Eva Mendes has developed a new-found appreciation for motherhood since having children.

The Hollywood star, 41 - who has six-month-old Esmeralda with long-term partner Ryan Gosling - says having her own children has helped her to realise the sacrifices her own mother has made.

She reflected: ''You never know, right, something random can happen and she's just suddenly not sleeping through the night and you're like, wait, I thought we were sleeping through the night, what's up? Why does it always happen at three or four in the morning?

''Now I understand so much, my mother's never gotten more, 'I love you so much mommy' texts, I mean, randomly... I get it now.''

What's more, Eva revealed one of the keys to her long-lasting relationship with Ryan, 34, who she met on the set of 'The Place Beyond The Pines' in 2011.

She told 'Extra': ''You can't do sweatpants... ladies, number one cause of divorce in America, sweatpants, no!''

Meanwhile, the beautiful brunette has also shared the secret to her pre-pregnancy figure.

She told Women's Health magazine: ''I realised a long time ago that I needed to have some kind of routine. I don't love it, but I've made peace with that.

''I haven't eaten meat in about six years, because I don't agree with factory farming here. This is just what worked for me, it's important to say, but when I cut that out I immediately felt better. And also, after a year of eliminating it, my skin looked brighter and healthier overall.''