Rumer Willis Slams Criticism of Her Breastfeeding 2-Year-Old Daughter

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Rumer has it, Rumer Willis‘ won’t be mom-shamed over her choice to breastfeed her toddler.

The House Bunny star responded strongly and reaffirmed her position after receiving criticism on social media for caring for her and ex Derek Richard Thomas‘ daughter, Louetta “Lou” Isley Thomas Willis, who is 2 years old.

Rumer responded to criticism about still breastfeeding her 2-year-old, Lou, writing on her Instagram Stories on October 2nd, “I hope you have a blessed day.”, alongside a photo of them.

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore‘s oldest daughter recently faced some backlash for sharing a post about continuing to breastfeed. She uploaded an Instagram video showcasing her outfits for the week, with a caption stating, “What I wore this week as a breastfeeding mama of a 2 yr old.”

Someone commented on the September 23rd post, asking, “I wonder if she’s already received enough nutrients from breast milk. Why is she continuing to breastfeed?” Another person wrote, “That child is too old to be breastfed!“

Rumer Willis is standing up for herself.

Following recent questions from fans about why she’s still breastfeeding her and her ex-partner Derek Richard Thomas‘s 2-year-old daughter, Louetta “Lou” Isley Thomas Willis, the House Bunny star responded directly, firmly stating she’s sticking to her choice as a parent.

Rumer responded to criticism regarding breastfeeding her 2-year-old, Lou, with a message on her Instagram Stories on October 2nd. She posted a photo of herself nursing Lou and wrote, “I hope you have a blessed day.” to those who criticize her choice.

Ever since becoming a mother to her daughter in April 2023, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore‘s oldest child has been open about her experiences as a new mom. This includes explaining why she chose to share photos of herself breastfeeding online. She wants to challenge the shame that many mothers feel when feeding their babies in public.

I’m not embarrassed about my breasts or about breastfeeding my daughter,” the 37-year-old told Francesca Amiker of TopMob News exclusively. “That’s how babies eat, connect, and feel safe. It’s our society that has made breasts sexual, when they are naturally meant to nourish our children.”

Honestly, I just *love* what Rumer said! It really hit me. She basically said, who cares if people give you strange looks or judge you? Seriously, don’t be ashamed of *your* path, whatever it is! It’s such an incredible gift to be able to nourish your baby and have those special bonding times. She asked, and it’s so true, why would you ever let what others think matter more than that connection with your child? It’s just… powerful.

The Doctor Odyssey actress has frequently discussed her experiences as a mother, pointing out that she parents in a way that’s distinct from how she was raised by her own mother.

“Things are so different now, there’s just a lot more information available,” Rumer explained to Francesca Amiker of TopMob News at the premiere of her movie My Divorce Party during the 2024 Beverly Hills Film Festival. “My mom will suggest something, like ‘You should do this with her,’ and I’ll respond, ‘Actually, according to what I’ve been reading, you don’t do that anymore.’”

She went on to say, “I believe parents naturally want to provide their children with things they themselves missed out on. However, what I’m realizing is that my daughter might not *need* those things, because she’s an individual and has her own path.”

Keep reading for a deeper look inside Rumer’s life as a mom…

Rumer Willis and her partner Derek Thomas became parents in April 2023, announcing the arrival of their daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, on Instagram.

“You are pure magic,” Rumer captioned the photo. “You are more than we ever dreamed of.”

Rumer, the oldest child of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shared that her sister Lou was born at home. She also posted pictures detailing the experience of Lou’s birth.

Just a month after Lou was born, Rumer wrote a heartfelt message to her daughter, expressing that she had

You’ve had such a deep and meaningful impact on my life,” The House Bunny actress shared. “Being your Mother is the greatest joy and honor of my life, and I’ll always do whatever it takes for you. I truly hope you always want to cuddle and share bath time with me.

Rumer expressed her gratitude to her sisters, Tallulah Willis and Scout Willis, for being there for her during her pregnancy and while she gave birth at home.

To my sisters, my closest friends, and my partners in everything, she wrote, sharing a moment she’ll always cherish: having them there when her daughter was born. They’ve seen her through everything and understand how special it was to welcome another girl into their family.

Rumer shared in an Instagram post from May 2023 that one of the first things she said after her child was born was, ‘oh my girl, I missed you.‘ She added, ‘I feel like I’ve always known you, and you have always known me.‘ You are, she said, ‘the most beautiful creature I have ever met.‘

The actress shared, “Each moment, each contraction, and all the pain of childbirth was worth it, and I’d gladly go through it a thousand times again just to have even a second with you.”

“I’m so thankful to have you in my life and in the lives of our daughters,” Rumer wrote in a 2023 birthday post for Thomas. “You’re a wonderful father, and our little girl is very lucky to have you as her dad.”

Rumer honored her father on Father’s Day 2023, sharing that watching the Die Hard actor-who received a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia earlier in the year-hold his first grandchild was “a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

As a longtime admirer, I was so touched by what Rumer shared about her dad, Bruce. She said, “His sweetness and love for her was so pure and beautiful.” It really resonated with me. She continued, “Papa I’m so lucky to have you and so is Lou.” And honestly, who wouldn’t be? She finished with, “Thank you for being the silliest, most loving, coolest Daddio a girl could ask for.”-it’s just the sweetest thing to read and perfectly captures their beautiful relationship.

In an August 2023 post, Rumer shared a few recent moments that made her happy, like adding “tiny bows in tiny hairs,” admiring “the most precious toe buttons,” and enjoying “mini naps with mini hands.”

Only a few days before turning 35, Rumer shared a nude photo on Instagram and wrote about how she feels about her body in the accompanying caption.

The Dancing With the Stars champion shared that she had spent “so many years trying to shape and mold” her body to fit what she “thought was desirable.” She celebrated that she is now “a little softer and rounder and jiggly and different” following her pregnancy.

That’s alright, actually it’s incredible when you think about it – I grew a person inside my body,” she wrote. “I realize my body is still recovering, but I’m thankful for everything it’s done and continues to do, no matter what shape it ends up being.

Rumer shared that she’s still adjusting and changing, calling it an “ongoing process of transformation.” She expressed thankfulness for all the challenges and positive moments she’s experienced since becoming a mother, saying she’s “grateful for every twist and turn” of her postpartum experience.

Though my breasts have changed – they’re fuller and starting to droop a little – I’m so grateful they were able to nourish my little Lou,” she shared. “They even make a comfy pillow when we sleep together. My hips and stomach are softer and rounder now, and they keep my daughter safe, warm, and loved.”

Rumer celebrated turning 35 by posting a picture of herself nursing her baby, Lou, on Instagram. She wrote that the last year brought significant personal growth, along with difficulties and overcoming anxieties. However, it also brought more happiness than she thought possible. She explained she discovered a deeper understanding of herself and found an inner strength and natural power she didn’t know she possessed. See the post here.

I’m really loving the person I’ve become – even more than I thought possible,” she shared. “I feel so much more at ease with who I am, and more confident than I ever believed I could be. For years, I’ve felt that becoming a mother would help me fulfill a deeper purpose, and now knowing my instincts were correct has given me a profound sense of self-trust that I’m incredibly thankful for.

Of course, being a parent isn’t always easy. In October 2023, Rumer shared how she and Lou both got the flu.

“It wasn’t just about feeling sick; it made me question if I could even take care of her and myself while feeling so weak,” she wrote on Instagram. “But going through that tough time, we found a strength we didn’t know we had. Dealing with something so common that many mothers experience really showed me what I’m capable of. As a parent, you often wonder if you’re up to the task, but that week, while we were both sick, it became clear that I was stronger than I ever imagined – that I could be her safe space and support both of us.”

Through that experience, Rumer explained, she realized “just how much stronger I am than I ever thought possible.”

“Watching her have a fever was difficult, but we got through it thanks to love, determination, and the good nutrition and supplements I’m lucky to have access to,” she continued in her post. “This kind of support is needed by so many. I also learned how important it is to be kind to myself, and that’s something we all need to remember as mothers.”

In April 2024, Rumer Willis talked about her evolving relationship with her body and how she’s embracing her post-pregnancy figure, saying she’s “leaning in to my mama curves.”

On Instagram, she explained, “It’s been a process of learning and growing, discovering how much space and acceptance I can offer my body as it changes after having a baby.” She added, “I hope to always feel loving towards myself, in every shape and size, so I can demonstrate unconditional self-love and acceptance to my daughter.”

“This little sunshine of mine is genuinely the most amazing person I’ve ever known,” Rumer shared on Instagram in April 2024. “Each day she amazes me with how much love and kindness she shows, even at such a young age. She greets me every morning with a hug and a kiss, holding me close. She’s incredibly good at communicating, even without using many words.”

She also mentioned that Louetta picks things up quickly, explaining how Scout “showed her how to blow kisses, and by the end of the day, she was doing it all by herself.”

“This kid is a little miracle, and it’s impossible not to completely adore her,” Rumer continued. “Just ask anyone who meets her. My sweet girl, it’s such a gift to be loved by you. I feel so lucky that you chose me. I love you, Lou.”

Oh my gosh, I’m still reeling from celebrating Louetta’s first birthday in April 2024 with Rumer! She posted the sweetest message on Instagram, and I just *had* to share how she feels. She wrote, “Oh my tiny tender daughter, I CANT BELIEVE YOU ARE 1!” Seriously, can you believe it? She said this last year with Lou has been the best of her life, and Lou, well, she’s just… everything! Rumer said she’s never known a love like Lou’s, and that she’s the most delicious, most beautiful, smartest, funniest, sweetest girl ever. She even said she can’t believe Lou chose *her* to be her mama – it’s so touching! Every day Lou grows and learns, and Rumer says she’s her greatest teacher and her deepest love.

And the photos! Rumer shared the cutest snapshots of Lou with all her friends and family. She gushed that Lou is a gift to everyone she meets and that her smile is *almost* blinding – it’s just so magical! Her laugh is Rumer’s favorite sound *in the world*, and those tiny kisses are the best way to wake up. She loves Lou so deep in her bones, it’s incredible! She’s so excited to see what the next year brings!!

Then she gave the sweetest shout-outs! Demi, she called the best Ya Ya – so cute! And Scout, Tallulah, and her younger sisters Mabel and Evelyn-who her dad Bruce shares with wife Emma Heming Willis-are the greatest aunties. She also thanked Emma for “being bonus Gma” and Bruce and Eric Buterbaugh “for being the best Papous.” It was just the most heartwarming post ever!

Just over a year after becoming a mother, Rumer shared her thoughts on her journey to parenthood and her experiences so far.

“Oh my girl. Being your mama is the most wonderful, yet sometimes painful, thing in the world,” she wrote on Instagram in May 2024. “You are my everything. Becoming a mother has been the transformative experience I always expected, and so much more than I could have dreamed. Watching you grow inside me and over the past year has been the greatest honor of my life. You are my tiny, gentle, strong, funny, spirited, and wild child – the sweetest, most loving person I’ve ever known.”

“It’s such a gift to receive your love, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way,” she continued. “Everyone who meets you is completely captivated by your magic. I know there will be tough moments, but somehow, with you, they never feel too difficult. I’m never too tired to hold you, kiss you, or comfort you. You will always be my baby. And it’s been such a joy to watch you grow.”

Rumer also reminisced about some of her favorite moments.

“Every day with you is so much fun and wonderful,” the Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood alum wrote. “I love your singing, your silly faces, and the way you scrunch your nose when you smell flowers. You are my best little friend and truly the love of my life-Louetta Isley, you are a [star]. Love you always, Mama.”

In a sweet May 2024 post, Rumer called Louetta “My whole heart…”

Rumer Willis and her mother, Demi Moore, enjoyed a special trip to New York City in June 2024.

“It was a dream come true to revisit some of my childhood haunts with Lou,” Rumer shared on Instagram, posting pictures from their getaway. “We explored the Natural History Museum, watched her take her first steps in Central Park, and she even tried French fries for the first time – and was a great sharer! We also enjoyed late-night walks and a fantastic meal at @elevenmadisonpark. The week included amazing shows at @cafecarlyle, and it was a truly magical and life-affirming experience. I’m so thankful.”

She’s truly cherishing all the precious moments with her daughter. In a July 2024 post, Rumer wrote, “Seeing my daughter walking through the grass in my hometown, surrounded by my family, is everything I’ve ever wished for.” It’s a dream come true for her.

Summer 2024 was such a special time for me as a fan, because that’s when Rumer began filming Broken Trail! She shared the sweetest story about her daughter, Louetta, visiting her on set.

“Man, I love my little Lou,” she posted on Instagram that July. “You can totally tell she’s a Willis! When she came to visit mama on set and I was covered in blood, she didn’t even flinch. She just reached out her arms, grabbed me tight, and gave me a big ole smooch!”

“I really don’t take for granted the privilege of having a job that lets me have my daughter with me,” Rumer added. “I’m so grateful for the support system I have, allowing me to do my best work. And it’s just amazing that @nannymadison – who cared for *me* when my mom and dad were on set – is now helping me with Lou. It’s such a full-circle moment and a real gift.”

In August 2024, Rumer marked World Breastfeeding Week.

She shared photos of herself feeding her daughter, Louetta, and wrote, “I feel so grateful for how amazing this experience has been.” She added that breastfeeding has been a truly joyful and special bonding time with Lou, who is still being nursed at 16 months old. Rumer isn’t sure when they’ll stop, but she’s confident they’ll decide together.

“This has been a smooth and positive experience, and I feel very lucky, knowing that’s not true for everyone,” Rumer explained. “It’s really important to me to create support for women as they breastfeed, so everyone can enjoy the happiness and closeness it brings.”

After receiving criticism for promoting a sex toy company on social media, Rumer addressed any shamers.

“What I think is really interesting, that I wanted to bring up, is that a lot of the comments I was seeing were, ‘Oh my God, you’re a mother,'” she said in an August Instagram Stories vide. “‘Don’t be showing such intimate moments. First, you’re breastfeeding, and now this.'”

“We’re in a culture where it’s so frowned upon to feed our children in public, or to talk about female pleasure, talk about female sexuality,” she added. “Just the idea of even posting about something or having some sort of casual off-the-cuff conversation about it—the reaction is visceral from people.”

Instead, Rumer emphasized the importance of having these conversations to “be able to remove some of the shame around it.” 

“As someone who now has a daughter, the idea of putting any sort of shame or making her sexual self-discovery—putting any taboo around that—I think is despicable,” she shared. “I want Lou to be able to love her body, to be able to share it or not share it with whoever she wants.” 

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2025-10-03 22:20