Denise Richards baby adoption 'inspired by late mother'

Denise Richards' recent adoption of a baby girl was reportedly inspired by her late mother.

The Wild Things actress announced the arrival of Eloise Joni Richards, who she had adopted from the US, late last month.

While it was later reported that Richards initially kept the new addition a secret, PopEater reports that it was something she had been considering for a while following long discussions with her mother, who died in 2007.

"Denise has wanted to adopt for a long time and this was something she talked about with her mum before she passed away," a source explained. "She wanted to wait to start the process until things were calm with her custody of her two daughters she has with Charlie (daughters Sam and Lola) and mourning her mum."

The insider went on to explain the importance of family in Richards' life, adding: "She's got the biggest heart in the world and plenty of love to share.

"She learned from her own mum how to be such [a] great parent. Family is more important to her than anything. Sam and Lola are the best big sisters in the world, so Eloise is one lucky little lady."

Richards recently tweeted about pulling an all-night feeding session with Eloise.