'I take the time to do something for me' New mum Zoe Hardman hits back at critics for going to the gym

Let's face it, having a new baby keeps you busy pretty much all of the time.

Whether it's staying up all night to stop them crying, changing nappies, feeding, or playing with them, babies need a lot of attention.

But it does mean that those rare moments when a new mum gets time to herself should be treasured. Mum and DJ Zoe Hardman has responded to critics after she shared a photo of herself in the gym, enjoying some treasured 'me time'.

Zoe shared a photo of herself working on her post-baby body, saying: 'A way to go but it's good to be back #gym #postbabyfitness'.

The Heart FM DJ and her rugby player boyfriend Paul Dorran Jones welcomed their daughter Luna in September. However, the new mum recently received criticism for sharing the gym photo, as some people thought she should have been spending that time with her new daughter.

The new mum has since hit back, explaining that her time in the gym is a tiny proportion of the day, and that most of her time is spent with her new baby.

She said: 'For 23 hours a day I do as you say "enjoy my baby" but for that one hour, I take the time to do something for me and every new mum deserves the right to do that.'

'You might get that when your partner comes home and takes the kids off you, or when you go for a walk alone...for me it's in the gym when I can have some space to just be me again.'

Zoe added that looking after yourself helps you look after your baby: 'I love fitness and training, sitting around doing nothing isn't in my nature. So before you pass judgement on what I should or shouldn't be doing, I'll just say how vital it is to have a happy mum which equals a happy baby.'

Zoe has since received messages of support from Instagram users and fellow mums who have praised her honesty.

One mum said: 'I went for my first run post baby last week and it felt so good- daddy babysat and they had some nice cuddles and together time. It's so important to have time for yourself when you're a mum and for daddy, family or friends to look after your bubba whilst you have some leisure time'.

Another added 'Go Zoe!! Well done for just being motivated to go! Respect'.