Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience that not only nourishes babies but also creates a strong bond between mothers and their little ones. While many mothers choose to breastfeed only during the first few years post-birth, there is a growing trend of extended breastfeeding, where mothers continue nursing beyond that initial period. In this article, let’s discover the real stories of eight celebrity moms who have embraced extended breastfeeding and hear about their experiences and insights.
1. Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik, an actress and author with two sons, is a firm believer in extended breastfeeding. She breastfed her younger son, Fred, for an impressive 4 years and 3 months. Bialik emphasizes the strong bond and nutritional benefits that breastfeeding provided. However, she also candidly shares that it wasn’t always easy, as she faced persistent challenges and even battled with thrush.
2. Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton, the actress and mother of three, is still breastfeeding her 2-year-old. She finds immense joy and perfect happiness in this experience, stating, “This is what my body was made for.” Newton celebrates the natural connection between her body and her child
3. Nelly Furtado
Singer Nelly Furtado breastfed her first daughter for two years. She expressed that once she stopped breastfeeding, she felt an increase in energy and the ability to do more things. Furtado acknowledges the positive impact extended breastfeeding had on her overall well-being.
4. Nikki Reed
In 2017, actress Nikki Reed and her husband Ian Somerhalder welcomed their daughter. Reed openly discussed her uncertainty about the duration of their breastfeeding journey, even posting when her baby was 20 months old. She emphasized the importance of following her daughter’s lead and meeting her needs along the way.
5. Selma Blair
At the age of 40, actress Selma Blair welcomed her son into the world and captured a beautiful breastfeeding moment when he turned two. Blair is a strong advocate for breastfeeding in public, stating that she doesn’t care who she offends because her baby needs to eat. She believes in normalizing breastfeeding and removing any shame or embarrassment associated with it.
6. Danica McKellar
Actress and education advocate Danica McKellar welcomed her only child at the age of 35. She dedicatedly breastfed him until he was 2 1/2 years old. McKellar highlights that the duration of breastfeeding is a personal choice for every mother and child. She believes it’s crucial to respect each individual’s journey and what works best for them.
7. Bekah Martinez
Bekah Martinez, a former contestant on The Bachelor, is a strong supporter of tandem nursing. She breastfed her daughter for 26 months and would have continued even longer if both were still content. Martinez emphasizes that nursing a 4-year-old is a normal and natural practice that has been prevalent throughout history.
8. Coco Austin
TV personality Coco Austin continues to breastfeed her 5 1/2-year-old daughter, Chanel, at the age of 43. For Austin, it is a bonding moment between mother and child that makes her feel deeply wanted. Despite her daughter’s regular food intake, Chanel seeks comfort from breastfeeding, showcasing the power of that emotional connection.
The stories of these celebrity moms highlight the beauty and benefits of extended breastfeeding. It is a personal choice where the mother and child’s needs and desires come together. The decision to embrace extended breastfeeding or stop it “in time” remains a personal one. Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments below!