Why 'Bouncing Back' After Pregnancy Is Overrated and What Really Helps

Have you ever felt the pressure to ‘bounce back’ after pregnancy? You’re definitely not alone. There’s this loud, almost constant message everywhere that new moms should shed those pregnancy pounds fast and get their “pre-baby bodies” back ASAP. But what if that pressure is doing more harm than good? What if the secret to postpartum fitness isn’t about racing against the clock but about embracing kindness — especially toward yourself?

I recently came across a powerful 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, where Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer, shares her honest journey. Instead of trying to “bounce back,” Emily found motivation in feeling like a beginner again. That phrase stuck with me — the idea that postpartum fitness isn’t about rushing to get back to where you were but about starting fresh with patience and self-love.

Why the ‘Bounce Back’ Myth Needs to Go

We live in a world obsessed with quick fixes and Instagram-worthy transformations, but pregnancy is not a problem to be solved swiftly. It’s a profound life change — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Emily’s story is a reminder that gaining weight during pregnancy is not just normal, but a natural part of the process.

Trying to sprint back to the old you only adds pressure and can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, acknowledging your new starting point, as Emily did, allows you to set realistic, sustainable goals.

What Feeling Like a Beginner Really Means

Emily talks about embracing the beginner mindset — relearning what your body can do, rebuilding strength gently, and celebrating small victories. This approach resonates beyond fitness; it applies to fertility journeys as well. After all, each person’s path to motherhood is unique, with its own timing and challenges.

Connecting the Dots: Fertility, Postpartum, and Self-Compassion

If you’re navigating fertility or home insemination, you know how emotionally taxing it can be. The same kindness Emily champions postpartum is crucial when trying to conceive. Being patient, gentle, and supportive of yourself during this phase can make a world of difference.

That’s why I appreciate companies like MakeAMom, who not only provide innovative, user-friendly insemination kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker but also support people in taking control of their fertility journey gently and affordably at home. They understand the importance of privacy, comfort, and steady hope — qualities that echo the compassionate approach Emily talks about.

How to Be Kinder to Yourself Postpartum and Beyond

Set realistic expectations. Baby steps count. Celebrate every small progress.
Listen to your body. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
Prioritize mental health. Emotional wellbeing is as important as physical.
Seek support. Whether it’s from loved ones, professionals, or communities, you’re not alone.
Consider your fertility tools and options thoughtfully. Empowerment comes from choice and knowledge.

Wrapping It Up: What If Self-Kindness Is Your Ultimate Strength?

The takeaway here? The narrative of rushing back to a pre-pregnancy body or “winning” at postpartum fitness is not only unrealistic but unnecessary. Emily’s experience teaches us that embracing the journey with kindness unlocks deeper strength and joy.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or in the midst of trying to conceive, remember: your worth isn’t measured by how quickly you get “back” to something. It’s found in how gently you treat yourself every day.

Curious to dive deeper into home insemination options that prioritize your comfort and privacy? I highly recommend checking out MakeAMom’s range of kits — they’re designed with real people’s needs in mind, supporting your path to parenthood without compromising your peace of mind.

Have you ever felt pressured to “bounce back” or struggled with self-kindness after pregnancy? Share your story or tips in the comments below — let’s support each other on this journey!

Inspired by Emily Ricketts’ honest postpartum reflection here