How do you combine your acting career with raising two young children?
Gossip Girl has an ideal schedule for a working mom. It’s an ensemble show, so I’m not in every scene, and I work two to three days a week. The show worked around my pregnancy with Helena by dressing me in big jewelry and big handbags—I think we started a fashion trend. We have three or four months off a year. I could be busier, but I want to be there for my kids.

Do you think today’s pregnant working women face pressures that differ from those our mothers faced?
We work up until the last minute, whether we’re throwing up or not! Then we’re expected to give birth in two seconds or we get a C-section, because doctors are in a rush. We barely sleep the first months of our child’s life, but we’re expected to get back into our skinny jeans right away.

How have you handled the public nature of your custody case?
It’s challenging. I certainly never expected the emotional roller coaster. It was tough to be pregnant and have this happen. It’s made me stronger.

You were pregnant with Helena while fighting for custody of Hermes?
Yes. The stress while I was pregnant was difficult. Hermes was 2 and still nursing. But Helena was born smiling—and she latched right on!

What’s your custody arrangement?
We have a 50-50 split with Hermes. With the baby, it’s a step-up plan, so she’s with me more now. The courts see child support as a separate issue from custody. I receive no financial support from their father.

What surprised you about the case?
My ex, who works out of the home, claimed I was a career monger. He said I worked crazy hours, when I’d only worked 40 days that entire year. I was also surprised that I didn’t have my day in court—I had my five minutes.

What was the court system like?
A male judge who was retiring after spending his entire career in family law didn’t agree with me that it was important for Hermes to be able to bond with his baby sister.


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