“He’d come back and be the policeman and then he’d leave me with the residue.”
After her first two pregnancies, Jen Affleck used dancing to cope with her postpartum symptoms.
Now two months after welcoming her third child, the 26-year-old “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star is getting an opportunity to test her coping strategy on one of dancing’s biggest stages.
That stage was confirmed on July 1 when she joined the new cast of “Dancing with the Stars,” per Today.
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In a new interview with People, published Sept. 3, Jen Affleck opened up about how her time on the reality show is helping her overcome the challenges of motherhood — and symptoms that come with it.
"I'm still in the thick of postpartum, staying up late, doing feedings and whatnot, so that's challenging. But honestly, if anything, it's been helping me," Jen Affleck told the outlet.
"I'd probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression, which can be the most challenging thing that you can experience after having a baby,” she added.
Jen Affleck confirmed the birth of her baby girl Penelope with husband Zac Affleck in a July 2 Instagram post — one day after the ‘DWTS’ announcement.
The couple, who have been married since 2019, are also parents to daughter Nora, 3, and son Luca, 2, according to Us Weekly.
Despite having a full house with her family of five, Jen Affleck told People that the blisters, bruises and soreness from ‘DWTS’ rehearsals is “worth it.”
"I'm definitely making sure to get as much rest as I can, even though that's challenging with a baby. But if anything, this is filling my cup,” she said of her experience on the show so far.
“It's filling that cup, which is, in return, helping me become the best version of myself and the best mom that I can be,” she added.
Jen Affleck will be partnered with Taylor Swift’s dancer Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck’s interview with People was published the same day the rest of the ‘DWTS’ cast was announced.
The cast includes Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Dylan Efron, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui and Andy Richter, according to E! News.
They’ll join Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Jen Affleck and her “Secret Lives” co-star Whitney Leavitt, who were already confirmed prior to the announcement.
The Sept. 3 reveal also confirmed that Jen Affleck will be paired with newcomer Jan Ravnik.
Ravnik is a dancer and choreographer who captured the hearts of many during his time with Taylor Swift on her “The Eras” tour.
He has also performed with Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, Lewis Capaldi, Khalid and Luis Fonsi, according to Us Weekly.
"It's been fun. It's fun working with someone who has a lot of energy and is super positive. It's making this experience even better,” Jen Affleck told People of her partner.
"I think my family, my husband and my kids are just happy to see me happy," she continued. "Overall, it's been a really positive experience for everyone."
On Sept. 3, Jen Affleck’s husband took to Instagram to support his wife.
“Can’t believe this is real! The manifesting Queen,” he wrote in the caption alongside a photo of the family of five — which also included Ravnik, who was holding their newborn.
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“Can’t wait to see you live this dream and for the world to see you on the dance floor,” Zac Affleck added. “(Ravnik) get ready to learn how to change some diapers.”
