Did you know that extended breastfeeding could boost IQ and even income levels later in life? Beyond its health benefits, breastfeeding creates one of the deepest, most nurturing connections between a mother and her child. For some moms, this bond feels too special to cut short, so they choose to continue nursing well beyond the first few years.
It’s not just about the nutrition—it’s about the comfort, the love, and the constant reminder to the child that they’re cherished. At Bright Side, we celebrate every mom’s journey and believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to parenting.
Let’s meet eight inspiring celebrity moms who embraced extended breastfeeding and weren’t afraid to share their stories.
Mayim Bialik
You might know her as Amy from The Big Bang Theory, but Mayim Bialik is also a passionate mom and author. She nursed her younger son, Fred, for an incredible 4 years and 3 months.
“I loved nursing Fred. And Fred loved and needed nursing. It was the best nutrition, nurturing, and bonding ever,” she said. But Bialik was refreshingly honest about the struggles too. “It was never not painful, and I battled thrush numerous times,” she admitted.
Thandiwe Newton
For actress Thandiwe Newton, breastfeeding feels like pure bliss. The mom of three described nursing her youngest as “perfect happiness.” She added, “This is what my body is made for.”
Simple, powerful, and deeply moving—Newton’s words remind us of the beauty in trusting our natural instincts.
Nelly Furtado
Singer Nelly Furtado nursed her daughter for two years and described it as a rewarding but exhausting journey.
“As soon as I stopped, I had more energy. You can do more things,” she shared. Sometimes, it’s about finding the balance that works best for both mom and child.
Nikki Reed
Actress Nikki Reed, along with her husband Ian Somerhalder, welcomed their daughter in 2017. By the time her baby was 20 months old, Reed was still breastfeeding and loving every moment.
“I have no idea how long her and I will be on this journey together,” she wrote. “I follow her lead, and she tells me exactly what she needs.”
Selma Blair
Actress Selma Blair, known for her fierce advocacy for public breastfeeding, wasn’t shy about nursing her son in public—even when he was 2 years old.
“I don’t care who I offend—my baby wants to eat. If I can’t get a cover over me quick enough, so be it,” she stated boldly. Blair’s unapologetic approach reminds us that feeding your child should never be a cause for shame.
Danica McKellar
Actress and education advocate Danica McKellar nursed her son until he was 2 ½ years old. For her, it was about honoring what felt right.
“When it was time, I felt he needed to be a little more independent,” she explained. “For me, it was 2 ½ years, and for you, it might be 3 ½ or 3 months—whatever works.”
Bekah Martinez
Known from The Bachelor, Bekah Martinez is an advocate for tandem nursing. She breastfed her daughter for 26 months and says she “would’ve gone twice as long” if both her kids had been happy with it.
To critics, she has a simple response: “Nursing a 4-year-old isn’t weird or gross—it’s been normal around the world since the beginning of time.”
Coco Austin
TV personality Coco Austin stirred headlines when she revealed she was still nursing her 5 ½-year-old daughter, Chanel. “Chanel still likes my boobs,” she said with her signature candor.
Austin described breastfeeding as “a big bonding moment for a mother and her child.” She also explained how this special connection “makes me feel wanted.” And for those wondering—yes, Chanel also enjoys solid foods, but she still loves the comfort of nursing.
These celebrity moms show that the breastfeeding journey is deeply personal and unique. Whether it’s two months or five years, what matters most is finding what works for you and your little one.
What do you think about extended breastfeeding? Share your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to tag a mom who inspires you!
