Guest post: Kelly's celebrity breastfeeding round-up for 2007

For a round-up of celebrity breastfeeding news in 2007, I'm turning the blog over to reader and blogger Kelly, shown to the left with her son Austin (18 months and still nursing).

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 this year. 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.

Lactivist of the year:  Maggie Gyllenhal.  No one can top Maggie's "so what?" attitude!  She turned an papparazi'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 her daughter Ramona at a NYC sidewalk cafe.  As blogger Stephania Pomponi Butler put it, "You'd think she had an agenda or something.  Like, is she trying to show people that breastfeeding is natural and breasts are for feeding babies?"

New to the Club:  Keri Russell.  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 committment to breastfeeding, she's a down-to-earth mom a lot of us can relate to.

Graduating class:  Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Garner.  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 Garnner 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.  She says, "I really loved [breastfeeding].  It gave me peace and a sense of purpose."

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.

Dad Power:  Will Farrell.  Finally, my personal highlight of 2007. Who could not love Will Farrell and his red carpet breastpump 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.

Tanya's note:  Here's my favorite celebrity moment of the year:  Julia Roberts accepting the Cinematheque award (fast forward to 1:20).

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

Comments

[Adventures In Babywearing]

Such an awesome year for breastfeeding! This post is great- thank you! And Merry Christmas!

Steph

[Shannon @ some fine taters]

Fun post! Will Farrell was my fave, too.

But 14 months is "extended" breastfeeding?

[Marisa Chaves]

When I hear of celebrities who had natural deliveries and chose to breastfeed, I get a happy feeling. I will honestly say that when a friend or relative or even someone I don't know doesn't even think about breastfeeding, I feel a bit annoyed and very irritated. Breastfeeding is natural and the best thing for mom and baby. If you have no medical reason not to nurse, why wouldn't you? I have been nursing my son for 19 months and counting. My friends' children, although 7-9 months younger than my son, have all been weaned, because of this they think its weird that I am still nursing. Women in Africa nurse until their children are 5 years old, 19 months is nothing. I am glad that some hospitals are no longer giving new moms formula to encourage breastfeeding, however, my friend had a baby earlier this month and she said that the hospital gave her tons of formula. I think EVERY hospital in the US should discontinue handing out formula, it sends the wrong message. Lactation consultants should also visit new moms in the hospital this way they can be encouraged to at least give it a try. I fell in love with nursing my son. It is a bond that can not be acheived any other way.

[Mari]

I think that is so cool!

[Sue]

Helena Bonham Carter said she would breastfeed forever because it was better than any diet she'd ever been on for keeping her slim!