Rumer Willis shared a challenging parenting experience that ended up being a source of healing for her. On October 12th, the new mother spoke about caring for her 5-month-old daughter, Louetta, and her boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas, when they all fell ill with the flu.
Louetta, her dad, and I recently fell ill with a severe flu," shared the 35-year-old actress on Instagram. "It was a defining moment for me as a mother, as I had to figure out how to care for both myself and my daughter." And she succeeded.
"It was a transformative experience, allowing me to reflect on previous instances where anxiety or panic had arisen and recognize my own strength, as I focused on supporting her body's fight against the illness," explained Willis.
While discussing her experience, the House Bunny actress mentioned that although it was just a single difficult night, she was able to recognize her resilience as a mother due to the severity of her daughter's illness.
"I was sitting there, around midnight, cradling her in the bathtub," Willis reminisced. "At that moment, I distinctly felt that I am everything to her. I am her haven of security. And when she's unwell, she knows she can rely on me, just like I rely on my own mother."
Rumer, the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, mentioned that although her family members were not available, she wouldn't have wanted to expose them to the illness either. Instead, she reached out to her fellow mom friends. She realized that seeking help from her community enabled her to develop the confidence needed to ensure her daughter's safety.
“I had a conversation with a mom friend who guided me through the entire process of handling a baby with a fever," she explained. "I wanted to emphasize the significance of finding strength within myself, which involved being vulnerable enough to ask for help and discovering resources to take care of myself in order to care for my daughter."
Rumer posted another set of photos on Instagram, showcasing her affectionate moments with her baby girl.
Expressing her gratitude, she captioned the adorable images, "I am truly thankful for the experiences that push me, test me, and demonstrate my strength beyond what I ever imagined. Watching her battle through the fever was tough, but we managed to overcome it with love, determination, and the fortunate assistance of proper nutrition and supplements. This kind of support is crucial for many others too."
Rumer Willis. Courtesy of Rumer Willis/Instagram
Rumer and Thomas, both 28, joyfully shared the news of their daughter's arrival in April, just one week after Louetta was born.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rumer expressed her overwhelming happiness, introducing their little one as Louetta Isley Thomas Willis. She added that Louetta was born at home on Tuesday, April 18th, and emphasized that their daughter is more incredible than they could have ever imagined.
The Empire alum frequently shares vulnerable moments from her journey as a parent on social media, including embracing her postpartum body. She has also expressed joy in witnessing her dad's transition into being a grandfather.
"On Father's Day in June, Rumer wrote a heartfelt post expressing gratitude for her dad and his role as a silly, loving, and cool father to both her and Lous. She considers herself lucky to have him."