Celebrity Breastfeeding Roundup 2009

This was the first year I did not nurse my son at all. He self-weaned at Christmas last year, so it's a real treat for me to celebrate the nursing moms of 2009 and their nurslings in all their cozy preciousness!

Good Will Nursing
Let's start the roundup with "the latch heard round the world," Salma Hayek. While on a goodwill trip to Sierra Leone, Salma breastfed a very hungry baby boy whose own mother had no milk. Because their culture places a stigma on women breast feeding, Sierra Leone has the highest infant mortality rate in the world, highly due to malnutrition. Salma wanted to help dispel the pressure these mothers feel to stop breastfeeding, and thought her daughter (who she was still breastfeeding at the time) would definitely support her decision. "Am I being disloyal to my child by giving her milk away?" Hayek said. "I actually think my baby would be very proud to share her milk. And when she grows up I'm going to make sure she continues to be a generous, caring person."

Here's a link to the video. It brought tears to my eyes.

Many Happy Returns!
We've got other many moms making the roundup for the second time.

I'm sure if Jennifer Garner and I ran in the same circles, we'd totally be best friends. :-) She's so down-to-earth, and her approach to motherhood seems so relaxed. Jennifer's slated to grace the cover of "W" magazine in January 2010's issue, (already on newstands) and inside the magazines pages, she discusses motherhood and nursing baby daughter Seraphina: “the coziest feeling in the whole world.” After nursing daughter Violet well into toddlerhood, Jennifer knows cozy!

Nicole Richie was featured here last year as nursing mom to daughter Harlow. Now, a year later, Harlow is on to potty training and new baby son Sparrow is the one nursing. While Dad Joel Madden muses Nicole doesn't have to do much to get her figure back, Nicole credits breastfeeding for her weight loss. " I’m breastfeeding, so that sucks the life out of you," she says. (I would have to agree it feels that way some days.)
Check out these pictures of Madden/Richie family courtesy of Celebrity Baby Blog.

Kelly Rutherford was nursing toddler son Hermés last time we checked in, and now she's nursing 6-month old daughter Helena Grace, and gives all the credit to her for the post-baby weight loss. “If I can fit into my jeans like this forever, all of my kids will be nursed for longer,” Kelly jokes.

Are You My "Mother?"
Adorable Alyson Hannigan who currently stars in "How I Met Your Mother" (but I remember her as "band camp" girl from American Pie) is favorite of mine. Here's Alyson discussing how daughter Satyana's mommy milk diet helped her return to her pre-baby figure in this video from People.com

Fashionursta
I confess. I adored Confessions of a Shopaholic. Isla Fisher's colorful, chic wardrobe inspired me to start wearing clothes with more pop. So how delighted was I to discover that her outfits were all breastfeeding friendly?! This high fashion that looked like the best of Project Runway was "all breastfeeding proof – they could be whipped off in a minute and then put back on," Isla explained. Isla gets more kudos for nursing past the one year mark with her daughter Olive. (Then) 15-month daughter Olive and Isla are were still going strong during the premiere of "Confessions" in February, and mom intends to go the distance. “I am still breastfeeding. I’m only going to stop when Olive goes to university." Well, maybe not quite that long, but no doubt Olive's nursing got Isla red-carpet ready. While she says she did work with a personal trainer, Isla believes breastfeeding helped her lose most of the 60 pounds she gained while pregnant.

Baby's Home-Kluming
Heidi Klum has her hands full with four little ones, including newborn daughter, Lou. Heidi finds having her baby close makes nursing easier. "At the moment Lou needs me enormously. Not only because of breastfeeding but also because she needs to be close to her mother. She will sleep now for a year with us in our bedroom - just as her siblings did. It's easier at night if she is hungry."
And, is it just me, or is Heidi even more gorgeous without makeup?












Other Notables:
As a huge Top Chef fan, I was delighted to hear that Chef Tom Collichio's newborn son is getting the best food ever, "He's only on breast milk right now, " Tom explained. This meal will baby Luka's favorite menu item every time!

Nicole Kidman, who credits breastfeeding daughter Sunday for her voluptuous figure while shooting the movie Nine. "When you've had a slightly androgynous body your whole life, having breasts is a nice feeling."

With twins to feed, Julie Bowen (now starring in in the hit comedy Modern Family) takes every opportunity multitask, including pumping and driving. Unfortunately, she asks a police officer for directions, forgetting she's still attached to her pump. Sounds like a story line on her show!

This isn't a comprehensive list by far. If I've missed your favorite celebrity mom (or dad), post a comment and let us who and why!

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a 2010 filled with lots of (little) blessings!

Kelly Prince is the mom of two breastfeeding graduates, Anabel 11, and Austin, 3 1/2 , both of whom were both "too busy" to pose for a picture.
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Celebrity Breastfeeding Round-up 2008

Kelly with son Austin, 2 1/2 (still nursing) and daughter Anabel, 10 (self-weaned at 2 1/2).

Another year has passed, and as my own son is moving toward self-weaning, I wanted to look back at the nursing celebrity moms for this year. I really appreciate these self-assured women going public about their decision to breastfeed. I'm happy to report that there are more nursing moms in the 2008 lineup than can fit in one blog entry. I've chosen a few that have truly inspired me (and hopefully many nursing moms and moms-to-be) through their words and actions.

Star Mom: Angelina Jolie
When I think "celebrity" and "mom", I think: Angelina Jolie. So even though Tanya discussed Angelina's beautiful W cover back in October, I think it's worthy of second mention simply because of Angelina's perspective on publicity--leveraging her celebrity for important causes. With the W cover, (photo taken by partner Brad Pitt) she took awareness of breastfeeding to a stratospheric level.

Postpartum Weight Loss Sanity: Melissa Joan Hart and Minnie Driver
After seeing pictures of new moms walking the red carpet three weeks after giving birth, looking better than, well...I ever will in my life, it's nice to get a dose of sanity from these nursing celebrity moms.

Former Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart talked about trying to lose weight after having her second child, Braydon, who she is nursing. "I think a lot of post-pregnancy diet plans are really focused on losing the weight, but this keeps my first priority straight -- being able to stay healthy enough to breastfeed my baby." Melissa states it took 10 months to lose the weight with her first, son Mason, and she's not worried about those last 20 pounds with this one.

Minnie Driver, who nurses son Henry, also has a relaxed approach to weight loss. While she finds that breastfeeding "burns the weight off," she says her routine mainly consists of long walks with Henry.

One Fit Mother: Gabriel Reece
I've always admired Gabrielle Reece for what she's done to promote a health body image. Now, she's not only nursing mom to baby daughter Brody Jo, but also a spokesperson promoting breastfeeding for the non-profit organization Best for Babes. (She also nursed daughter Reese Viola, now 4, for 23 months.)

During her exclusive interview on Celebrity Baby Blog, Gabriel discusses how women can set themselves up for success with breastfeeding, and avoid common pitfalls (which are cleverly referred to as booby traps.) She evens dispels the myth of the older nursing baby."People have this perception that your one and a half year old is always on the boob, when really they may only be on at night before bedtime, for comfort, and to continue to boost their immune system."

To be Continued: Salma Hayek and Kelly Rutherford
I am pleased to report two nursing moms in the "extended nurser" category for 2008.

Mom to nursling Valentina Paloma, 13 months, Salma Hayek says she doesn't want to stop nursing her daughter anytime soon. Nursing, says Salma, is "a very powerful thing" and she's committed to it. "I don't care if I cry, I don't care if I'm fat" she says, "when I see how much good it is doing her, I can't stop."

Actress Kelly Rutherford is expecting her second child this summer and breastfeeding two-year old son Hermes. Kelly seems unfazed by societal pressures to wean. "I'll just do it as long as it feels right for my son." As I don't even know any non-celebrity moms who are pregnant and nursing, I'm impressed with Kelly's commitment!

Be My Guest: Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie
The Ellen Show seems to be the venue of choice for celebrity nursing moms. Christina was discussing nursing baby Max on the show earlier this year. I love when Ellen asks her if she's nursing. The moment (1:02) is adorable!

Nicole Richie is the most laid back, nurturing mom in the public eye. I love how she lit up when she talked about her daughter Harlow recently on the Ellen show. And while I can't relate to her jet-setting lifestyle, I can appreciate her commitment to nursing her daughter. Discussing boyfriend Joel's plans to go to Africa to promote their charity foundation, Nicole explained. "Joel, actually, is leaving next week. I wish that I could go, but I'm still nursing." Making sacrifices for our children; that's something we all can relate to.

And recently, the two moms have forged a friendship with their babies being close in age.

No Doubt, She's a Great Mom: Gwen Stefani
Last year, Gwen was still nursing son Kingston. This year congratulations are in order for new baby son Zuma. I'm a little apprehensive about mentioning Gwen because she hasn't officially discussed breastfeeding Zuma, but was snapped nursing him on a park bench by an intrusive pap.

While I appreciate that celebrity moms open up about their personal experiences nursing their children, I feel funny about observing a private moment between mother and child. So, instead of a link to that park bench shot, here's a picture of mom and baby authorized by Gwen for public use (taken by her father Dennis Stefani).

Have a blessed new year. Enjoy your babies!

Nursing My Truck

I am nursing a truck. We call Austin "The Truck" not because we hope he aspires to WWF, but because he's 18 months old and as tall as a four year old. He clops around in his size 9 shoes like an elephant and when he falls down, he laughs heartily. A boy this big ought to be eating wads of beef jerky and Hungry Man dinners, but he still loves his "nursey."

Why nurse such a large human being? Well, for one, genetics not withstanding, I suspect breastmilk contributed to his robust development. You likely have heard all the benefits, but take a gander on KellyMom for a refresher. My favorite reason is that for those times Austin takes a professional wrestling size tumble, mommy's milk can calm him instantly.

You have to realize (well, you don't have to...but you might want to consider) that nursing a toddler is nothing like nursing an infant. I've heard people say that once the baby can ask for the breast, it's time to give it up. Well, maybe if the baby can write a Haiku about breastfeeding, or a play in three acts, I would have to agree. But, honestly, I love it when Austin brings me the Boppy pillow and I heave him onto my lap as I sit in our big fluffy nursing chair. And we sit and nurse and he plays with my hair, or looks at the way my diamond engagement ring catches the light. These are moments so fleeting that I just sit quietly and soak them up. And when he's done, he looks up at me and smiles so brightly, and sometimes he'll giggle. Then, he'll pop up from my lap and go bang on something.

So, how often does a toddler nurse? Not often. Not like an infant. The days of the Nursefest 2006 are long gone. Most days, we just nurse at night as part of our bedtime ritual. (And yes, Dad can get him to sleep too--no breasts required!) If Austin is sick, I'm so relieved I've not stopped nursing yet. He recently got an ear infection, and he was symptom-free in a day! He may nurse in the morning on the weekends, but he's just as likely to bring me a book and hop on my lap to read.

I ought to be more of a lactavist, but I really don't nurse him in public, mostly because he's not interested. He's a busy boy and has places to discover. He knows his nursey is there when he needs it. At about 11 months, I was really unable to nurse him in public any more. He was so interested in his surroundings. He'd be nursing, and then he would hear or see something exciting, whip his head around to see what it was and try to take his nursey with him. Pleasant.

I would nurse him on a plane (or in the rain, or on a train...) to help his ears, but for the most part, we nurse at home. Austin did get his 18 months shots last week, and was understandably hysterical. As I sat in the little chair in the exam room with this 33 1/2 inch tall child on my too small lap, the situation seemed a bit absurd. But he calmed so quickly, that I nursed him for a few more minutes, with my arms outstretched to balance him. (Did I mention he's also 27 pounds? My arms are quiet toned.)

And, in the interest of full disclosure, here's what I would probably tell you after having a glass of wine (appropriately timed, of course) are the drawbacks of still nursing after 18 months:

• I would really like to get my teeth whitened. No tooth whitener for you until after you stop nursing.

• I would love to drop those last 3 pounds off my hips. My body is convinced famine is around the corner and insists on retaining the fat reserves for Austin's next meal, just in case.

• I would like to spend the night away from my baby (I know, shocking! But Hallmark moments aside, sleeping until 8:30 a.m. sounds like Heaven.) I did actually spend three nights away from Austin in September when I took my daughter Anabel on a trip to Seattle. I brought the breast pump along, but seeing as I stopped pumping at work when Austin was about 13 months old, we didn't get along too well, my breasts and that pump. I barely got any milk (and the former liquid restrictions were in effect at that time, so who wants to pay to Fed Ex 4 ounces of breasts milk home?) So, by the third day, I was getting slightly uncomfortable, and nursed my little guy the minute my plane touched the ground.

• I would like to have a frozen yogurt. Little guy is still lactose intolerant. Recently, the barista accidentally made my latte with nonfat milk instead of soy (which I didn't notice and only discovered a week later when said barista profusely apologized for his oversight) and Austin was back to his infant colicky ways for two days.
  

So, the question on everyone's mind: when will I stop nursing? Soon, I suspect, but I'm in no hurry. Once I'm done, I'm done. Anabel and I nursed for 2.5 years, and she easily transitioned. I want the same for Austin.

Celebrity mom breastfeeding round-up

As the year comes to an end, I wanted to take a look back at some of the moms in the media who shared their breastfeeding experiences in 2007. I'm thankful these women in the public eye have been open about their efforts and hope they encourage new moms to choose to nurse their own babies.

New to the Club
Everything about Keri Russell, mom to five-month old son, River, is natural and promotes attachment parenting. From wearing her son in a sling, to her commitment to breastfeeding, she's a down-to-earth mom a lot of us can relate to.

Graduating class

• Gwen "nursing gives you superhuman powers" Stefani breastfed son Kingston well after he was a year old. Kudos for Gwen for promoting "extended" breastfeeding. Gwen has said so many positive things about breastfeeding, she's one of my favorite celebrity moms!

• Jennifer Gardner breastfed her daughter Violet for 14 months. I love that she was so committed to nursing Violet,"pumping in the car on the way to the Oscars, and in airplane bathrooms" and how much she treasured their bond.

While acceptance of breastfeeding is gaining momentum, some still wince at the thought of an "older baby" nursing. Thanks to these moms for extolling the virtues of extended breastfeeding.

Lactivist of the year: Maggie Gyllenhal
No one can top Maggie's "so what?"attitude! She turned an paparazzi's intrusive photo into an opportunity! Maybe other moms would have stayed home next time, but not Maggie! The gossip columns were abuzz with her next outing: "boldly" nursing daughter Ramona at a NYC sidewalk cafe! As blogger Stefania Pomponi Butler put it:
"You'd think she had an agenda or something. Like, is she trying to show people that breast feeding is natural and breasts are for feeding babies?"

Dad Power!
Finally, my personal highlight of 2007. Who could not love Will Farrell and his red carpet breast pump moment? Highlighting a breast pump as the evening's "must-have" accessory at the Golden Globes Ceremony shows that dads are a big part of a family's breastfeeding success.

Here's to a healthy 2008 and many MANY more breastfed babies!