Entertainment
Like many parenting topics, breastfeeding is subject to hot debate. You would think that something as universal and natural as nursing would just be accepted. But it seems like the proper way to breastfeed and how long to continue it is yet another topic of discussion. Is there such a thing as nursing for too long? Well, that depends. There are many moms, including a number of celebrities, who decided to breastfeed past one year. because they felt it was best for them and their child. And who are non-nursing moms to argue with them?
According to the Mayo Clinic, extended breastfeeding is nursing that continues past the baby's first birthday, and it is recommended for as long as moms wish to continue. Although it may seem unusual in cultures where babies are only breastfed for the first six months or so, potential health benefits for the baby include great nutrition and increased immunity, as further explained by the Mayo Clinic. Even if it seems unusual for Westerners, plenty of moms continue to nurse babies well into their toddler years. Including some of Hollywood's finest.
Nursing a child is a great equalizer. That's why plenty of singer-songwriters, models, and actresses made the call that extended breastfeeding was right for them, even if it still feels a bit of out place in the culture at large. Read on to see who kept on nursing their babies past the one (or sometimes two) year mark.
1
Eryka Badu
Singer-songwriter Eryka Badu reportedly breastfed her son until he was around two years old, as noted by Tinsel Town Mom. It's no surprise this soulful mom spoke highly of the bond-building practice.
2
Mayim Bialik
Actress, neuroscientist, and an attachment parenting advocate Mayim Bialik breastfed her son until he was around four years old, as noted in the Huffington Post. She did,however, face criticism for her choices, which she defended in a levelheaded manner. "Just because you do something your way doesn’t mean you can judge people who don’t," Bialik told In Touch. " If I breast-feed and you don’t, it’s OK. I don’t think I’m a better mom and my kids aren’t necessarily better off than yours."Well played, Bialik.
3
Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen, fashion model and mother of two, has been an outspoken advocate in favor of breastfeeding. In 2013 Bündchen posted an Instagram photo in which she's breastfeeding her 1-year-old baby while a team of beauty professionals help her get ready. How badass is that?
4
Nelly Furtado
Singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado also embraced long-term breastfeeding. "I was pregnant for nine months and breastfeeding for two years," Furtado said in a 2006 interview with The Independent.
5
Salma Hayek
The actress and producer Salma Hayek also nursed her daughter Valentina past the child's first birthday, according to Parents. In fact, People noted that Hayek didn't wean until her baby was closer to 15 months old.
6
Danica McKellar
Like many other celebrity moms, actress and mathematics advocate Danica McKellar (AKA Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years) also opted for longterm nursing. According to the Huffington Post, McKellear nursed her son Draco until he was two-and-a-half years old.
7
Alanis Morissette
The alt-rock singer Alanis Morissette is another longtime nursing devotee. According to the Daily Mail, Morissette was prepared to breastfeed her son until he decided to stop, even if he was around five years old.
8
Kelly Preston
Actress Kelly Preston breastfed her son for about two years, as noted in People. The publication also noted that she credited the longterm breastfeeding for helping her feel young and energized.
9
Kelly Rutherford
Actress Kelly Rutherford maintained a sense of humor about her extended nursing decision. "Obviously, before he goes to college, I’ll probably have to quit breastfeeding," she told OK! magazine. "You know when it’s right and you’ll feel that."
10
Jada Pinkett Smith
Actress and businesswoman Jada Pinkett Smith breastfed Jaden for a "good 18 months," according to Fit Pregnancy. As further noted in the article, the busy mom just took Jaden with her wherever she went and nursed him on the fly.
11
Gwen Stefani
Not even tour schedules get in the way of determined breastfeeding moms. For instance, singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani even nursed her son Kingston (born May 2006) while gearing up for her 2007 Sweet Escape Tour, according to The Guardian.
