Jeri Ryan on Going Back to Work After Baby: 'I Cried'2009-03-27

Jeri Ryan says having to leave her baby for the first time to go back to work made her emotional.

"I cried," she tells People.com. The 41-year-old put her career on hold for a year so she could be with her baby girl Gisele, but now the actress is back for a role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

The show films in New York, while Jeri lives in Los Angeles. "It was especially hard since I've been with her nonstop since she was born."

Although it was difficult, she says it was time. "I milked [my maternity leave] for as long as anyone could milk it!" she says. "Now it's time to go back to work."

Back in shape and looking fit as ever, she admits it was an effort. To get back her pre-baby bod, she does Pilates three times a week. "It took me 10 months to get back to normal," she adds. "It was a little frustrating, but I realize it's harder to take the weight off when you're 40."

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