Rumer Willis is no stranger to the spotlight, but her most important role to date is being a mother to her daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis. The actress and singer recently sat down with Mother&Baby to discuss her journey into motherhood, balancing mental health, solo parenting and her commitment to eco-conscious living. As Global Creative Partner for Pura, a sustainable baby wipes and nappy brand, Rumer also shares her insights on her more holistic way of parenting and making sustainable choices.
Since welcoming Louetta in April 2023, with ex-partner Derek Richard Thomas, Rumer has embraced her new role as a single mum with grace and gratitude. Since their break-up in 2024, she continues to co-parentwith Derek and has expressed a desire to have more children in the future. “I couldn't imagine a life without children in it, and I plan to have more,” she confesses. “Sometimes I feel like they're already here, like I can feel the energy of these other kids wanting to be part of our family.”
Describing motherhood as an emotional, yet spiritual journey, Rumer explains, “Motherhood has given me so much more love for myself and appreciation because until you have a child, you don't really have those moments where you're tested in the same way.
“When you're exhausted and your kid is sick, you find this little bit of extra patience and energy to keep going. It’s like tapping into a deeper reserve of love and resilience.”
One particularly poignant parenting moment for Rumer was when Louetta kept waking up in the middle of the night. “I had this moment where I was thinking, ‘I just want you to sleep.’ But then I realised, for her, this feels so big, even if it seems small to me. That awareness pushed me to step outside my own comfort and show up for her even more. It’s humbling and healing at the same time.”
Reflecting on Louetta’s name, Rumer shares with us that the name ‘Louetta’ is a heartfelt tribute to some of Rumer and her father, Bruce Willis' favourite musicians, Louis Armstrong, Etta James, and the Isley Brothers, reflecting the Willis family's deep musical roots. Rumer has also often shared how Louetta's joyful and expressive nature brings immense happiness to their lives. She has described her daughter as "so happy and wonderful and smiley and joyful all the time," and noted that even when Louetta adopts a stern or discerning expression, it reminds her of her father.
Rumer, the daughter of Die Hard star Bruce and The Substance actress Demi Moore, was born during the couple's marriage, which lasted from 1987 to 2000. Throughout their time together, they welcomed three daughters, Rumer, Scout and Tallulah Willis.
Earlier this year, Rumer expressed her gratitude for the way her parents approached co-parenting following their separation. She praised them for providing a solid foundation that has positively influenced her own family life.
Reflecting on her upbringing during an interview with ITV’s Loose Women in February, Rumer shared, “Even after their separation, they built such a strong foundation focused on prioritising my sisters and me. I never felt pressured to choose sides or experienced any form of conflict between them."
She continued, "We have always been a family, and we remain a close-knit unit to this day. That sense of unity not only gave me a stable foundation for my own family but also shaped my perspective on co-parenting. I feel immense gratitude for the example they set.”
Speaking on her parenting journey, Rumer acknowledges that solo parenting comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. She also expresses the importance of asking for help and leaning on support systems. “I don’t know what I would do without my nanny, Janet. Before she came into our lives, I was trying to do everything on my own as a single mum, and it was just too much. Having someone I trust means I can really be present for Louetta, instead of being constantly torn between responsibilities.”
Solo parenting has also taught Rumer resilience and patience. “Some days, it’s overwhelming. You just want to take a shower or eat in peace. But I remind myself that we’re a team. I tell Lou, ‘We’re in this together,’ and it helps centre me.”
Rumer goes on to discuss how looking after yourself as a mother and maintaining a healthy wellbeing is an ongoing process. For Rumer, it’s all about finding balance, being kind to yourself and having open conversations about the hardships that may be occurring. “Maternal mental health isn't talked about enough,” she says. “When you're pregnant, your body goes through so many irreversible changes. Dealing with brain fog and emotional shifts was really challenging for me, especially since I think fast and have a lot going on with work.
“I push myself so hard sometimes, trying to clean the house, show up for work and be present for Lou. It’s overwhelming,” she adds. “But I've learned to slow down and be a bit softer with myself. It's okay to not do everything perfectly.”
Having a home birth, and breaking her own waters!
While in labour with her daughter Louetta at home, Rumer says she had the help of her two sisters, her partner, her mum, Demi, her doula, and her midwife. During an episode of Dr Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast, Rumer explained that after a night of contractions, her water hadn’t broken. At this point, her midwife offered her a solution to break it herself. Speaking in the podcast episode, she explained, “She was checking me and felt my water bag bulging, but still not popping, which was wild.
“So, I was like, ‘Well, should we break it?’ She goes, ‘Well, you can.’ I’m like, ‘What?’ I was like, ‘Are you serious?'”
Rumer goes on to describe her experience, “I reached my finger up there, and I’m feeling and it was crazy. I could totally feel this little bag, it feels like a water balloon, but with a bit tougher skin.”
For a lot of women, their waters break naturally, and for other, a medical profession may assist with this process. Please always consult with your GP or midwife on signs that labour has begun or if you think your waters have broken.
Rumer’s decision to have a home birth was driven by her desire for a more personal and less invasive experience. “I would absolutely recommend it, but only if you feel safe and prepared,” she says. “I wanted my mum and sisters there and a home birth allowed that. It felt calm, without bright lights or constant monitoring.”
Her advice for parents considering a home birth is to trust their instincts and ask questions. “We’re taught to just listen to doctors without questioning, but you know your body best. I had a moment where Louetta’s heart rate dropped and my midwife calmly guided me through. If I’d been in a hospital, that could have escalated quickly. At home, it was calm and managed. Always know your options and make sure you feel safe.”
Eco-conscious parenting
As the brand ambassador for Pura, Rumer is passionate about using eco-friendly and naturally produced products for herself and Louetta. She advocates making small, meaningful changes, like choosing sustainable baby wipes and adopting a natural skincare routine. Rumer also avoids using scented products or products with many chemicals, highlighting the importance of protecting her daughter’s health and wellbeing.
Rumer’s approach to mindful, sustainable parenting goes beyond just product choices. She strives to maintain a toxin-free home environment, opting for natural, organic materials and avoiding plastics whenever possible. “I don’t cook with Teflon, and I try to avoid plastic toys,” she said. By making informed choices, Rumer hopes to create a safe, nurturing space for Louetta.
Living sustainably is a core value for Rumer, and becoming a mum only deepened her commitment. “I became more mindful of what goes on and into our bodies. From diapers to lotions, I only choose non-toxic and sustainable products,” she shares. Rumer values Pura's focus on biodegradable wipes and toxin-free baby products.
“I love Pura because they don’t just focus on the baby’s health but also on the planet. Plus, they work. I tried so many brands before finding one that didn’t leak at night, and Pura just ticked all the boxes. I also appreciate that their packaging is eco-friendly, it makes a difference.”
In addition to Pura, Rumer is a fan of skincare from soft n’ fat, a brand that uses beef tallow in its ethically sourced products. “I use it on myself and on Louetta because it’s natural and doesn’t contain chemicals. When I’m breastfeeding, I don’t want anything toxic near my chest that could transfer to her.”
Motherhood and passing down family values
Rumer is passionate about teaching Louetta respect and kindness, values she learned from her own upbringing. “It’s important to treat everyone with dignity, no matter their role or status,” she says. “That’s something I hope to pass on to her.”
“Whether someone is famous or works for you, it doesn’t matter. Everyone deserves to be treated well.” This mindset stems from Rumer’s own childhood lessons, and it’s something she is determined to pass on to her daughter. “I just don’t want her growing up thinking that status or role changes how you treat someone. Respect is fundamental.”
Creating moments of calm in their day is also a priority for Rumer. “I sing a little song to Lou every morning, kissing her toes and working my way up to her cheeks. It’s our way of connecting, even if the day ahead is chaotic. I try to make mornings feel special, no matter how tired I am.” Rumer’s rituals are simple yet powerful, fostering a sense of connection. “If she wakes up upset, I guide her to take a deep breath, say ‘Good morning, Mummy,’ and then ask for what she wants calmly. It’s about teaching her that we don’t have to rush or react. We can take a moment to breathe and connect.”
Rumer believes that leading by example is the best lesson for our children. “Our kids learn through watching us, not just from what we tell them,” she shares. This insight shapes her parenting philosophy, where actions matter more than words. Rumer strives to be present and intentional in how she interacts with Louetta, whether that’s through setting routines or modelling kindness. “If I have a messy room and I’m telling her to go clean her room, that’s inconsistent messaging,” she explains. “I want to show her the value of finishing what you start and taking care of your space, even when it’s overwhelming.”
Rumer is also mindful of teaching Louetta non-violence and gentle communication. “For me, it’s important that physicality isn’t a way of expressing frustration. I want her to learn how to communicate in a kind and thoughtful way,” she says.
Breastfeeding realities
Rumer’s breastfeeding journey has been rewarding, despite the challenges of late-night feeds and sore nipples. She emphasises the importance of seeking support when needed, like using her nanny Janet, and noting that many women can feel pressured to supplement unnecessarily. “A lot of what people think is low supply is often not low supply,” she advised, and encourages mums to trust their bodies and seek advice from lactation consultants before giving up on breastfeeding.
Her advice for new mums is to push through the initial challenges. “Breastfeeding can feel uncomfortable at first, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Seek support, and don’t give up too quickly. I know not everyone can breastfeed, and that’s okay, but don’t let misconceptions about supply make you stop prematurely.”
Speaking on Louetta’s breastfeeding, Rumer says, “I was fortunate to have a great lactation consultant who helped identify Louetta’s tongue tie early on. Once that was fixed, breastfeeding became much easier.”
As Rumer continues her journey as a mother, she remains committed to nurturing Louetta in a mindful, respectful, and eco-conscious way. Whether advocating for home birth, a more sustainable way of living, or honest conversations about maternal mental health, she’s determined to share her experiences and support other mums on their path. “It’s not always easy, but it’s the most beautiful, rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” she reflects. “And every challenge just makes me love her even more.”
For more on her journey, you can follow Rumer’s personal and parenting experience, plus lots of tips and recommendations, on her Instagram page and with her brand, Rumer Has It.