Coco Austin, wife of rapper and actor Ice-T, is addressing the public’s reaction to her decision to breastfeed their daughter, Chanel, until she was 6 years old. In a recent appearance on Bunnie XO’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Austin, 46, explained that the extended breastfeeding period was primarily about connection and comfort for her now 9-year-old daughter.
Bonding and Comfort, Not Nutrition
Austin clarified that by age 6, Chanel was already eating solid foods and didn’t need breastfeeding for nutritional purposes. “It wasn’t like I was feeding her because she needed a meal,” Austin explained. “She was able to eat by a year…full solids. … It was more that she wanted to be around me.”
She described the practice as mostly occurring at bedtime, serving as a source of comfort for Chanel. “It was mostly when she went to sleep and she wanted me to be there,” she said. “So it was more of a comfort thing.”
Letting Chanel Decide
Austin revealed that her intention was always to let Chanel guide the process and decide when she was ready to stop. “I’m going to let her stop when she wants to stop,” she recalled. “She’s not going to be 16 on my boob. She’s eventually going to figure out that this is kinda strange or weird and stop. And that happened around 6.”
While acknowledging that age 6 is “an extremely long time” for breastfeeding by American standards, Austin expressed pride in how natural the experience felt for their family. She also pointed out that extended breastfeeding is more common in other parts of the world, noting, “In Europe, they’re doing it until 7.”
Addressing Critics and Maintaining Closeness
Austin pushed back against critics who have “sexualized” her breastfeeding journey, stating, “It’s not a big thing. It’s a boob.” Despite the public scrutiny, she emphasized the continued special closeness she shares with Chanel, often cuddling and lying together. “I’m loving every moment I can with Chanel,” she shared.
This isn’t the first time Austin and Ice-T have defended their family’s choices. Back in 2019, Ice-T himself commented on Chanel’s closeness to her mother, telling TMZ that it was a natural way for them to bond, while also noting that Chanel eats regular food like cheeseburgers.
What are your thoughts on Coco Austin’s approach to breastfeeding and extended bonding with her daughter? Do you think parenting choices should be judged by others? Share your perspective in the comments below!