As Olivia Bowen’s son Abel approaches his first birthday, the first-time mum has opened up on her post-baby battle with body image, which left her feeling as though she’d “lost every part” of her former self.
The 29-year-old Love Island favourite welcomed her little boy with 2016 co-star hubby Alex, 31, in June last year following a traumatic 30-hour-long labour, which included a catalogue of complications, including when Abel temporarily stopped breathing.
And though her son made a full recovery and is now a happy and healthy 11-month-old tot, Olivia says it’s taken a long time to start feeling confident in her own body again, having been advised to rest for months following her exhausting experience.
“It was just a big change,” she tells new. “It was more me losing myself on the inside than dealing with how I looked on the outside. For me, fitness and working out are so important and I couldn’t do any of that. In turn, it made me really spiteful towards my body because I wasn’t able to move how I used to.”
Olivia continues, “I was definitely hormonal and up and down, but I think I was just coming to terms with everything and just struggling with the way that I looked. I had very sad days where I would cry all the time, and I had very happy days.
Esta historia es de la edición May 29, 2023 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 29, 2023 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son