British model and actress Elsie Hewitt has given a remarkably candid interview about her journey into motherhood, revealing intimate details about her health struggles, an unplanned pregnancy, and her conscious decision not to breastfeed her newborn daughter. The 29-year-old, who welcomed Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson with partner Pete Davidson in December, spoke exclusively with Elle magazine, offering a raw perspective on bodily autonomy and maternal choices.
A Body Felt Detached and Consumed
Hewitt described a profound, long-standing sense of detachment from her own physical form, a feeling that has shaped her experiences. "For years, my body has felt like it doesn't belong to me," she confessed. "It belonged to an industry. To the gaze. To weeks spent barely able to get out of bed. To an illness. And then to pregnancy." She elaborated on this alienation, stating her body has been "looked at, assessed, consumed, and monetized. It has been poked and prodded and quite literally cut open." This context of bodily disconnection set the stage for her subsequent pregnancy and motherhood decisions.
Unplanned Pregnancy Amidst Health Battles
The pregnancy itself was unplanned, occurring after many years of feeling disconnected from her body for various reasons. Notably, Hewitt revealed she underwent laparoscopic excision surgery for stage 4 endometriosis shortly before conceiving. This serious gynecological condition, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causes severe pain and fertility issues.
Struggles and a Clinical Approach to Pregnancy
Hewitt admitted she struggled immensely during her pregnancy. "For the most part, I hated being pregnant. I was deeply uncomfortable. I was constantly sick, exhausted, and in pain," she shared. For her health and safety, she chose care under an OB-GYN, describing it as "the most clinical approach to pregnancy and birth—not one I loved—but one I felt I needed." This decision underscores the medical complexities she faced, balancing personal preference with necessary healthcare.
The Decision Not to Breastfeed and Inherent Guilt
Addressing one of the most personal aspects of new motherhood, Hewitt openly discussed her choice not to breastfeed her daughter, Scottie Rose. "There is inherent guilt in choosing not to breastfeed," she acknowledged, touching on societal pressures many new mothers face. However, she was firm in her reasoning: "I personally knew if I breastfed I would not be capable of being as present a mother as I have become." This statement highlights a prioritization of mental and emotional presence over traditional feeding methods.
Postpartum Challenges and Shared Responsibilities
Following childbirth, Hewitt developed mastitis, a painful breast tissue inflammation often associated with lactation. She called the experience "a mini war within my body and my mind," further complicating her postpartum recovery. On navigating parenting with partner Pete Davidson, she explained her feeding decision also served to redistribute caregiving duties. "I chose to redistribute a small part of that weight by making feeding something we both carry," she said, emphasizing a partnership approach to parenting that alleviates some maternal burden.
Elsie Hewitt's interview provides a powerful narrative on modern motherhood, intertwining themes of chronic illness, bodily autonomy, and challenging conventional parenting norms. Her honesty sheds light on the diverse experiences of women navigating health, pregnancy, and the pressures of early parenthood.
