Hilary Swank on raising her 2-year-old twins at 50: 'It was the right time'

Hilary Swank continues to embrace her new role as a mother. The acclaimed Hollywood star is sharing her excitement to see her 2-year-old kids, Aya and Ohm grow up. The fan-favorite actress welcomed her twins in April 2023 with her husband Philip Schneider, and now, two years later, she’s reflecting on what it means to become a mother later in life.

“I would have had kids earlier,” the star said to 'Women’s Health' during an interview published April 8. “I’m not saying I actively waited until 47. But that was a magical time in my life when it all culminated. It was the right time for a myriad of reasons.”

Hilary, who turned 50 in July 2024, shared that she took proactive steps toward motherhood much earlier. At 37, she made the decision to freeze her eggs—something she’s grateful for today.

© Matt Winkelmeyer

“Thankfully, I had that ability to freeze eggs for later,” she explained to the publication. “It takes some of the pressure off," she added, explaining that she was able to have options in her journey. “Not every egg will be viable,” she acknowledged, “but knowing I had options gave me reassurance.”

© Hilary Swank / Instagram

Looking back, Hilary admits that motherhood at this stage of life feels vastly different than it might have even a decade ago. “I’m a very different parent than I would’ve been, even in my early 40s,” she said. “I’m much more patient. I’m much more understanding. I am much more, I think, interested in a different way than I would’ve been.”

© Hilary Swank / Instagram

She also feels fortunate to have built her successful career before having kids. “I’m really interested in their brains. I’m fascinated about what makes them tick. And I have my career that’s already established, so I’m not divided,” she explained. “I’m able to really sink in and be present with them and be a hands-on parent.”

Since becoming a mom, Hilary has been candid about her experience, including the challenges of parenting—especially raising twins. In an interview with People in October, she opened up about the early struggles of breastfeeding two babies at once.

© Hilary Swank / Instagram

“I never had a singleton, so I’ve only known two,” she said. “But I was trying to breastfeed and trying to breastfeed two at the same time was impossible for me," she said, revealing that she is grateful to spend quality time with them.

"I feel really, really blessed that I was able to actually breastfeed at all," Hilary shared. "That doesn't always work out like that. We [didn't] know if that's going to be a possibility."