Remember when society told us the ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy was the ultimate goal? Yeah, let’s just say Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, is here to tell you: that pressure is so last decade. In a refreshing and inspiring article from Business Insider, Emily shares how being kind to herself and embracing the beginner’s mindset made her postpartum fitness journey not just bearable but way more enjoyable. You can check out her full story here. But why does this matter to anyone trying to conceive or navigating early parenthood? Well, let’s unpack that.

Ever heard that magical phrase — ‘bounce back’ — after pregnancy? Yeah, me too. It’s like the universe expects moms to just flick a switch and return to their pre-pregnancy selves overnight. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works, and honestly, it’s kind of unfair.

Recently, I stumbled across an eye-opening article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during her pregnancy. Instead of rushing to ‘bounce back,’ she leaned into being a beginner again and found kindness to herself made all the difference. You can check out her full story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant.

So why does Emily’s approach resonate so deeply, especially if you’re on your own unique path to parenthood — maybe even using at-home conception methods like those kits from MakeAMom?

Let’s unpack this together.

The Myth of the ‘Bounce Back’

Society often glamorizes the idea of rapid postpartum transformation. Magazines, social media influencers, and celeb culture bombard new moms with images of tight abs and effortless grace mere weeks after birth.

But here’s the thing — your body just did something incredible. Growing a tiny human is nothing short of miraculous, and expecting an immediate ‘bounce back’ is like asking a sprinter to run a marathon right after a sprint. It's just not realistic.

Emily’s story shines because instead of fighting this reality, she embraced her new beginner status in fitness post-pregnancy. It’s refreshing to see a fitness pro admit that starting over isn’t a failure — it’s a fresh start.

How Being Kind to Yourself Boosts Fitness Success

When you switch your mindset from “I have to get back to where I was” to “I’m exactly where I need to be,” you open the door to progress that’s sustainable and joyful.

• Patience becomes your best friend. Progress doesn’t have to be fast; it just has to be consistent.
• Small wins add up. Celebrating tiny milestones (like just putting on your sneakers or doing a short walk) keeps motivation alive.
• Mental health matters. Accepting your body’s changes reduces stress, which is crucial for fertility and postpartum recovery.

What This Means for Those Trying to Conceive at Home

If you’re navigating the journey to pregnancy — especially at home with options like MakeAMom’s insemination kits — this mindset matters even before your bundle of joy arrives.

Stress and emotional wellness are massive factors in fertility. When you’re kind to your body and mind, you’re setting the perfect stage for conception.

And speaking of options, MakeAMom provides discreet, cost-effective, and reusable kits designed to suit various needs — whether you’re working with low motility sperm, frozen samples, or specific sensitivities. This empowers you to take control in the comfort of your own home, reducing the stress and barriers often associated with clinical visits.

Moving Your Body Without Pressure: A Game-Changer

Exercise isn’t about grinding through intense workouts to punish your body for changes during pregnancy. It’s about feeling strong and connected to yourself.

Try integrating gentle movement routines that honor where you’re at — yoga, walking, stretching — especially if you’re in early postpartum or preparing your body for conception.

Emily’s story reminds us that starting as a beginner is not just okay — it’s powerful. Embrace the new rhythms, be patient, and celebrate your unique journey.

In Summary: The Real Secret to Postpartum Fitness and Fertility

• Ditch the ‘bounce back’ myth. Your body’s timeline is your own.
• Kindness is a superpower. Be compassionate with yourself.
• Consistent gentle movement beats all-or-nothing workouts.
• Creating low-stress environments supports fertility. This might mean exploring user-friendly, private at-home insemination solutions.

If you’re curious about options that support your journey without adding more pressure, explore what MakeAMom’s home insemination kits can offer — discreet, effective, and tailored for a variety of needs.

So, what about you? Have you felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ or struggled with postpartum fitness? How do you nurture kindness on your journey? Let’s chat below — your story might just be the inspiration someone else needs today.

What if we told you that running a 60-mile ultramarathon while breastfeeding isn’t just possible—it’s inspiring a movement to rethink postpartum fitness?

This isn’t a story you hear every day. Recently, a remarkable woman completed a grueling 60-mile ultramarathon while breastfeeding her infant, clinching first place in the race. This incredible feat, covered in the BBC article, is more than just a physical achievement; it’s challenging long-held assumptions about postpartum recovery and exercise.

The Common Myth: New Mothers Should Rest, Not Race

Society often paints a picture of postpartum women taking it slow, steering clear of high-intensity workouts, especially in the early weeks and months after birth. The narrative is one of caution—rest, recovery, and gentle activity.

But this inspiring ultrarunner flips the script. Her story raises vital questions:

• Why do we often limit new mothers’ physical potential?
• Could staying active postpartum actually enhance recovery and emotional well-being?
• What does science say about exercise and breastfeeding?

Exercise & Postpartum: What You Need to Know

Research increasingly supports that staying active after childbirth can promote faster recovery, improve mood, and boost energy. However, intensity and timing are important.

For moms eager to find their footing in fitness, the key is mindful progression. Start with gentle movement like walking or yoga, then build up as your body allows. This ultramarathon runner’s achievement is extraordinary but underscores that postpartum women can adapt to vigorous exercise safely when guided by their body's signals.

Breastfeeding and Physical Activity: Busting the Myths

Many new moms worry that intense exercise might affect milk supply or breastfeeding comfort. The truth is nuanced:

• Moderate to intense exercise does not negatively impact breast milk quality or quantity.
• Hydration and nutrition are critical to maintain production.
• Some infants might react differently to the taste of exercise-induced lactic acid in milk, but this varies widely.

This ultramarathon breastfeeding story shines a spotlight on how women can successfully combine demanding athletic goals with nurturing their babies.

Why This Matters for Fertility and Conception Journeys

Movement and exercise don’t just influence postpartum health—they’re integral to preconception and fertility wellness too. Staying active helps regulate hormones, manage stress, and optimize body weight—all crucial for conception.

For those who may be exploring alternative or at-home methods to conceive, like insemination kits provided by MakeAMom, incorporating consistent, suitable physical activity can create a foundation for reproductive health.

Tips for New Moms Ready to Get Moving

If you’re inspired by this story and eager to incorporate exercise into your postpartum or fertility journey, consider these practical tips:

• Listen to Your Body: Start slow, and gradually increase intensity.
• Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Fuel your body to support both exercise and, if breastfeeding, milk production.
• Consult Professionals: Speak to healthcare providers or fitness experts specializing in postpartum care.
• Prioritize Rest: Balance active days with sufficient recovery.
• Seek Community: Join support groups or fitness classes tailored for new moms.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Postpartum Strength

This extraordinary ultramarathon breastfeeding mom shows us that postpartum bodies are resilient and capable of greatness in many forms. It invites us to rethink the limits placed on new mothers and encourages a personalized, empowered approach to postpartum wellness.

If you’re navigating conception at home, exploring fitness is one piece of the puzzle to prepare your body and mind for the journey ahead. And if you’re interested in discreet, supportive tools for conception, MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits offer a user-friendly, cost-effective way to pursue pregnancy in the comfort of your own home.

Are you ready to challenge the status quo of postpartum fitness? What would your personal postpartum or preconception fitness journey look like? Share your thoughts and let’s spark a conversation about strength, health, and motherhood!

Have you ever felt the pressure to 'bounce back' after pregnancy? You’re not alone. Society often bombards new mothers with this impossible expectation: shed the baby weight and return to your pre-pregnancy body as soon as possible. But what if I told you there’s a better way—a more compassionate, motivating path?

Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, recently shared her honest and inspiring journey in this Business Insider article. She gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy and instead of rushing to lose it, she embraced being a beginner again. This mindset shift transformed not only her approach to postpartum fitness but also her self-kindness and motivation.

Why is this story so powerful? Because it challenges a toxic narrative many women face. Postpartum bodies are not just a phase to “fix” but a new beginning that deserves respect and care.

The Toxic Myth of ‘Bouncing Back’

From magazines to social media, “bounce back” is the mantra. But this phrase implies you’ve lost something you need to urgently regain, fueling guilt and anxiety. The truth is, your body has done something incredible—created life. It’s okay to give yourself time and patience.

What Does “Being Kind to Yourself” Really Mean?

Emily’s story shows that kindness isn’t laziness—it’s courageous self-care. It means celebrating small victories, honoring your limits, and recognizing that health is a journey, not a race.

• Starting over as a beginner can feel vulnerable but also thrilling.
• It encourages learning and growth over perfection.
• It helps maintain motivation by focusing on progress rather than pressure.

How This Mindset Can Empower Your Fertility Journey

Whether you’re currently pregnant, planning to conceive, or on the path of at-home insemination, embracing kindness and realistic goals can make all the difference.

This nurturing approach aligns perfectly with holistic conception support—like that offered by MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits. Their affordable, reusable kits provide a discreet and empowering way for individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey in the comfort and privacy of home.

Your Body, Your Timeline

What if instead of rushing to “bounce back,” you embraced:

• The chance to reconnect with your body on your terms.
• A gentle fitness routine that builds strength gradually.
• Emotional wellness practices that soothe stress and encourage patience.

Imagine the relief when you stop comparing yourself to impossible standards and start celebrating every step forward, no matter how small.

Small Steps You Can Take Today

If you’re ready to rewrite the narrative for yourself, try these:

• Set micro-goals: Focus on walking 10 minutes a day or trying gentle stretches.
• Practice daily affirmations: Remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to your dress size.
• Connect with supportive communities: Sharing stories helps normalize your experience.
• Incorporate tools designed for your unique needs: Like specialized insemination kits if you’re on a fertility journey.

The Bigger Picture

Emily’s story is a wake-up call to prioritize kindness over pressure. It invites all of us to rethink postpartum health as a deeply personal journey filled with growth, resilience, and hope.

So next time you catch yourself thinking about “bouncing back,” ask instead: How can I move forward with compassion and strength?

Your body and mind will thank you—and your fertility journey will be all the richer for it.

Curious about empowering, at-home fertility options that respect your pace and privacy? Explore more about compassionate conception approaches here.

What’s your experience with postpartum expectations or fertility journeys? Share your story in the comments below—you're not alone, and your voice matters.