A study has shown that extended breastfeeding can lead to higher IQ and income levels later in life. Since nursing fosters one of the earliest and strongest bonds between a mother and her newborn, many women choose to continue breastfeeding well beyond the first few years. The skin-to-skin contact reassures toddlers and serves as a constant reminder of being nurtured and loved.

At Bright Side, we believe that every mom knows what’s best for her child and should follow the path that works for them. Here are 8 famous moms who breastfed for over two years and shared their experiences with us.

Mayim Bialik

One actress and author, who has two boys, revealed that she breastfed her younger son, Fred, for 4 years and 3 months. She said, “I loved nursing Fred. And Fred loved and needed nursing. It was the best nutrition, nurturing, and bonding ever.”

Bialik candidly discussed the challenges of breastfeeding, admitting that it “was never not painful, and I battled thrush numerous times.”

Thandiwe Newton

Another actress, who has three children, continues to nurse her youngest 2-year-old. She described the experience as “perfect happiness” and added, “This is what my body is made for.”

Nelly Furtado

Singer Nelly Furtado nursed her first daughter, born in 2003, for two years. She noted, “As soon as I stopped, I had more energy. You can do more things.”

Nikki Reed

An actress and her husband Ian Somerhalder welcomed a daughter in 2017. She posted about breastfeeding when her baby was 20 months old and admitted she had “no idea how long her and I will be on this journey together.” She added, “I follow her lead, and she tells me exactly what she needs.”

Selma Blair

Another actress, who gave birth to her son at 40, was photographed nursing him when he was 2 years old. Blair, a public breastfeeding advocate, remarked, “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.”

An actress and education advocate, who had her only child at 35, continued nursing until he was 2 1/2. She stopped when she felt “it was time that he needed to be a little more independent.” McKellar emphasized that mothers should nurse as long as it works for both. “For me, it was 2 1/2 years, and for you, it might be 3 1/2 or 3 months—whatever works.”

Bekah Martinez

A Bachelor contestant, who welcomed two babies in two years, is an advocate for tandem nursing. She breastfed her daughter for 26 months and admitted she “would’ve gone twice as long” if both were still happy. She added that nursing a 4-year-old is not weird or gross because “it’s been normal around the world since the beginning of time.”

TV personality Coco Austin was still nursing her 5 1/2-year-old daughter, Chanel. She shared, “Chanel still likes my boobs,” and explained that nursing is “a big bonding moment for a mother and her child.” Austin also said this bond “makes me feel wanted.” It’s noted that Chanel also enjoys eating solid food but still loves being breastfed.

Coco Austin

Do you agree that extended breastfeeding can be very beneficial for both the mother and the child?