Emma Roberts had "some dark nights" as a new mother after giving birth to her son Rhodes.

The American Horror Story actress, 34, welcomed her little boy in 2020 with her then partner Garrett Hedlund - who she split from two years after Rhodes' birth - and she's now opened up about motherhood admitting she has gone through some tough times but it's helped her grow.

She told Harper's Bazaar Spain: "Motherhood has given me so much depth in my emotions and understanding, both personally and professionally.

"Seeing everything through his eyes is beautiful and transforms your perspective on the world. I also find it inspiring for my work.

"I've had some dark nights postpartum. Using those emotions creatively is interesting.

"My son is about to turn five, and I feel like I'm still discovering who I am, as a person and as a mother. I try to do my best, although I don't always succeed, but I try."

Emma also explained becoming a mom has made her think differently about her work as she will now only take on projects that don't keep her away from her son for long periods of time.

She added: "Now, with a five-year-old, I'm more selective about what I accept because filming means spending a lot of time away from my family.

"This year I only did one film, the thriller The Technique: a very intense, dark, and funny film, written and directed by my friend Brian McGreevy.

"I'd never done a film like that before!

"The rest of the year I spent with the people I love, traveling, and pursuing hobbies . I try to make sure I have a life outside of work because it's easy for work to consume your life."

Since splitting from Hedlund, the actress has gone on to find love again and is now engaged to actor Cody John.

When asked if dating another actor makes the relationship "easier", Emma replied: "Not necessarily. Two actors working together can be complicated because you never know when or where you're going to work.

"We meet in different places, which breaks up the routine, but sometimes it's hard to maintain consistency."

She adde: "I'm very much in love, my fiance is a great person, and we have a wonderful connection outside of work, which I think is the most important thing."