Elsie Hewitt, the girlfriend of comedian and actor Pete Davidson, has spoken candidly about her decision not to breastfeed their newborn daughter.
The 29-year-old model welcomed baby Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson with the 32-year-old former Saturday Night Live star in December. In a personal essay published by Elle, Hewitt reflected on what she described as an internal “mini war” over the guilt often associated with choosing formula feeding.
“I was aware, even before pregnancy, of the quiet shame attached to formula feeding,” she wrote.
Hewitt explained that following what she described as a physically uncomfortable pregnancy, she prioritised her mental health and postpartum recovery when deciding how to feed her baby.
“There is inherent guilt in choosing not to breastfeed,” she said, acknowledging that even though formula is widely recognised as safe and healthy, societal pressure can still weigh heavily on new mothers.
She added that she was uncertain whether the benefits of breastfeeding would outweigh the exhaustion and emotional strain it might bring. Hewitt also expressed that she did not want to be her daughter’s sole lifeline in a way that would leave her feeling depleted during an already demanding recovery period.
Instead, she and Davidson share feeding responsibilities using formula, allowing for a more balanced approach to early parenthood.
Although she admitted to still grappling with moments of guilt, Hewitt emphasised that her bond with her daughter remains deeply meaningful.
“That bond is sacred and grows through presence, not depletion,” she wrote.
Hewitt also revealed that she developed mastitis after giving birth, despite not breastfeeding — a reminder, she noted, that postpartum challenges can arise regardless of feeding choices.
She concluded her essay by calling for “more nuance and less moral hierarchy” in conversations about infant feeding, stressing that both a nourished baby and a mentally healthy mother should be valued equally.
Her reflections have since sparked widespread discussion online about motherhood, societal expectations and personal choice.
