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By Pregnancy & Birth
Maggie Gyllenhaal, 34, is famous for her offbeat film choices. Her debut was in Secretary and her most recent venture is a historical, comedy called Hysteria. She comes from a family of stars with a famous brother, actor Jake and a successful father, director and screenwriter Stephen Gyllenhaal. Her husband Peter Sarsgaard stars in An Education.She has just given birth to Gloria Ray, 6 months, and her and Peter already have daughter, 6 year old Ramona. We chatted to her to find out about life as a mum for the second time around. Congratulations! How are you finding life as a new mum?‘Amazing. I’m so in love with my daughters. Motherhood changes everything. It’s about opening your heart and being so thrilled by the tiniest things your baby does. You learn patience and love, and are surprised and inspired every day.’How was your second pregnancy?‘I had morning sickness for a lot of this pregnancy, so I just ate when I could, which was very often plain yoghurt – tons of it. But there were other times when I’d think, “I need a hamburger.” And it really made me feel good. I find that my body definitely tells me what I need.’How did you stay healthy?‘I’m a big coffee drinker when I’m not pregnant. When I am, I drink a little, but not every day – it’s more of a special treat. My husband recently started running and got super-healthy, so he would make these smoothies that are green and thick. I had no idea exactly what was in them, but I liked to drink them for breakfast.’
>> The 10 commandments of pregnancy exercise>> Your pregnancy health: Know your superfoodsDo you try to keep fit?Honestly, I don’t know how mothers who are working find time to exercise. I can’t be a wife, mother, actress and work out every day. I have to admit, I’d rather be cooking dinner for my daughter than going out for a run.’Are you spoiling yourself?I love having a massage and going to steam rooms, now I’m not pregnant. I like to take care of myself.’What do you think about the media obsession with whether a celebrity is pregnant or just had a big lunch?‘I don’t know if those magazines did it to me or not. Because, when I used to even peek a little bit, I found it so brutal.’How do you personally cope with all the attention?‘Sometimes it’s funny - somebody will send me something, or say, “Ooh, I saw a picture of you and Ramona on the street.” And I’ll just say, “I don’t want to know.” I feel like, if someone followed me and my six year old to kindergarten, I would rather just not know about it.’What does family life mean to you and Peter?‘Everything. It’s about coming home and having dinner as a family, and sharing the big and small moments. Peter has been an amazing father from the beginning. We share everything.’Does your brother Jake enjoy spending time with your daughters?‘Always, he’s an extremely involved uncle. I’m very lucky with all the men in my life.’
>> Things you need to know about your second pregnancy>> Man to man advice on being a dad
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