often much longer than social media timelines suggest.
• Listen to your mental health. Postpartum can be emotionally complex; kindness to yourself means giving space to all feelings.
• Use supportive tools wisely. For those embarking on parenthood journeys, products like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits offer control and comfort in private, reinforcing self-empowerment.

Beyond fitness: Embracing your whole journey

Emily’s openness challenges us to see pregnancy, postpartum, and fertility as parts of a profound transformation—not hurdles to ‘fix’ quickly. And it’s not just about physical changes; it’s about cultivating resilience, trust in your body, and self-love.

If you’re on a fertility journey or preparing for parenthood, remember: it’s okay to feel like a beginner. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress worth celebrating.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out Emily’s 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. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to shift their perspective on postpartum wellness.

At ConceiveSync, we believe your fertility and postpartum journey deserve not just tools and resources, but also compassion and encouragement. What’s one kind thing you can do for yourself today? Share with us—we’d love to hear your thoughts!