Coco Austin Still Breastfeeds 3-Year-Old Daughter

The only way to normalize extended breastfeeding is to talk about it. And Coco Austin is doing just that. In a recent Instagram post, she reveals that her almost four-year-old daughter Chanel Nicole is still nursing. And after three and a half years, Austin still revels in the moments they get to share. Based on her post, she's perfectly fine with letting her daughter continue to nurse as long as she wants.

Austin shared three snaps of her nursing her toddler to sleep while on a private plane. "I'm so blessed to have this unbelievable experience in this thing called Nursing," she writes. She also talks about the fact that nursing didn't always come easy to her. "I had a hard time breastfeeding the 1st week of when Chanel was born," she says, adding that her family told her to hang in for another week. "Now almost 4 years later Chanel still wants the boob," she adds.

coco

A mothers calling.... I'm so blessed to have this unbelievable experience in this thing called Nursing.. I had a hard time breastfeeding the 1st week of when Chanel was born, I almost gave up but my family told me to hang for another week.They told me I dont 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 ..Its more of a comfort thing now and of course she eats regular but nap time and night time are our time and I'm lucky she hasn't grown out it yet because when that moment comes I will be so sad..its the best feeling and ALL mothers that nurse know.. I talk all about this kind of stuff on my baby blog at www.thecocoblog.com if you want to read my journey with Chanel #normalizebreastfeeding -swipe for more pics

Breastfeeding isn't always easy for moms, and some of them find themselves unable to do so for a variety of reasons. It's especially hard in those early weeks as you're trying to figure it out and getting into a groove. It's clear that Austin is grateful to those who encouraged her to keep going, and glad for the bond breastfeeding has created between her and her daughter.

"They told me I don't want to miss this special moment you have with your child.. health wise and bond wise," she explains.

As with most young children who nurse past the age of one, breastfeeding isn't her only source of nutrition. Coco explains that her daughter "eats regular," meaning that most of her nutrition comes from eating regular food. But even though she is eating regular foods, there is still health benefits to nursing, contrary to what some believe.

coco

Naptimes are the best! I even get the dogs involved too! It's very rare that I fall asleep in the middle of the day so this is a rare occasion.. I usually snuggle until everyone falls asleep then leave and usually clean the house or do phone calls..I get 2 hours of me time. Chanel loves taking rest on the couch too she thinks it's cool instead of her bed #cuddletime #snuggles #familylove

For now, nursing for Chanel is a "comfort," and Coco explains that "nap time and night time are our time." She's really embraced breastfeeding, and she acknowledges that the time could end at any time. "I'm lucky she hasn't grown out it yet because when that moment comes I will be so sad," she says. She also notes that she talks about her experiences with extended breastfeeding on her blog. And she has a highlight reel on her Instagram page. She even used the hashtag #normalizebreastfeeding on her post.

Visibility is so important, and it's great to see celebrity moms talking about their experiences with extended breastfeeding.