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So many moms wish they could stay at home with their new babies forever, but not Jill Hennessy. While she had initial reservations about returning to work 11 weeks after giving birth to her son Gianni, the role in the film Lymelife was so compelling she “couldn’t not do it.”
“I recognized this character. Everyone feels like, if I were a better wife or woman, my husband would love me, my kids would love me more. She comes full circle and makes a very bold choice,” she explained.
Of course, the logistics left a little to be desired. The film’s budget didn’t allow for trailers, so Jill pumped breastmilk in the nurse’s office of a nearby school! Gianni needed babysitting too but her fellow actors, including Alec Baldwin, were happy to pitch in.
“Alec would … always make him laugh, which drove me crazy,” Jill joked. “How does he make everyone laugh, even a three month-old baby? It kind of pissed me off.”
While her maternity leave was short, the actress says she thinks it was best for all involved.
“I think it helped me get through that time, in retrospect. It got me outside, stopped me from focusing on the sheer lack of sleep and the daunting situation of having two kids. It forced me to delegate. I highly recommend it.”
Jill and her husband Paolo Mastropietro are also parents to Marco, 5 ½. Lymelife is currently showing in selected theatres.
Image source: Newscom