Zooey Deschanel Speaks Out About Post-Baby Body Expectations

Zooey Deschanel is beaming on the cover of Redbook magazine’s May 2016 issue.

Here’s what the 36-year-old New Girl star had to share with the mag:

On how her daughter, Elsie Otter, helped her grow up (sorta!): “I’ve never really felt like an adult. But I think it’s a huge accomplishment to have a child, so maybe I feel like an adult for that reason!”

On slowing down on her career for her family: “I’ve slowed things down a bit. I think it’s good for your whole self�” your creative self, your professional self, and just your soul�” to take a little time for yourself and your family. You can spend your whole life going after things, but I think you risk missing out on some really powerful self-reflection.”

On criticizing women for not losing weight after pregnancy: “To expect someone to look like her pre-baby self immediately is odd. Because you just grew a human and then birthed that human�”there’s a lot that needs to go back to where it was. All your organs move around, for chrissakes!”

For more from Zooey, visit RedbookMag.com.