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Have you ever felt the crushing pressure to 'bounce back' after pregnancy? To shed those extra pounds as quickly as possible, to slip back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, and to look like nothing changed? If so, you're not alone. But what if I told you that this common mindset might actually be doing more harm than good?

Recently, a candid article by Emily Ricketts, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy, went viral for all the right reasons. Instead of succumbing to societal pressure, Emily embraced being a beginner again. She found motivation not in rushing back to her old self but in kindness and patience with her new body. This, she says, made getting fit postpartum much easier and more fulfilling. You can read her inspiring story here: I'm a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.

Why does this matter so much for people on a fertility or conception journey? Because the journey to parenthood is not just physical—it’s deeply emotional and mental. And learning to be gentle with yourself is a game-changer.

The Problem With ‘Bouncing Back’

• It creates unrealistic expectations.
• It can make postpartum women feel like failures if they don’t immediately shed weight.
• It ignores the incredible physical and emotional changes the body goes through.
• It increases stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact fertility and recovery.

So, what should you aim for instead?

Embrace the ‘Beginner’ Mindset

Emily’s story highlights a powerful shift: see postpartum fitness as starting anew, not racing to a finish line. Here’s why it works:

• Patience is empowering. Giving yourself time to heal means you build strength sustainably.
• Kindness fuels motivation. Treating your body with empathy keeps you mentally resilient.
• Focus on functionality. Celebrate small wins like increased energy or improved mood.

This approach is particularly vital for those using tools like at-home insemination kits. The path to pregnancy can be unpredictable and challenging. Having a supportive mindset—not just a results-driven one—can reduce stress, which is known to improve fertility outcomes.

How At-Home Insemination Supports Empowerment

At-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, provide a discreet, cost-effective, and user-friendly way to take control of your fertility journey without the clinical pressure. Their kits are designed thoughtfully to accommodate different needs, whether it’s low motility sperm or sensitivities like vaginismus.

Think about it: using such kits allows you to carry out inseminations in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and with privacy. This autonomy can foster a sense of calm and empowerment, perfectly aligning with the kind, patient approach Emily Ricketts advocates for postpartum fitness.

Practical Tips To Cultivate Self-Kindness Postpartum and During TTC

1. Celebrate progress over perfection. Your resilience is worth applauding.
2. Set small, achievable goals. Whether it’s a gentle walk or a mindful breath.
3. Connect with communities. Sharing experiences relieves isolation.
4. Prioritize mental health. Meditation, therapy, or journaling can help.
5. Choose tools that fit your needs. Whether it’s fertility products or fitness routines, personalization matters.

The Takeaway

The striking takeaway from Emily’s story—and one we want everyone embarking on a fertility journey to embrace—is that kindness to yourself is not just a feel-good mantra, it’s a powerful strategy. The pressure to rush recovery or conception can be overwhelming, but shifting toward patience, acceptance, and self-care can transform your experience.

By choosing to view your postpartum body and fertility journey as uniquely yours, you can foster both physical and emotional strength. And if you’re exploring home insemination options, finding trusted, adaptable, and discreet products like those from MakeAMom can support you in taking gentle control of your path to parenthood.

So, what if the secret to success isn’t rushing back, but moving forward with kindness? How might this mindset change your approach to fitness and fertility? Share your thoughts and stories below—we’d love to hear how you’re embracing your journey with compassion and strength.

Forget 'bouncing back' — let’s talk about bouncing forward with kindness. If you thought postpartum fitness was all about race-against-the-clock weight loss, think again. A recent eye-opening piece from Business Insider shares Emily Ricketts’ powerful story, a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds during pregnancy and found that being kind to herself was the secret sauce to reclaiming strength and fitness. Spoiler alert: It was way easier than the harsh 'bounce back' culture would have you believe.

But why does this matter so much, especially if you’re navigating the wild world of conception, pregnancy, or postpartum healing? Because mental health and physical wellness are inseparable, and the pressure to snap back into pre-pregnancy shape is not only unrealistic — it’s downright toxic.

The Myth of “Bouncing Back” Is So Yesterday

Emily’s story flips the script on the usual postpartum narrative. Instead of an impossible sprint to pre-baby abs, she embraced feeling like a beginner again. That beginner’s mindset empowered her to rebuild strength gently and celebrate every tiny victory — no calorie-counting or shame necessary.

This shift from self-criticism to self-compassion is exactly what so many new parents need. Pregnancy changes your body in profound ways; demanding instant reversal is like asking a marathoner to sprint a 100-meter dash immediately after crossing the finish line.

What Does This Mean For Your Fertility Journey?

Whether you’re just starting to think about conceiving, in the thick of trying, or navigating pregnancy and beyond, your wellbeing shapes everything. Stress and harsh self-judgment can affect hormone balance and even fertility. So embracing kindness — to your body and mind — isn’t just feel-good fluff; it’s fertility-smart.

Where Home-Based Fertility Solutions Come In

Speaking of fertility journeys, for those exploring alternative conception methods, options like home insemination are becoming more popular than ever. Companies like MakeAMom specialize in discreet, cost-effective insemination kits designed for all kinds of users—from those with low motility sperm to individuals dealing with sensitivities like vaginismus.

Why mention this here? Because empowering yourself with choices that fit your lifestyle — including gentle, self-directed methods — aligns perfectly with that kindness-first approach. You get to take control of your journey in a way that feels right for you.

The New Mantra: Progress Over Perfection

So how do you channel Emily’s wisdom into your life? Here are some no-nonsense tips:

• Ditch the timeline: Your body’s transformation is unique and deserves patience.
• Celebrate small wins: Every extra minute of movement, every healthy meal, every moment of self-love counts.
• Seek supportive tools: Whether that’s fitness programs designed for postpartum bodies or fertility aids that put you in the driver’s seat.
• Talk about it: Sharing your struggles and successes helps break the stigma.

Why the Conversation Matters Now More Than Ever

In 2025, the cultural tide is shifting towards mental health awareness and holistic wellness. The old “bounce back” obsession is losing ground to a more inclusive, realistic, and kinder narrative. That movement is a relief — and a rallying cry — for anyone who’s ever felt crushed by unrealistic expectations.

Emily’s story, documented by Business Insider, isn’t just inspiring — it’s a roadmap. It says: Start where you are, be kind to yourself, and trust that strength will come back on your terms.

Wrapping It Up with a Thought-Provoker

If you’re on a fertility or postpartum journey, what would it look like if you treated yourself like a friend instead of a project? Could kindness be the secret ingredient to your success?

Remember, empowerment comes from making informed choices — about your body, your health, and yes, even your conception method. Tools like MakeAMom’s versatile, reusable home insemination kits are not just products; they’re options that give you the freedom to approach your journey with confidence and compassion.

So don’t just chase a number on a scale or a timeline on a calendar. Start chasing self-kindness instead. Because the strongest you is the one who’s kindest to herself.

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Inspired by Emily Ricketts’ empowering story: I’m a personal trainer who gained over 50 pounds while pregnant. Being kind to myself made getting fit again much easier.

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