In recent years, a growing number of celebrity mothers have shared their experiences of breastfeeding toddlers and older infants, challenging societal norms and encouraging others to feel confident in their feeding choices.
By speaking openly, these public figures are helping to normalise breastfeeding beyond the first year and inspiring parents to follow their instincts.
Ferne McCann: Advocating for Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood
Ferne McCann, known for her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex and Dancing On Ice, has openly discussed breastfeeding her daughter Finty past infancy on national television. Despite facing criticism on social media, McCann emphasises doing what feels right for each family and has become a visible advocate for normalising breastfeeding a toddler.
Rumer Willis: Fearless on Social Media
Rumer Willis regularly shares breastfeeding images and updates on social media, confidently feeding her child beyond infancy. She also shares practical tips for everyday life, like her recent reel showcasing “outfits this week that make breastfeeding a 2-year-old easy, keep up with playground adventures, and still feel good while we’re baking, painting, and exploring.” By combining style and functionality, she normalises breastfeeding older children and shows it can fit seamlessly into daily life.
Mara Martin: Model and Mama of Two
Mara went viral several years ago for breastfeeding her daughter on the runway, sparking conversation about normalising breastfeeding in public. Since then, she has gone on to have a son, whom she is now breastfeeding into toddlerhood. Her openness highlights the realities of feeding older children and resonates with parents navigating similar journeys.
Kourtney Kardashian: Normalising Breastfeeding at Every Age
Since the birth of her son Rocky in December 2023, Kourtney Kardashian has been open about breastfeeding her son in infancy and beyond. She has also in the past talked about breastfeeding her older children. By sharing her breastfeeding moments on social media, she normalises feeding children beyond infancy and encourages other parents to feel confident in their choices.
Jasmine Hemsley: Breastfeeding For Over Four Years
Wellbeing expert, TV presenter and award winning author, Jasmine Hemsley advocates for mindful parenting, including breastfeeding older infants and toddlers. Most recently the mama of two shared a reel to Instagram celebrating the fact she has been breastfeeding for four and half years, writing “It’s been 4.5 years of continual breastfeeding, including 1 year 7 months of tandem somewhere in the middle!”.
It’s been 4.5 years of continual breastfeeding, including 1 year 7 months of tandem somewhere in the middle!
By openly sharing their experiences, these celebrity mothers are helping to normalise breastfeeding beyond infancy, breaking societal taboos, and supporting other parents in making choices that are right for their families. Their visibility shows that breastfeeding past the first year is healthy, natural, and nothing to be ashamed of.
