Elsie Hewitt, partner to Pete Davidson, has openly discussed her decision to formula feed her daughter, Scottie, born in December 2025. In a recent essay for Elle, Hewitt details the emotional weight and societal pressures surrounding this choice, highlighting the often-unspoken guilt associated with not breastfeeding.
The “Quiet Shame” of Formula
Hewitt’s perspective challenges the pervasive notion that breastfeeding is the only “gold standard” in infant nutrition. She points out that while breastfeeding is often idealized, it places the majority of the physical and emotional burden of feeding on the mother—a body already undergoing significant recovery after childbirth. Conversely, formula feeding carries a “quiet shame,” often framed as a secondary or less-ideal option.
“It took some grappling with that shame, and some exploring of the moral hierarchy around breastfeeding, to affirm that what was best for me and what was best for my baby did not exist on different levels or rankings—they were one and the same.”
This reveals a key tension: society’s expectations versus individual well-being. The pressure to breastfeed can overshadow a mother’s mental and physical health, which Hewitt argues should be prioritized.
Unplanned Pregnancy and Endometriosis Complications
Hewitt’s decision was further informed by her personal medical history. Her pregnancy was unplanned, occurring after surgery for severe endometriosis. She endured constant illness, exhaustion, and pain throughout the pregnancy. This context is critical because it underscores that for some mothers, breastfeeding may be unsustainable or even detrimental to their own recovery and mental state.
Planning for Another Child
Despite the intensity of her recent birth experience, Hewitt and Davidson are already considering having another child. Davidson has expressed wanting a sibling for Scottie, and Hewitt admits to feeling “absolutely insane” but excited about the prospect of expanding their family. This highlights the complex emotional landscape of parenthood: even amid exhaustion and challenges, the desire for more children can persist.
This candid discussion serves as a reminder that motherhood is not one-size-fits-all. Hewitt’s honesty dismantles the myth of the “perfect mother” and encourages a more realistic, compassionate understanding of postpartum choices. Her willingness to openly discuss guilt, shame, and physical struggles reframes the conversation around infant feeding, acknowledging that maternal well-being is inextricably linked to the health of the entire family.
