Coco Austin Defends Extended Breastfeeding: Why She Let Daughter Nurse Until 6

You know how sometimes parenting choices become a hot topic? Well, Coco Austin is no stranger to that, and she’s once again stepping up to defend her decision to breastfeed her daughter, Chanel Nicole Marrow, until she was 6 years old. It’s a topic that sparks a lot of conversation, and Coco is ready to share her perspective.

Why Coco Continued Breastfeeding

Coco, who is married to rapper and actor Ice-T, has faced criticism before for her extended breastfeeding journey with Chanel. Back in 2021, she shared that Chanel, then 5, still enjoyed nursing. Coco explained it as a significant bonding moment for her and her daughter, stating she wouldn’t stop unless Chanel herself decided to.

She even took to Instagram previously to clarify that while Chanel was eating solid foods, nursing was primarily for comfort. It’s clear that for Coco, this was about connection and cherishing those moments with her only child.

Ice-T’s Support and Perspective

It’s not just Coco standing by her decisions; Ice-T has also voiced his support. He’s previously stated that breastfeeding helps Chanel feel close to her mom. In a candid social media post, he humorously clarified that Chanel eats regular food but enjoys nursing “every now and then,” even adding a playful “Me Too!!!”

This shows a united front from the couple, emphasizing that their daughter’s needs and their family’s comfort are their top priorities, not external judgment.

Addressing the Critics Head-On

Coco has been open about not wanting to argue but firmly standing by her parenting choices. She believes mothers shouldn’t feel pressured to stop breastfeeding simply because society dictates it. For her, it’s about savoring the unique bond with her child, especially as an only child.

During an interview, when asked if Chanel wanted to nurse, her daughter’s enthusiastic “Yeah!” with a smile really says it all. It highlights that for Chanel, it was a wanted and comforting part of her childhood.

A Global Perspective on Extended Breastfeeding

Coco recently discussed this on the ‘Dumb Blonde’ podcast, reiterating that the breastfeeding was for bonding and comfort, not because Chanel needed it for nutrition after a year old. She mentioned that she let Chanel stop when she felt ready, which happened around age 6.

She also brought up an interesting point: in some parts of Europe, breastfeeding until age 7 is quite common. This offers a different cultural lens, suggesting that what might seem unusual in one place is perfectly normal elsewhere. Coco feels that Americans can be a bit too quick to judge such practices.

The Comfort and Connection

Despite the backlash, Coco found a significant amount of support from other mothers who understood and appreciated her openness. She noted how many women came forward to share their own positive experiences and support her journey, making her feel less alone.

Even now, Coco mentions that Chanel is still very fond of boobs, finding comfort in them, much like she enjoys pillows. It’s a gentle reminder that for some children, this comfort extends beyond infancy, and Coco is embracing these sweet, fleeting moments with her daughter.