Q. We hear you have a “mom’s group” back in LA- tell us a little about that and how the support system has helped you. A. I wouldn’t be the mother or woman I am had I not met those ladies. Tere are seven of us and we first met in pre-natal yoga at Goldenbridge Yoga in L.A., which has an amazing community that encourages expecting moms to interact and bond during classes. All of our babies were born within a couple of months of each other. We supported one another through every major transition of motherhood. Our children are now between two and two and a half years old and we still make it a point to have play dates once a week and Mommy nights out once a month.
Q. You’re currently filming a new CBS series, “Unforgettable” in New York City and recently moved there. How has the transition been on you and your family? How are you managing to rework your daily home routine with such hectic filming hours? A. A It’s no joke! I work between 13-18 hours, 5 days a week. I am pretty exhausted much of the time, but luckily I have the weekends off and sometimes our work is all night while Leela is sleeping, so I am able to see her during the day. My husband also brings her to the set to visit me. Again, I couldn’t do it without his help. He’s really been amazing keeping it all together in this transition. We will be enrolling Leela in pre-school a few times a week soon, so Don (my husband) can get a break.
Q. Has becoming a mother helped you become a better actor? A. Yes, definitely! I’m more comfortable in my skin, more confident and more insightful than I used to be. My family is more important than anything, so I don’t have desperation in my career anymore.
Q. You’re in great shape- what was your post pregnancy work out/diet regimen? What is your current workout/diet regimen?
A. Besides the things I mentioned earlier, the first year aſter Leela was born, I walked a lot!! I didn’t have the time to go to the gym or work out like I did before. So I just walked. Instead of driving to go shopping, I walked. Instead of driving to see a friend, I walked. If I had to go a longer distance, I would drive half way, or three quarters way, then take the stroller out and walk the rest. I also lost a lot of the baby weight by putting Leela in a sling or Bjorn and walking up hills. Oh, and it also helped that I nursed until Leela was 20 months old!
Q. What qualities/lessons do you hope your children take from you? A. I hope they learn kindness, respect for others and a really strong sense of self.
Q. Do you have any foolproof mom tips to share with our readers? A. Follow your gut.
Q. Who has given you the best parenting advice? What was it? A. My Mom. She has three children, so whenever I freaked out over something huge (in my mind), my Mom would look at me and say, “She’s fine”. It’s hard when you’re a new mom; you’re nervous about everything. My Mom helped me realize kids are not fragile porcelain dolls. She always helps me stay balanced.
22 | AKA Mom | Winter 2011
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