Coco Austin’s Empowering Extended Breastfeeding Journey: Comfort, Connection, and Challenging Norms with Daughter Chanel
For many mothers, the journey of nurturing their child extends far beyond infancy, and for television personality and model Coco Austin, this journey beautifully continues with her daughter, Chanel Nicole Marrow. Over two and a half years after welcoming Chanel into the world with husband Ice-T, Coco proudly admits she is still breastfeeding. Far from being a private affair, Coco has embraced her role as an advocate for extended breastfeeding, openly sharing intimate moments with her followers on Instagram. Her candid posts are not just personal glimpses into her life; they are a powerful statement, aiming to normalize and celebrate the tender bond forged through nursing.
The 39-year-old star recently took to Instagram on May 28 to post a series of heartwarming photos, declaring her continued dedication to breastfeeding her adorable 2 1/2-year-old daughter. In her heartfelt caption, Coco revealed that while Chanel still nurses, it’s now primarily for “comfort.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many mothers who choose to extend their breastfeeding journey, recognizing the emotional solace and security it provides their growing children, alongside its nutritional benefits. Coco’s openness is a refreshing counter-narrative to often restrictive societal views on breastfeeding duration, encouraging other mothers to follow their instincts and prioritize their unique bond with their children.
In her inspiring post, Coco articulated her admiration for the online community of mothers. “I follow some mother empowering pages here on Instagram and I love the inspiring pics they post showing the tenderness and love between a mother and child with or without nursing moments,” she wrote to her loyal followers. Her words highlight a growing movement on social media, where women are collectively challenging outdated taboos and celebrating the multifaceted beauty of motherhood in all its forms. Coco expressed immense pride in being a part of this supportive community, showcasing her own experiences to further its mission. One of the accompanying images captured a profoundly tender moment: Coco cradling her sleeping baby girl to her chest during a recent flight, a universal image of maternal love and protection. “@babychanelnicole has made me a more sensitive person now that I’m older,” she touchingly added, underscoring the transformative power of motherhood.
This isn’t the first time Coco has spoken candidly about her breastfeeding journey. Back in March 2017, when Chanel was just 15 months old, Coco publicly addressed questions about her nursing habits. In a video shared with her followers, while actively breastfeeding Chanel, she stated, “The main question I get from women is if I still breastfeed and the answer is yes. She’s 15 months and still going strong.” This earlier declaration demonstrated her unwavering commitment and set a precedent for her continued transparency. Her consistent stance over the years reinforces her belief in the natural progression of motherhood and the powerful connection that breastfeeding fosters, irrespective of the child’s age.
Wiped out after having so much fun on vacation! All Chanel wants is the boob then she’s out!
A post shared by Coco (@coco) on
The Joy and Challenges of Extended Nursing
Coco’s enthusiasm for breastfeeding is not a new development. She previously opened up to E! News in June 2016, expressing her profound enjoyment. “I’m kind of obsessed with it,” she admitted at the time, highlighting the deep emotional connection it fostered. When Chanel was around six months old, Coco shared that her daughter “was great at breastfeeding” for the first five months. However, she candidly shared a common maternal experience: the emotional impact when her baby began to show a preference for bottles. “She [Chanel] want[ing] the bottle more” had “hurt my feelings,” she confessed, revealing the vulnerability and deep emotional investment mothers have in their feeding choices.
This period led to a thoughtful adaptation in Coco’s approach. “I’m doing whatever I can because now, she’s growing, so she needs more milk… so I have to go from breastfeeding to formula, breastfeeding to formula, but I wish she would want a little more of me,” she explained. Her willingness to combine methods, while still yearning for the unique intimacy of nursing, underscores the dedication and flexibility often required in a mother’s feeding journey. It also debunks the myth that breastfeeding must be all-or-nothing, showcasing a realistic and adaptable approach to meet a growing child’s needs. Her recent posts, over two years later, confirm that despite initial preferences, the unique bond of nursing has remained a cornerstone of their relationship.
As recently as March of the current year, Coco shared another sweet snapshot of herself and Chanel following a feeding session, once again captured on an airplane. The image resonated with many parents familiar with the calming effect of nursing during travel or after a day of fun. “Wiped out after having so much fun on vacation! All Chanel wants is the boob then she’s out!” the blonde bombshell captioned the image, succinctly capturing the comfort and restorative power of breastfeeding for her active toddler. These consistent updates serve as a continuous narrative of her family life, normalizing extended breastfeeding one post at a time and inviting followers into her authentic experience.
The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding: More Than Just Nutrition
Coco Austin’s public stance offers a valuable opportunity to discuss the broader context of extended breastfeeding. While societal norms often push for weaning around a child’s first birthday, global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding for two years or beyond, as long as it is mutually desired by mother and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also supports continued breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and child, beyond infancy, acknowledging the significant health and developmental benefits that persist well past the first year.
Beyond the well-documented nutritional and immunological benefits for infants, extended breastfeeding continues to provide important advantages for toddlers. Breast milk still offers crucial antibodies, enzymes, and white blood cells that boost a child’s immune system, helping them fight off illnesses even into their preschool years. It remains a valuable source of nutrients, including fat, protein, and vitamins, complementing a growing child’s solid food intake. For the mother, continued breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer, and may also play a role in cardiovascular health.
Perhaps even more profound are the emotional and psychological benefits. For a toddler, nursing is a source of immense comfort, security, and reassurance. It offers a familiar haven in times of stress, illness, or change, helping them to regulate emotions and feel safe. This “comfort” aspect, which Coco explicitly mentioned, is incredibly significant. It strengthens the attachment bond between mother and child, fostering a deep sense of trust and connection. For the mother, these moments of closeness provide quiet respite, a chance to reconnect amidst the demands of daily life, and a unique way to nurture her child’s emotional well-being.
Challenging Perceptions and Building Community
Coco Austin’s openness about her breastfeeding journey has largely been met with an outpouring of positive comments and support from her followers, serving as a testament to the growing acceptance and advocacy for maternal choice. “That is so sweet. Nursing is such a wonderful thing to bond with your child,” one Instagram user wrote on her May 28 photo, encapsulating the sentiment of many who appreciate the emotional depth of her sharing. Another gushed, “Just naturally beautiful & heartwarming 💕,” celebrating the authentic and tender nature of the moments she chooses to share.
In a world where mothers often face judgment for their parenting choices, Coco’s celebrity platform allows her to play a crucial role in destigmatizing and normalizing extended breastfeeding. By simply sharing her reality, she empowers other mothers to feel confident in their decisions, whether they choose to breastfeed for a few months, a year, or several years. Her posts contribute to a vital online dialogue, creating a space where mothers can find solidarity, encouragement, and a sense of shared experience, fostering a supportive community that celebrates diverse parenting journeys.
Coco’s journey with Chanel beautifully illustrates that mothering is a personal and evolving process. Her willingness to share these intimate aspects of her life not only inspires but also educates, reminding us all of the profound and enduring power of a mother’s love and the unique ways it manifests. As Coco continues to embrace her role as a mother, her honesty about extended breastfeeding stands as a powerful testament to comfort, connection, and the unwavering bond between her and her daughter, Chanel. Her actions speak volumes, encouraging countless others to trust their instincts and celebrate the beautiful, personal path of motherhood.