London, Oct 25 (ANI): Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm says being a mother gave her the confidence to live life afresh after she struggled with depression and eating disorders.

Today, Chisholm, known as Mel C in the 90s, is mother to an eight-month-old daughter, Scarlet, with Thomas Starr and is absolutely in love with her.

The News of the World quoted her as saying: “I’m constantly astounded by her.

“I could stare at her for hours. She fascinates me. I find it incredible to think that she’s part of me and Tom. It’s impossible to explain how life-changing motherhood is.”

Chisholm adds: “I feel completely different about my body now…I’d had a healthier attitude towards food for a long time, but pregnancy eradicated any feeling that I could go down that rocky road again.”

Recalling how she fought her eating habit during pregnancy, she says: “At the end of the day the most important thing is the health of your child.

“I didn’t binge, but instead of saying: ‘I better not have pudding’, I was like: ‘Yeah, bring it on!’ I let go with food more than I ever had before.”

The 35-year-old crooner is currently rehearsing for Women Of Rock, a charity concert next month, but finds it hard to stay away from her beloved daughter.

She says: “Leaving Scarlet with someone else is really hard, but I’m working a lot and so is her daddy.”

“I already really miss Scarlet, but looking after a baby is the hardest job in the world. Doing the day job is a bit of a rest!” she laughs.

She adds: “I thought that I’d worked hard before - I lived on so little sleep in the Spice Girls - but nothing could have prepared me for being a new mum. It totally wiped me out.

“It was overwhelming at times…When the baby won’t sleep and it’s 4am and you’re beyond exhausted, it can be lonely.” (ANI)