Rumer Willis is candidly discussing the challenges of breastfeeding a toddler and addressing criticisms she faces.
On Saturday, April 4, Willis, 37, shared on Instagram a video in which she breastfeeds her nearly 3-year-old daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, while responding to those who question her parenting choices.
In the video, Willis, who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, cradles her child, gently stroking her hair as she nurses. She shares daughter Louetta with former partner Derek Richard Thomas.
The video then switches to a scene featuring a woman at a whiteboard, illustrating two circles labeled âmy businessâ and âyour business.â
âThis is my business. And this is yours. I am here,â the woman states, marking an âXâ inside the circle labeled âmy business.â She continues, âThe problem is, you are also here, when you need to be here.â
She further illustrates her point by drawing another âXâ inside her own circle and an arrow pointing to the other circle, emphasizing that people should remain within their own boundaries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises mothers to breastfeed their children up to the age of two, along with providing other essential nutrients like solid foods and fluids as appropriate. Despite this, public breastfeeding often invites criticism and shaming.
In 2019, Coco Austin defended her decision to breastfeed her and Ice-Tâs daughter, Chanel, who was nearly 4 at the time. Austin, now 47, continued breastfeeding Chanel until she was 6.
â[You] need to have a baby to understand it,â the actress explained exclusively to Us Weekly, shortly after posting a breastfeeding photo on social media.
In defense of Austin, Ice-T (real name Tracy Lauren Marrow) clarified, âWhat I think confuses people is they saw the picture and they think Chanel doesnât eat food,â he said. âAnd she eats cheeseburgers. She only breastfeeds ⌠like, when she cries [and] she just wants to get close to her mama. She throws the boob out and ⌠holds on. Sheâs not doing it for nourishment. This chick eats chili fries, OK?â
Austin further elaborated on her prolonged breastfeeding decision, emphasizing that it extends beyond nutrition to encompass love and bonding. âItâs about giving love to your child and bonding with your child and also giving them good nutrition,â she told Us. âBreast milk is like liquid gold. All around, itâs a good thing.â


