Lucy Watson Reflects on A Year of Breastfeeding: "I had to mentally commit to it every single day"
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Time to read 4 min
However you feed your baby, the journey is rarely smooth. Even when you get the hang of it, then there's weaning and other people's input to deal with. Lucy Watson, mum to one-year-old Willoughby and co-founder of RENUE, shares key moments from her breastfeeding journey and why she believes mothers always know best.
RENUE the label
"When I feel judged by people, I try not to take it to heart. I just don’t open that conversation."
On accepting help
Becoming a new mum is such an adjustment. No matter what you do in those early days, it’s just a really overwhelming time. But leaning on my support system was vital. They say it takes a village, but in this modern world, not everyone has a full village to lean on. When you do have some help, it’s so important to accept it. Even taking the baby while you go for a date night is such a blessing. We haven’t had many since Willoughby was born, but every time we come back, even if it’s only been a couple of hours, we feel like our cups have been refilled.
On the challenges of breastfeeding
In the beginning, it was definitely more unenjoyable than it was enjoyable. I had to mentally commit to it every single day. I couldn’t believe how incredibly painful it was thanks to my latch issues. My nipples were so injured and raw, and there was no time for them to heal between feeds. I used a lactation consultant and she was a godsend. I would message her all day sometimes, just seeking that guidance that I couldn’t find online.
"Resentment can grow when you’re the only one doing the feeding; it can feel really unfair."
I also felt immense pressure being my son’s only source of food. Before I had him, I thought that breastfeeding was a natural instinct that you just fall into, and yes, there are many beautiful elements to it, and I’m so grateful that I was able to do it when so many women who want to, can’t, but it can just be so overwhelming.
Resentment can grow when you’re the only one doing the feeding; it can feel really unfair. But that’s where pumping really helped. Thank god we have that technology.
RENUE the label
On her most memorable feeding moment
My baby sadly got RSV when he was about six months old, just at the start of winter and he was hospitalised. I was just so grateful to still be breastfeeding as I was able to pass on my antibodies. There’s no medication you can give for RSV beyond oxygen, so you feel incredibly helpless, but this helped me feel more in control.
On ending her breastfeeding journey
I’m approaching this transition, and I’ve been doing it very gradually. I’ve dropped a feed every two or three months, in the hopes that I can avoid not only the pain that comes with stopping breastfeeding, but also that hormonal dip everyone talks about.
I’m approaching this transition, and I’ve been doing it very gradually. I’ve dropped a feed every two or three months, in the hopes that I can avoid not only the pain that comes with stopping breastfeeding, but also that hormonal dip everyone talks about.
On dodging judgement
If I’m completely candid, I was probably one of those judgemental women myself before I had a baby. I just didn’t understand breastfeeding, and societal ideals definitely rubbed off on me. But now, when I feel judged by people, I try not to take it to heart. I just don’t open that conversation: if someone doesn’t get why I want to breastfeed my son, then they’re never going to get it, no matter how I try to explain it.
On rethinking maternity wear
I've tried on every sort of maternity bra, and they all either fit me badly, had itchy fabric or just didn’t look good under clothes. When you're feeling so much discomfort in that area, you want something that isn’t going to make it worse, and you don’t want to have to completely change your taste either; you want clothing that feels like what you would buy pre-baby.
Everything we make at RENUE super comfortable, with antimicrobial fabric and cooling properties to help with those hormonal changes. The fabric is stretchy, so it helps with changing cup sizes, too. I’m super proud to answer the needs of women in this way. The response has been amazing.
On her greatest motherhood learning
Trusting my instincts. In those moments when you're not sure, and you’re googling and asking everyone and getting conflicting advice, I feel like you always know best.
Lucy's 5 Motherhood Essentials
Chocolate granola. In the early days of breastfeeding, I just ate everything. But the one thing I couldn’t get enough of was chocolate granola. So sugary but it was just the quickest, easiest thing I could get.
Concealer. These bags under my eyes came with motherhood and they still haven’t gone away, so concealer is always needed.
Getting out of the house. We love going for a walk with the dogs by the river, getting fresh air and letting Willoughby see the world.
Soya matcha. With a bit of lavender to take away some of that earthy taste. And I like it iced, even in the colder months; it wakes me up so much.
Nappy spatula. A friend with kids sent me this and I admit, I thought it was weird at first, but now I can’t live without it. It’s so good when you’re out and about.
Yoga. I don’t do it a lot, but wow, it makes me feel so much better. It’s mindful and energising and restorative.
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Shannon Peter
Shannon is mum to Sid and heads up editorial at Liberty. Formerly Beauty Director at Stylist, she’s an award-winning journalist with accolades like Best New Beauty Journalist and the ELLE Beauty Breakthrough Award. Her contributions on motherhood, wellness, and beauty are packed with warmth, wit, and real mum-to-mum insights.
