Ever felt pressured to 'bounce back' immediately after pregnancy? You're not alone. In a recent eye-opening article, personal trainer Emily Ricketts shares her honest journey of gaining over 50 pounds during pregnancy and how choosing kindness over pressure changed everything for her postpartum fitness journey (read more here).
If you’re on a fertility journey, pregnant, or navigating postpartum life, this story might just resonate deeply with you.
The Pressure to 'Bounce Back'
From social media feeds to casual conversations, women often hear the relentless message: get your 'pre-baby body' back ASAP. But what if this mindset is more harmful than helpful?
Emily’s approach flipped this narrative. Instead of rushing, she embraced feeling like a beginner again, letting go of past performance expectations. This shift in mindset made her fitness journey not only easier but more fulfilling.
Why Self-Compassion Matters in all Fertility and Postpartum Journeys
Whether you’re trying to conceive or recovering after birth, the emotional and physical toll is real. Stress and self-judgment can impact everything from hormone balance to motivation.
Here are some gentle reminders:
- Your body is doing something incredible — growing life or healing.
- Progress isn't linear; some days will be better than others.
- Rest and patience are powerful tools, not signs of weakness.
From Pregnancy Weight to Fertility Challenges: The Bigger Picture
Many individuals seeking to build families face unique challenges, including fertility hurdles and navigating treatments. This is where being kind to yourself can change the game.
Innovative solutions, like home insemination kits from MakeAMom, offer empowering, private, and cost-effective options for many. Knowing you have control and privacy in your reproductive choices can reduce stress and give you space to nurture yourself emotionally.
How Embracing a Beginner Mindset Can Help
Emily’s story teaches us that starting fresh with compassion allows us to rebuild strength at our own pace. This is hugely relevant when:
- Managing weight changes during and after pregnancy
- Navigating fertility treatments or home insemination processes
- Prioritizing mental health amidst all the physical changes
Practical Tips to Be Kind to Yourself Postpartum or During TTC
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every positive step counts.
- Set Realistic Goals: Your timeline is unique.
- Find Support: Whether friends, family, or online communities.
- Listen to Your Body: Rest when needed without guilt.
- Seek Resources: Products and info that empower your choices, like home insemination kits tailored to your needs.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In 2025, conversations around fertility and postpartum wellness are evolving. We’re moving away from pressure and shame toward acceptance and empowerment.
Stories like Emily’s remind us that being kind to ourselves opens the door to lasting strength — in body, mind, and spirit.
Final Thoughts
So, instead of chasing the quick 'bounce back,' what if the secret was to start gently and embrace the journey with kindness? How might that change your experience—whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating postpartum life?
Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your stories of self-compassion and growth below. Remember, your path is valid, and kindness is your strongest ally.
For those exploring home-based conception options, make sure to check out this trusted resource that offers discreet, reusable kits tailored to diverse needs. Empowerment starts with informed choices — and treating yourself with the care you deserve.
References:
- Ricketts, E. (2025). I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier. Business Insider. Read the full article