Anne Hathaway Gets Real About the Pressure to "Snap Back" After Having a Baby

Anne Hathaway shared insight into her postpartum journey and why she didn't try to bounce back after welcoming her second son, Jack. As she put it, "Let your body be a body...take care of yourself."

By Alyssa Morin Sep 21, 2023 5:30 PMTags
Watch: Inside Anne Hathaway's Fashion Renaissance

Anne Hathaway is opening up about her postpartum experience.

The Devil Wears Prada alum—who shares sons Jonathan, 7, and Jack, 3, with husband Adam Shulman—recently explained that the pressure for mothers to bounce back is simply unrealistic.

If anything, Anne candidly revealed that it took her years, not monthsto heal her body after welcoming her second son.

"It takes three years for your body to fully recover from a pregnancy," she told People in an interview published Sept. 20. "I didn't snap back. I want to be very, very clear about that."

She continued, "With my second, it took every minute of those three years."

The 40-year-old also noted why it's so important to give yourself grace during this time.

"Let your body be a body," she reminded. "There's nowhere to get to. It's just now. Be present and take care of yourself and don't set expectations."

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Anne Hathaway Through the Years

Having this mindset has even helped the Princess Diaries alum step outside of her fashion comfort zone.

"In this moment, everybody's taking risks," she said, "and I feel like there's more than one way to do it right now, which means that you don't have to hit a mark, you just have to be yourself—and that feels wonderful."

Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

Of course, Anne credited her stylist Erin Walsh, who has been the mastermind behind some of her boldest, coolest looks ever.

"Erin and I believe that style is an expression," the actress explained, "and I trust her, which makes me feel like I can be braver. We don't take it too seriously. This isn't a dress rehearsal; this is life."

As she put it, "I'm wearing things that I enjoy, and I'm wearing them gratefully—and that seems to be working."

Anne Hathaway / Instagram

Erin previously echoed similar sentiments, exclusively telling E! News in May there was a reason people were resonating with the star's fierce fashion choices.

"What's more stylish than a woman who is embodying her ultimate essence and dressing the part?" the stylist said. "Anne is beautiful inside and out. It's very inspiring to see someone actually glowing."

With that, relive Anne's most stylish looks over the years. It just might inspire your next OOTD.

All That Glitters Is Gold

In Versace and wearing Bulgari jewelry.

Cat's Got Your Tongue

In Valentino.

Dominatrix Darling

In Valentino.

Met Gala Maven

In Versace.

Working Girl Vibes

In a Christopher John Rogers coat and Valentino dress with a Victoria Beckham bag, Wolford tights and Isabel Marant knee-high boots.

Bedazzled Beauty

In Valentino.

Power Suit

In Elie Saab.

Barbiecore Babe

In Valentino.

Monocrhomatic Moment

In Michael Kors.

Out Of This World

In Ralph Lauren

Love in Lace

In Jonathan Simkhai.

Simply Sheeth

In Protagonist. 

Dominatrix Doll

In Valentino.

Pop of Pink

In Solace London.

Show Us Your Feathers

In Rodarte.

White on White

In IRO blazer and Theory trousers.

Back It Up

In Calvin Klein.

Crystal Clear

In Wes Gordon.

Dark Details

In Chanel Couture.

Picking Sides

In Rodarte.

Slip & Sleek

In Richard Nicoll.

Webbed Beauty

In Christopher Kane.

Radiant Red

In Calvin Klein.

Metallic Intrigue

In Gucci halter.

Little Black Yes

In Chanel.

Blond Bombshell

In Givenchy.

Column Goddess

In Chanel.

Punk Princess

In vintage Valentino Couture.

Shine On

In Saint Laurent.

Prada Perfection

in Prada.

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View More Photos From Anne Hathaway's Best Looks