Former Love Island star Olivia Bowen has bravely opened up about the harrowing experience of giving birth to her son Abel, describing the ordeal as "traumatic" and leaving her feeling like she "was dying."
The 29-year-old reality television personality, who found fame on the 2016 series of the hit ITV show, welcomed her first child with husband Alex Bowen in June. However, the joyous occasion was shadowed by significant physical and emotional challenges during delivery.
The Reality Behind the Glamour
In a candid revelation that contrasts sharply with the curated perfection often associated with celebrity pregnancies, Bowen detailed how her birth plan went dramatically off course. "Nothing could have prepared me for what happened," she confessed, highlighting the stark difference between expectation and reality when it came to childbirth.
The new mother explained that complications arose during labour that transformed what should have been a beautiful moment into a frightening experience. "There were points where I genuinely felt like I was dying," Bowen shared, her voice likely trembling with the memory. "The pain and the fear were overwhelming in ways I never anticipated."
Recovery and Reflection
Since bringing baby Abel home, Bowen has been navigating the complex emotions that often follow traumatic births. She's been open about the recovery process, both physical and psychological, acknowledging that the experience has changed her perspective on motherhood entirely.
"People don't talk enough about how difficult birth can be," she noted, hoping that by sharing her story, she might help other women feel less alone in their struggles. "There's so much pressure to present this perfect image of motherhood, but the reality is often messy and challenging."
A Silver Lining
Despite the traumatic entry into the world, Bowen beams when discussing her newborn son. Little Abel, now safe and healthy, has become the centre of his parents' universe. "When I look at him now, I know every moment of struggle was worth it," the Love Island alum shared, her tone warming at the mention of her child.
The Bowens, who married in a lavish ceremony in 2018 after meeting on the reality dating show, have documented their journey to parenthood with their social media followers, though Olivia admits she kept the darkest moments private until now.
Her decision to speak out represents a growing trend among celebrity mothers who are breaking the silence around the less-glamorous aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, helping to normalise conversations about maternal health struggles.
