Last week's episode of Grey's Anatomy was a major one for April and Jackson (the proof is in all those Twitter reaction gifs). Fans finally got their wish for a hot and heavy romantic moment between the pair when the two passionately hooked up on a work trip in snowy Montana. (Thank you, Catherine Avery, for so brilliantly setting that up!)
"That episode ended with a tremendous amount of hope," Sarah Drew (who plays April) explained during the cast's recent panel at Paleyfest. "Whether that translates into romance or just a solidification that they are each others person and theyll always be best friends, that has yet to be seen. Well see what happens.
Although social media was abuzz that the couple might finally get back together, there was a subtle, more significant moment in the episode that viewers might have skipped over. About 10 minutes into the episode, Jackson is on the phone with April, where she's sitting on the bed in her Montana hotel room. She's got her laptop in front of her, but it's not her main focus. Instead, she's tightening a bottle having just breast pumped milk for her baby, Harriet, who was back in Seattle with Catherine.
What's significant about that, you ask? Originally, that wasn't in the scene.
"I asked to have [that] pumping scene," Drew revealed to Glamour. "As a breastfeeding mother, I would be pumping if I was away from my baby. So that action, that cut, made it into the scene. Its something I really care about and is part of, for me, what it means to be a working mother. You have to account for all of that stuff when you travel away from your child. I always really celebrate the moments where we get a window into that struggle or that journey."
Drew approached the episode's directornone other than Kevin McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt on the seriesfor permission to add the breast pumping equipment to the scene. "I was like, 'It's not in the script, but I would like to have a pump here, and I would like to be doing this action. And can we make sure that we have a wide enough shot to see it?'" (The reason for the wide shot, by the way, was that so viewers could see all the equipment required to pump breast milk. That means the plastic cords, as well as the cooler that comes with the pump which has a special ice pack so you can nestle four bottles inside without spillage.)
PHOTO: Eric McCandless/ABC
True to his word that "our show beautifully depicts the struggle we all have as human beings to juggle our lives," McKidd was happy to honor Drew's request.
"Weve been on the show so long, so we know who our characters are; its important to honor that," McKidd told Glamour. "Sarah has been playing this part for eight years. It was really important to her, so I was like, Of course, were going to do that.' One of the big themes of our show is how do we make the best life with so many commitments when were all pulled in so many directions? In that moment, it really portrayed that well. It's important to show that were all multitasking all the time, especially these doctors who are committed to their patients, but also their own lives going on, too. Its nice to let the audience know that were all going through it together.
McKidd's compassion and understanding for Drew's request only solidified why she's thrilled to have a job on such an inclusive set like Grey's. "On our set, all of the women feel free to speak up," she explained. "Its always been; Ive always felt that way. Ive always had a voice, and thats been an important thing for me since the moment I had my first baby. Like, Oh my gosh, this is so hard! Lets talk about how hard this is!
Another thing Drew loves about the show? Shonda Rhimes' commitment to showing the character's children on screen even if they aren't directly involved in that episode's storyline. "They show that daycare exists in the hospital, so you get this sense these doctors are working really hardand they are able to go in and grab 10, 15 minutes [with their kids]," she said. "Look, parenthood is hard as it is; parenthood is super hard if you are at home and that is your primary focus. Parenthood is also super hard if youre trying to juggle it with work, and these people are kicking ass and taking names at work. Its neat to see that struggle."
Added McKidd: "One of the director's jobs is to tell these stories as beautifully as we can, as truthful as we can, and to make sure everyone is included in the discussions. I think a good director manages to do that and still be a strong leader."
And for those viewers at home that did pick up on the brief scene, Drew said it was a very empowering moment for her and the show. "There were some people that tweeted about it and they were so grateful," she told us. "They were like, Yes! Even one of our wardrobe girls had a baby a year ago, and she said that was her favorite part of the whole episode. She was so grateful that it made it there on the screen. So, yeah, it was so cool.
Related: Here's Why Grey's Anatomy Will Probably Never End
Read the original:
Sarah Drew Asked Grey's Anatomy to Include a Breast Pump Scene, and We're All for It - Glamour
- Katherine Heigl Shares Why She's Grateful Her Daughters Aren't Interested in Grey's Anatomy (Exclusive) - parade.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans Are Just Realizing This Fun Fact About the Series That Affects All but 1 Episode - People.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- In a Nutshell: Turning anatomy education into online sensation - Ohio University - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Gets Musical Again: Link Serenades Jo With Song at the Wedding Altar - TV Insider - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Boss Unpacks Jo and Links Momentous Wedding Song, Teases Bonkers Season 21 Finale - TheWrap - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Generating cervical anatomy labels using a deep ensemble multi-class segmentation model applied to transvaginal ultrasound images - Nature - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes reveals the hardest death she had to write - Yahoo - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Katherine Heigl Reveals What 1 Medical Trick She Thinks She Could Still Do After Grey's Anatomy (Exclusive) - parade.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21, Episode 17 Review: As A Long-Time Fan, I Loved This Romantic & Poignant Episode That Felt Like Classic Greys - Screen... - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- As One Greys Anatomy Couple Weds, Another Breaks Up and a Third Relationship Lands on Life Support - TVLine - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Every Wedding on Greys Anatomy , Ranked - Vulture - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 'Greys Anatomy': Link Surprises Jo at Their Wedding, Owen Holds onto the Past and 1 Couple Calls It Quits - People.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Here comes the bride: Where to stream Greys Anatomy for FREE - PennLive.com - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Preview: Will Link and Jo I Do It Right On Their Wedding Day? Plus, [Spoiler]s Back - TVLine - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy boss reveals the disappointing reason Meredith missed Jo and Links wedding - GeekSided - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of Startup Governance Issues, Funding Zooms & More - StartupNews.fyi - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Shock: Lucas and Simone Split Will Fans Even Miss Them? - Decatur Metro - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- 9 Secrets of the Greys Anatomy Sets Superfans Need to Know - Architectural Digest - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Continues to Ignore a Key Character's Storyline (& It's Frustrating Fans) - Comic Book Resources - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Jo & Link's Unique Wedding Set-Up Is Exactly Why Their Romance Works In Grey's Anatomy - Screen Rant - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes reveals the hardest death she had to write - The Independent - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy fans are just realizing clever aspect of 'every episode' after 20 years - The Mirror US - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Did the Success of The Substance and Anatomy of a Fall Finally Teach Cannes a Lesson? - IndieWire - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy fans floored after spotting 'hidden message' in every episode - Irish Star - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Anatomy of an apprehension: Where are you taking the baby? - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News - May 12th, 2025 [May 12th, 2025]
- Isaiah Washington Says Sandra Oh Brought Him Back on Greys Anatomy Years After Firing - E! Online - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Hailey Bieber Is Outed as an Obsessive 'Greys Anatomy' Fan: It's 'a Big Secret' - People.com - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Unfurling Anatomy explores neuroplasticity and healing through artistic expression - 13wham.com - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Why isnt Greys Anatomy on TV tonight? When is the next new episode? - PennLive.com - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Why Greys Anatomy Isnt Airing a New Episode Tonight (April 24) & When Itll Return - Just Jared - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy season 21 new episode tonight - How to watch on ABC for free - MassLive - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a US Treasury Sell-Off - AllianceBernstein - Commentaries - Advisor Perspectives - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of Lies Documentary: Everything To Know About The Grey's Anatomy Writer Who Faked Cancer (& Where To Watch Online) - Screen Rant - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- 'Greys Anatomy' Star Katherine Heigl Slammed With Lawsuit For Alleged $300,000 Unpaid Services - Yahoo - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy's Isaiah Washington Says Sandra Oh Brought Him Back After Altercation with Patrick Dempsey - E! Online - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Why Arent 9-1-1, Doctor Odyssey & Greys Anatomy New Tonight? - The Sanford Herald - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Teases a Winston/Jules Pairing: Are You Feeling It? - TVLine - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a PMs fall: did Albanese stumble off a stage - and why are we still talking about it? - The Guardian - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Anatomy Of A Bitcoin Bear Market: Expert Trader Reveals The Signals To Watch Out For | Bitcoinist.com - Bitcoinist.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Recap: Are Winston Ndugu and Jules Millin the Next Power Couple at Grey-Sloan? - TV Insider - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Taps Piper Perabo for Three-Episode Arc Whats Her Connection to Amelia? - TVLine - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The anatomy of an NPR headline - VPM - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Anatomy of the system: Criminal case is finally (almost) over - nrtoday.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Season 21, Episode 15 Review: Im Glad The Characters Are Showing Off Their Silly Sides In The Shows Funniest Episode In A Long Time -... - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Jessie Buckley to Narrate Leah Hazards Novel The Anatomy of Us for Audible (EXCLUSIVE) - Variety - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals why shell never leave Greys Anatomy for good: It doesnt make any sense - New York Post - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy season 21 episode 15: Where to watch free tonight - MassLive - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo says leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' would mean that others get to 'profit' off her hard work - Business Insider - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo on Why It Would Make No Sense to Walk Away From Greys Anatomy - Rolling Stone - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- In the Human Anatomy Lab, Experiential Learning Prepares Future Health Care Leaders - U of G News - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Window washers platform crashes into hospital: How to watch Greys Anatomy without cable - PennLive.com - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Riley Greene, Colt Keith and the anatomy of a slump - The Athletic - The New York Times - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals she gets a little bit annoyed when Greys Anatomy fans call her Meredith - The Independent - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Revisiting the 20-Year History of the Music of Greys Anatomy - Shondaland - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Yellowstone Star Piper Perabo Joins the Cast of Greys Anatomy in Recurring Role - EntertainmentNow - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Seriously? Greys Anatomy Is Making Us Take Sides, and It Feels Like [Bleep] - TVLine - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeos honest reason for never leaving Greys Anatomy branded weird - The Independent - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The body as a manifesto: Schiaparellis use of anatomy - HIGHXTAR. - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Ellen Pompeo reveals one frustration with Grey's Anatomy fans: "I do get a little bit annoyed" - Digital Spy - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- On Set: Greys Anatomy Stars Sharing Their Hidden Talents - Shondaland - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a Shot | The Gorge: Building the Blast - DNEG - April 19th, 2025 [April 19th, 2025]
- The countries with longest anatomy measurements (7+ inches) and what this means for your health - Journe Mondiale - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 21 "Grey's Anatomy" Behind-The-Scenes Facts That'll Make You Watch The Show In A Whole New Way - BuzzFeed - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of Exile by Zeeva Bukai reflects on the elusive nature of home - jweekly.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Sex toys and exploding cosmetics: Anatomy of a 'hybrid war' on the West - Reuters - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Doctor Odyssey Has Higher Ratings Than Grey's Anatomy, So Why Was It At The Risk Of Being Canceled When Shonda Rhimes' Show Was Already Renewed -... - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Anatomy of a housing proposal toppled by NIMBYs - The Portland Press Herald - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- The Anatomy of a New Distribution Branch - Roofing Contractor - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Returning for Season 22: Get the Scoop - TV Insider - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Has Owen Broken the Open Relationship Rules Already? - TV Insider - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Season 21, Episode 13 Review: Im More Excited Than Ever For The Last 5 Episodes Thanks To A Few Storyline Advancements - Screen Rant - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 'Grey's Anatomy': Teddy Makes a Tearful Admission as She and Owen Navigate Their Open Marriage - People.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy, Shifting Gears Among Five ABC Renewals, Doctor Odyssey in Limbo - hollywoodreporter.com - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Effect of Virtual Reality Simulation on Anatomy Learning Outcomes: A Systematic Review - Cureus - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy Renewed For Season 22 By ABC With Veteran Cast Poised To Return - Deadline - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy: Kim Raver Talks Teddy and Owen's Open Marriage - Us Weekly - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Greys Anatomy: Sophia Bush Discusses Cass And Teddys Long-Awaited Tryst & Whether Theres More To Come Between Them - Deadline - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 9-1-1, Greys Anatomy, The Rookie, Shifting Gears, Will Trent Renewed at ABC - Variety - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- 7 Times the Greys Anatomy Surgeons Did the Impossible - Shondaland - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]
- Grey's Anatomy Is Bound To Repeat A Controversial George Plot From 18 Years Ago (But With A Twist) - Screen Rant - April 10th, 2025 [April 10th, 2025]