UPDATE: Coco Austin is facing renewed scrutiny over her decision to breastfeed her daughter, Chanel, until the age of 6. Speaking on the November 9, 2023 episode of the “Dumb Blonde Podcast,” Austin opened up about the intense backlash she received online while defending her parenting choice.
“I was feeding her because she needed a meal … she was able to eat at a year, full solids,” the 46-year-old model stated. Austin emphasized that breastfeeding was not just about nourishment, but a valuable bonding experience. “I’m going to let her stop when she wants to stop. She’s not going to be 16 on my boob,” she remarked, underscoring her belief in child-led weaning.
Chanel, who was born in November 2015, ultimately decided to stop breastfeeding around age 6, a decision that Austin described as “extremely long” but not uncommon in some European cultures, where extended breastfeeding is more accepted.
“In Europe, they’re doing it until 7. It’s nothing to them,” Austin noted as she defended her stance.
Despite the backlash, Austin remains committed to her parenting philosophy. She previously told Us Weekly that she sees breastfeeding as a significant way to bond with her daughter. “It’s a big bonding moment for a mother and your child,” she stated. “Why take that away from her?”
In a social media response to critics, Austin assured followers that Chanel, now a healthy and active child, has been potty-trained since age 2 and enjoys a well-rounded diet. “Believe me, the girl loves meat, so it’s not like she isn’t eating real food,” she emphasized.
Her husband, actor and rapper Ice-T, added to the conversation, clarifying public misconceptions. “What confuses people is they think Chanel doesn’t eat food. And she eats cheeseburgers,” he remarked, explaining that Chanel breastfeeds mainly for comfort, not for nutrition.
As public opinion continues to divide on the topic, Austin’s candid reflections on her parenting journey have sparked widespread discussion. “At this point in nursing, it’s just for comfort,” she explained in a previous statement, highlighting the emotional connection that breastfeeding fosters.
The conversation around extended breastfeeding raises important questions about cultural practices and maternal choices, making it clear that this is not just a personal decision but a broader societal discussion. As public reactions evolve, many parents are left wondering what the best practices truly are.
For now, Austin and Chanel’s journey opens a window into the complexities of parenting choices and the societal norms surrounding them. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
