Model and actress Coco Austin is standing firm behind her personal decision to breastfeed her daughter, Chanel, until the child was six years old. The 46-year-old shared and defended her parenting choice during a recent appearance on Bunnie Xo's popular Dumb Blonde podcast.
A Bonding Experience, Not Just a Meal
Austin clarified that her approach to extended breastfeeding was centered on connection and comfort. She explained that Chanel, now 9 years old, was fully able to eat solid foods by the age of one. Therefore, the act of breastfeeding in her later years was not about nutrition but about emotional bonding.
"It was more of a bonding experience," Austin told the 45-year-old podcaster. "It wasn't like I was feeding her because she needed a meal." She described it as a time when her daughter simply wanted to be close to her, and she chose to follow her daughter's lead on when to stop.
Letting the Child Decide and Cultural Perspectives
Austin, who shares her daughter with husband Ice T, believed in allowing Chanel to self-wean. She was confident that her daughter would naturally outgrow the need. "She's not gonna be 16 on my boob," Austin remarked humorously. She noted that her daughter began to find it "kinda strange or weird" around the age of six, which is when they stopped.
The model also pointed out differing cultural attitudes, suggesting that what might seem unusual in America is more accepted elsewhere. "In Europe, they're doing till 7. Like, it's nothing to them," she shared, highlighting how American perspectives can differ.
Comfort and Support from Other Mothers
For Chanel, the experience was largely about comfort, especially at bedtime. "It was mostly when she went to sleep, she wanted me to be there. So it was more of like a comfort thing with her," Austin recalled.
Despite potential public scrutiny, Austin said she received overwhelming support, particularly from other breastfeeding mothers. "I got so many people that loved it. Like, they were on my side," she said, expressing gratitude for the community that supported her. She reflected on the natural history of breastfeeding, questioning why it is sometimes a controversial topic today.
Austin also shared a light-hearted update, revealing that her daughter remains "obsessed with boobs" to this day, seeing them as a source of comfort. She cherishes these moments of closeness, acknowledging that such intimacy is fleeting as children grow into their teenage years.
