Elsie Hewitt Shares Candid Thoughts on Formula Feeding Decision
Model Elsie Hewitt, the girlfriend of comedian Pete Davidson, has publicly discussed her personal choice to formula feed their newborn daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson. The 29-year-old welcomed her first child with the former SNL star, 32, in December 2025, and has now penned an emotional essay for Elle magazine detailing the internal conflict she faced.
The "Mini War" of Maternal Guilt
In her Wednesday publication, Hewitt described experiencing what she called a "mini war within my body and my mind" over the decision to use formula instead of breastfeeding. She acknowledged being "aware, even before pregnancy, of the quiet shame attached to formula feeding" and explained how this created significant emotional turmoil.
"There is inherent guilt in choosing not to breastfeed," Hewitt wrote, emphasizing that this feeling doesn't disappear "simply because formula is safe, healthy, and nutritionally complete." The model, who has been open about her struggles with endometriosis, stated she must regularly remind herself that "being mentally and emotionally okay is not separate from being a good mother."
Prioritizing Mental Health and Recovery
Following what she described as an "uncomfortable" pregnancy, Hewitt made her feeding decision after carefully considering multiple factors. "I weighed my mental health, my recovery, and the kind of mother I want to be," she explained in the essay. The media personality questioned whether the benefits of breastfeeding outweighed what she perceived as the potential "demand, isolation, and exhaustion" that could accompany it.
Hewitt further elaborated on her reasoning, stating: "I wasn't sure the benefits of breastfeeding outweighed the demand, isolation, and exhaustion that can come with it." When their daughter was born, she "didn't want to remain her sole lifeline in a way that would further deplete me, hinder my recovery, and leave little room for feeding to be shared between my partner and me."
Shared Parenting and Support System
The couple has embraced a collaborative approach to feeding their newborn. Hewitt revealed that she and Davidson "both carry" the responsibility of feeding Scottie with formula, creating a more balanced parenting dynamic. Her decision received strong support from those closest to her, including both Davidson and her mother.
Despite this support network, Hewitt acknowledged that "the guilt and pressure existed" in more subtle forms. She noted these feelings sometimes emerged through conversations with other mothers, during research sessions, or in parenting classes she attended.
Medical Complications and Emotional Processing
After giving birth, Hewitt developed mastitis, a painful condition involving swelling and redness of breast tissue. This created additional emotional complexity as her body produced milk despite her decision not to breastfeed. "I was grieving an experience that I chose not to have," she confessed, highlighting the nuanced emotional landscape new mothers often navigate.
Hewitt emphasized that "every baby, every birth, every pregnancy, every mother, every body, every situation, every logistic, every need, every mind, is different," and firmly stated that "formula feeding was the right choice for me." Their daughter has responded positively to this approach, with Hewitt reporting that Scottie "took to formula with no issues" and is developing as a "healthy, thriving, and growing" infant.
Advocating for Nuance in Feeding Discussions
The model concluded her essay with a powerful message about maternal choice and well-being. "Feeding choices deserve more nuance and less moral hierarchy," Hewitt asserted. "A nourished baby and a mentally healthy mother can and should coexist."
She added that mothers shouldn't spend excessive time "second-guessing" their feeding decisions, declaring: "You do not have to sacrifice your well-being to prove your love." Hewitt maintains that her bond with her daughter remains incredibly strong, formed through "carrying her, birthing her, and sharing a body for nearly a year," and that this connection "grows through presence, not depletion."
Family Updates and Future Plans
The couple announced their daughter's birth on December 12, 2025, with Hewitt sharing the news on Instagram alongside photos of the newborn. She described Scottie as their "perfect angel girl" and expressed being "absolutely overflowing with love and gratitude." Davidson added his own touch with the signature "wu tang forever" reference in the announcement.
Recently, the couple has hinted at future marriage plans during interviews. When asked by Us Weekly about potential wedding plans or expanding their family, Davidson responded positively, saying: "Yeah, we'll do all that stuff." He expressed enthusiasm about giving Scottie a sibling, noting: "We want her to have a friend, for sure. We love the idea of her being a big sister."
The actor further revealed his eagerness to expand their family, stating: "The idea of making another one and making a sibling is something I've already been like, 'I want to do it again.'" He marveled at how quickly infants develop, observing: "They're so tiny when they come out, and they grow so fast. It's crazy."
Hewitt continues to share occasional updates about parenthood through her Instagram account, offering glimpses into their family life as they navigate this new chapter together.
