They might be juggling million dollar movie roles and red carpet appearances, but the challenges and joys of motherhood are universal.

Here, some of our favourite celebrity women share what being a mum means to them and what they've learnt ahead of Mother’s Day...

Gwyneth Paltrow

'I think what surprised me the most about [motherhood], as sentimental as it sounds, is how much I love her [Gwyneth's daughter Apple]. I just can't believe it. It's like a whole new dimension in emotion that I've never experienced. It's crazy." [via]

#girls #InternationalGirlsDay
A photo posted by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) on Oct 11, 2015 at 5:48pm PDT

Thandie Newton

'I've learned the value of absorbing the moment. I remember the first time Ripley saw her shadow. My God, it was like shadows had just been invented. It was the most exquisite moment.' [via]

Back at the hotel, reunited with Boo after the Summit. We wrestle with our humanity's problems today, for our children's tomorrows x
A photo posted by ThandieKay.com Instagram (@thandieandkay) on Apr 26, 2015 at 4:25am PDT

Salma Hayek

'When Valentina was not even 1 month old, my aunt [gave me the best advice]: 'Put her to sleep yourself every night. Sing to her and cradle her in your arms and sit by her side – every night. Because one day you won't be able to, and it's going to happen really fast.'' [via]

I believe in Angels. Merry Christmas ��#believe #Angels #merry #Christmas Creo en Angeles. Feliz Navidad ��#creo #Angeles #feliz #Navidad
A photo posted by Salma Hayek Pinault (@salmahayek) on Dec 24, 2015 at 10:20am PST

Tina Fey

'I think every working mom probably feels the same thing: You go through big chunks of time where you're just thinking, 'This is impossible – oh, this is impossible.' And then you just keep going and keep going, and you sort of do the impossible.' [via]

Angelina Jolie

'Sometimes, when I want to take on the world, I try to remember that it's just as important to sit down and ask my son how he's feeling or talk to him about life.' [via]

"People wonder aloud about whether I am an okay mother. That is obviously painful because it's so important to me. It's hard to hear that people think I'm not a capable mother and a good person, that they just think I'm nuts." - Angelina Jolie
A photo posted by Angelina Jolie (@angelinajolieofficial) on Feb 15, 2016 at 4:20am PST

Emma Thompson

'I'm strict about manners. I think that kids have a horrible time with other people if they have bad manners.... The one thing you've got to be prepared to do as a parent is not to be liked from time to time.' [via]

Uma Thurman

'You know how parents rattle on to you about, 'Oh, you won't believe your life will never be the same,' and you think, Why can't these people just get over it? All they're doing is yakking about their kids. It's such a bore. And then you have kids and you just want to do the same thing.' [via]

Perfect Day
A photo posted by Uma Thurman (@ithurman) on May 25, 2015 at 1:25pm PDT

Diane Keaton

'Motherhood is the most completely humbling experience I've ever had. It puts you in your place, because it really forces you to address the issues that you claim to believe in — and if you can't stand up to those principles when you're raising a child, forget it.' [via]

Amy Poehler

'There is an unspoken pact that women are supposed to follow. I am supposed to act like I constantly feel guilty about being away from my kids. (I don't. I love my job.) Mothers who stay at home are supposed to pretend they are bored and wish they were doing more corporate things. (They don't. They love their job.)'

(via Yes Please! by Amy Poehler)

Sandra Bullock

'I thought I was the most hardened, jaded individual I knew. And I can be brought to a mess in seconds. It's like you go, 'Oh, I grew a heart.' I get weepy all the time, it's embarrassing…but that's it, you just realise that you are walking love.' [via]

A photo posted by Sandra Bullock (@bullockslays) on Dec 4, 2015 at 3:30pm PST

(Instagram pic via People Magazine)

Jennifer Lopez

'I'm a singer. I'm a dancer. I'm a performer. I'm an actress. That's what I'm supposed to be doing. It makes me a better parent, a better person. I think I can just handle more than the average bear, you know?' [via]

Favorite part of the day! #sleepyboy #coconuts #babylove #mamashome
A photo posted by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Jan 4, 2016 at 3:18pm PST

Charlize Theron

'I can only hope to be 10 percent of the mom mine was to me. She encouraged me to be confident and enjoy life. That's what I want for my son.' [via]

Back in Santa Fe
A photo posted by Charlize Theron (@charlizeafrica) on Feb 21, 2014 at 1:00pm PST

Kate Winslet

'There's something really empowering about going, 'Hell, I can do this! I can do this all!' That's the wonderful thing about mothers, you can because you must, and you just DO.' [via]

Drew Barrymore

'My favourite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis. Every morning when I wake her up, the endgame is, 'Can I get her to smile?' And that puts me in a good mood. It's definitely a different way to live – and a much better one.' [via]

I am thankful for my family. My in laws and my amazing friends. I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am truly grateful today. Photo by will.
A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Nov 26, 2015 at 10:12am PST

Heidi Klum

'I'm a lioness. I have four cubs. I'm a mom. I want to take care of my kids and protect them.' [via]

Katie Holmes

‘'I think the basics are very important: the number one thing is making sure my child feels loved. And good about herself. And that what she does and who she is, is special and important and should be celebrated. And my mum always said, “No one loves you like your mother.”’ [via]

Reese Witherspoon

'I don’t think there’s been an hour of my life since Ava was born that I don’t think of my kids. I call it my CNN ticker tape: Is Ava OK? Yes. Is Deacon OK? Yes. Is Tennessee OK? Yes. Back to Ava.' [via]

Last day of vacation!

17 famous women on why being a mum is amazing

By Asda Good Living,4th March 2016

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