Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo is ready for her life to expand beyond her career.

Just the same, her career is important, and many were surprised to find the actress suited up in scrubs just four weeks after delivering her daughter Stella Luna.

“A lot of people couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t take my maternity leave,” the star told Self. “I felt like I really needed to work while I had this opportunity. The writers and producers were incredibly gracious and wrote my scenes so I could preshoot them.”

Pompeo insists Stella will forever come first, despite initial nerves: “I got pregnant and was like, Oh God, it worked! Oh, no! ... Will I know how to do everything right? Nobody does everything right, but as long as your baby is the priority, that’s the best you can do.”

Ellen Pompeo went back to work quickly, but her priorities are in line.

Ellen Pompeo is doing just that, savoring each moment ... dance parties included.

“I sing [Beyoncé's] ‘Single Ladies’ to her: ‘Put your hands up!’ Even though it’s probably an involuntary movement on her part, I think she’s really doing it.”

Is that cute or what? She also hopes to instill in Stella a strong sense of, well, Self.

“I don’t believe in putting on airs. I call it like I see it. I am who I am, a Southie,” the Boston native laughs. “I hope Stella has more self-confidence than I did as a child."

"Because when you believe in yourself … you don’t look for validation from others.”

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.