Motherhood is the biggest adjustment you’ll ever go through—a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and moments of pure joy.
For RENUE co-founder Lucy Watson, becoming Willoughby’s mum has been the most incredible blessing, but it’s also come with its physical and emotional shifts. Here, she shares her personal experience with pregnancy, the realities of being a working mum, and how RENUE’s maternity collection was born.
Pregnancy: A Transformation Like No Other
“Pregnancy is an experience that’s incredibly hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been through it. You’re growing a human inside you—you feel every movement, every kick. As your baby grows, you grow too, and you don’t always recognise yourself—but in the most beautiful way.
I know a lot of women struggle with how they see themselves during pregnancy, like an identity shift. You look in the mirror and don’t necessarily recognise yourself—physically or mentally. There’s this phase of questioning: What do I wear now? What makes me feel good? Am I ‘allowed’ to dress like this anymore?
I never wanted to lose myself in motherhood. I wanted to make sure I was still me, that this was just the next chapter of my life—not a completely new person. One thing that really changed for me was how I saw my body. Women are incredible. I look at myself now with so much gratitude because this body created, carried, and birthed my son. It was his first home, and that’s something I’ll always admire about myself.”
The Reality of Motherhood
“You can never be fully prepared for motherhood. Physically and emotionally, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. The tough moments—lack of sleep, the exhaustion, the mental load—are real, but they fade the second your baby smiles at you, reaches a milestone, or does something funny.
I’ll be honest, I thought being a mum would be simpler than it is. Before I had Willoughby, I definitely underestimated how much mums juggle. I’ve gained so much respect for mothers—I get it now. It’s constant, and you’re always thinking ten steps ahead.
I’ve made it harder for myself because I want to be present for every moment, but I also want to keep working—it’s part of my identity and something I love.
I’m very lucky that my partner and I work from home and share responsibilities 50/50, but I know that’s not relatable for everyone. For me, the juggle is worth it because I want to build a life for my son that he can be proud of. I do it for him.”
Why We Created the RENUE Maternity Collection
“When I was pregnant, I struggled to find maternity underwear that aligned with my style and identity. Everything felt frumpy or outdated, and I didn’t want to lose my sense of self just because I was a mum.
When I spoke to my business partner—who is also a mum—she completely related. We both wanted maternity underwear that felt soft, comfortable, functional, but still cool and effortless. That’s how the RENUE maternity collection came about.
We created pieces we love, that we actually wear ourselves—underwear that’s gentle on the skin, that adapts to your changing body, and that still makes you feel good when you put it on.”
The Nursing Bra: Designed for Real Life
“I wasn’t sure if I’d breastfeed, but I knew I wanted to try. It’s been an intense journey, but also the most incredible experience—that bond and closeness is something I’ll always treasure.
That’s why we created the maternity nursing bra. I wear it every day—it’s super functional, easy to use, and incredibly soft. When you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, your skin is extra sensitive, so we made sure the fabric was the softest we’ve ever used. There are so many maternity bras out there, but we wanted one that truly made sense for women.”
A Collection That Celebrates Motherhood
“Motherhood is a crazy, beautiful experience—one that I’m still learning from every day. But what I do know is that you don’t have to lose yourself in the process.
That’s exactly why we created the RENUE maternity collection—to give women underwear that feels soft, functional, and effortlessly stylish at every stage of their journey.”