'Motherhood's a big change, I lost myself'
New UK|May 29, 2023
Love Islands Olivia Bowen tells New she's starting to get her mojo back after the traumatic birth of son Abel
Olivia Buxton and Rhianna Benson
'Motherhood's a big change, I lost myself'

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.

Denne historien er fra May 29, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 29, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW UKSe alt
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
New UK

'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'

Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
New UK

'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'

Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
New UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
New UK

Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too

Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
New UK

'I took one huge gasp and ran in'

Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
New UK

'Clair's married to the biggest fool'

James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Louise set for best year yet
New UK

Louise set for best year yet

As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
New UK

'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'

Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
New UK

It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'

Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
New UK

Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'

After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024