‘I regret my surgery but I’ve learned to love my body’

She’s been trolled, suffered from depression and even cheated death – Danielle reveals what it’s taught her

Remember what’s important

“It can be easy to get swept away with worries and day-to-day life but, to me, my family is everything. As long as we are happy and healthy, that’s all we ever need. I can’t imagine life without my boys – I’d be so bored!”

be kind to yourself and open up

“After suffering from post-natal depression with my second son, Harry, I vowed that if I had it again I’d be completely honest with those who love me about how I was feeling. I had a tough time adjusting to life as a single mother after my marriage to Jamie [O’hara, dad to her older three boys] broke down and I ended up taking antidepressants and sleeping pills. It was a difficult time, but having the love of my boys pulled me through. I was lucky not to get post-natal depression again with Ronnie and I am in such a better place now. Michael and I talk about everything and are so happy together.”

your post-baby body is something to cherish

“I love the fact I can look at my body and know that I’ve had children – my skin isn’t as tight as it used to be and my belly button will never be the same again! It’s something that you should really cherish – I’m so proud of being a mum and I’m very aware that it’s a privilege not everyone gets to enjoy. I love looking at my tummy and knowing my babies were in there – I often talk about it with the boys, so it’s nice for them, too.”

make time for yourself

“When you’re a mum, it’s natural to want to spend your time caring for your children, but it can be exhausting – especially if you’ve got little ones who don’t sleep well. I’ve learned over the years that it’s important to take some time out for yourself – for me, that’s going to the gym for an hour, three or four times a week. I’ll leave the kids with Michael then come back feeling refreshed and ready to be the best mum possible.”

think carefully about changing your body

“I really regret having breast implants [Danielle needed emergency surgery in 2012 to remedy a ruptured implant and lost six pints of blood]. I had a massive blood clot in my chest and almost died. I didn’t realise the risks when I was younger and just wish someone had warned me of the horrors of plastic surgery when I was in my twenties.”

don’t listen to criticism

“I’ve been badly trolled over the years, with comments about everything from my body to my parenting skills. Everyone brings up their children differently and will have ranging opinions on how to do things but, at the end of the day, we’re all doing our best. I try to ignore my critics now, I think they must be very sad in their lives to want to bring other people down.”

‘I’m proud of being a mum – it’s a privilege’