Choosing How to Feed: A Personal Story

Elsie Hewitt, the partner of a well‑known comedian, recently shared her thoughts about how she raised their daughter. She chose formula instead of breastfeeding and explained why that decision felt right for her. The baby arrived in early December, after the couple had only announced their relationship a few months earlier. Elsie’s journey to motherhood was far from simple, as she had been battling a serious health issue that caused intense pain and heavy periods. She only found out it was endometriosis after many years of being dismissed by doctors. During the pregnancy, Elsie felt overwhelmed. She was sick, tired, and in pain most days. The idea of feeding the baby through a bottle seemed safer to her than trying to breastfeed, which she felt was expected of all mothers. She also wanted the baby’s feeding routine to be shared with her partner, so she didn’t have to shoulder all of the work.After the baby was born, her body reacted in a way that made breastfeeding impossible. She developed an infection in the breasts and could not produce milk, even though she had wanted to try. This forced her hand; formula feeding was the only practical option. Elsie says she never felt pressured by anyone, including her partner. She believes the choice to use formula was healthy for both her and the baby. “It’s okay if you decide not to breastfeed, ” she says. “You can still love your child and keep yourself healthy. ” She hopes her story encourages people to think about feeding choices without judgment. “Every family is different, ” she reminds readers. “It’s fine to pick what works best for you. ”