Coco Austin is unapologetic about breastfeeding her daughter Chanel until the age of six.
During an appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast, Ice-T’s wife opened up about the experience, describing it as a special way to connect with her daughter. “It wasn’t like I was feeding her because she needed a meal,” Coco explained. “She was able to eat by a year, full solids. … It was more that she wanted to be around me.”
Coco went on to clarify that breastfeeding mostly happened at bedtime and was more about comfort than nutrition. “It was mostly when she went to sleep, [and] she wanted me to be there. So it was more of a comfort thing,” she said.
She also shared that she always intended to let Chanel decide when she was ready to stop. “I’m going to let her stop when she wants to stop,” Coco added.
During the episode, Coco Austin addressed the backlash she’s received for breastfeeding her daughter for several years. “In Europe, they’re doing it until 7,” she said. “There, it’s nothing to them. We Americans think that’s weird. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it as long as it’s just in your home, you know?”
Coco also reflected on how the experience has strengthened her bond with Chanel. “She’s always sitting and lying on me,” Coco shared. “It’s just a really nice moment because it’s not going to be like this when they get into the teenage years. I’m loving every moment I can with Chanel.”
This isn’t the first time Coco has opened up about her breastfeeding journey. Back in 2019, she shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about the experience.
“A mother’s calling…. I’m so blessed to have this unbelievable experience in this thing called Nursing,” she wrote. “I had a hard time breastfeeding the 1st week when Chanel was born, I almost gave up but my family told me to hang for another week. They told me I don’t want to miss this special moment you have with your child… health wise and bond wise.”
“I hung in there and now almost 4 years later Chanel still wants the boob… (Chanel is 3 and turning 4 in 2 months),” Coco wrote at the time. “It’s more of a comfort thing now, and of course she eats regular food, but nap time and night time are our time. I’m lucky she hasn’t grown out of it yet because when that moment comes I’ll be so sad… it’s the best feeling, and ALL mothers that nurse know.”
After the post went viral, Ice-T stepped in to back his wife and clarify their daughter’s routine during an interview with TMZ. “They make it like the baby only… breastfeeds,” he said. “Every once in a while, you know what I’m saying, she wants to get close to her mom, that’s what they do. She eats food, she eats fucking cheeseburgers.”
