Breastfeeding a child until age 6—is it a loving bond or a controversial overstep? Reality star Coco Austin boldly defends her decision, sparking a heated debate about parenting norms. But here’s where it gets controversial: Austin, the 46-year-old model and wife of rapper Ice-T, recently revealed on Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast that she allowed her daughter, Chanel, to nurse until she was 6 years old—not for nutrition, but for emotional comfort. And this is the part most people miss: Austin emphasizes that Chanel was eating solid foods by age 1 and that breastfeeding was primarily a bedtime ritual to provide closeness and security.
‘It wasn’t about feeding her a meal,’ Austin explained. ‘She just wanted to be near me. It was a comfort thing, especially at night when she went to sleep.’ She also clarified that she let Chanel decide when to stop, confidently stating, ‘She’s not going to be 16 and still nursing. Kids figure out when it feels strange and stop on their own.’
But is this approach too unconventional? Critics have been quick to judge, but Austin counters by pointing out that extended breastfeeding is far more common in other cultures. ‘In Europe, they do it until age 7, and no one bats an eye,’ she noted. ‘We Americans tend to think it’s weird, but it’s not a big deal. It’s just a boob.’
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by continued nursing alongside solid foods for at least 2 years—and beyond if both mother and child desire. Yet, Austin’s case pushes the boundaries of what many consider ‘normal.’ Ice-T has also defended his wife, stating in a 2019 TMZ interview that Chanel ‘eats regular food, like cheeseburgers,’ but simply enjoys the closeness with her mom.
So, where do you stand? Is extended breastfeeding a beautiful expression of maternal love, or does it cross a line? Austin insists she’s ‘loving every moment’ with her now 9-year-old daughter, but the debate rages on. What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going!
