Penelope Cruz covers the January issue of Allure. She’s so beautiful it hurts, although I kind of hate the photo they chose for the cover. It’s TOO cropped, too much FACE. I could stare at her face all day, but jeez, the cover is like “LOOK AT HER NOSTRILS.” Anyway, Penelope talks about breastfeeding and a bunch of other stuff in her interview. Penelope calls breastfeeding “addictive” and says she plans to breastfeed her daughter for 13 months, just like Penelope did with her first kid, some Leonardo. Which… is completely normal, even WHO-recommended. Some highlights from the Allure piece:
Diet & breastfeeding: Penélope Cruz dug into the soup, Peking duck, and crispy fish she ordered during her Allure interview, saying, “As you can see, we’re not going to talk about diet for this story.” Not the deprivation type, anyway. Cruz, mother of six-month-old Luna, says, “I’m supposed to get extra calories because breast-feeding you burn, like, an extra 500 a day. I was breast-feeding my son 13 months, and I plan to do the same with my daughter. [Nursing] is addictive. It’s hard when the day comes when you have to stop.”
Family: Cruz and her husband, actor Javier Bardem, are also parents to Leonardo, almost 3. “I always knew I wanted a family because of the way I grew up,” she says. “Family has always been the most important thing.”
Hair: “My parents owned a hair salon, so I learned a few tricks there. I can cut people’s hair—if they let me,” says Cruz.
On Salma Hayek: “She’s one of my best friends. We call each other huevos [eggs]. It was because when we were working together, we didn’t have children yet, so we used to sleep much more than now. So it was a way to call each other lazy. We slept in the same bed so many times and it was like she was always trying to wake me up and call me huevos.”
I knew Salma and Penelope were friends but I didn’t know that about the “huevos” nickname. That seems… silly and sweet. As for her babies… I had forgotten that she named her daughter Luna. So Penelope and Javier have a Luna and a Leonardo. I like the name Luna – my name means “moon” as well, so I’ve always had an affection for “moon”-type names.
Photos courtesy of Allure, WENN.
That’s pretty much a non-story. I love her, I love Javier Bardem, and I hope they can make it work long term.
I had to stop at 8 months as I was starting to travel more and more and carting an industrial strength pumper onto planes is a PITA. Fortunately, we had enough frozen to last a bit longer.
I made it to 7 1/2 and 8 months with my kids. I loved nursing but pumping in my car three times a day was exhausting and so frustrating because I never made enough.
i did 8 months i tried at 5 months but i was in so much pain and was leaking every where. i just gave up and continued to breast feed for another 3 months.
I nursed exclusively for 20 months with both of my sons. I’m having a little girl in march and would like to nurse for 12-15 months because I need to have my hernia repaired. There is definitely a point, for me, when I’m done with it but I continued because my kids weren’t ready to stop.
If I can ask, why were you pumping in your car? I hope it was because you are in some sort of role that requires you to be outside of an office, and not because your office didn’t provide an appropriate place to pump. Because if you’re in the States, your employer is legally required to give you a private, secure place to pump that is NOT in a restroom. I had a secure place, but ended up pumping in my office as I was able to sit far enough from the door/window to avoid being seen.
I work in pharmaceutical sales so my office is my car. The process to bring the cooler, pump, cover, extra water for washing was just awful and I went back to work at 8 weeks both times.
Oh, my. That sounds awful. I was leaving sales and transitioning to management (literally got the promotion at 9 mos pregnant and moved with a 2 month old) so I did not have to go through that process. I cannot imagine.
I’m currently breastfeeding my almost 9 month old. My goal was 6 months. But now I’m addicted and never want to stop (jk, but I really do love it so much)
I can’t imagine feeding my daughter any other way. We both love it and our bond is so strong
Me too. I thought I’d do 6 months. Now I’m at 19 mo and I don’t want to stop. It’s such a great resource.
Mad props to women who pump. It’s a significant commitment. (nothing wrong with formula feeding either. It’s great there are so many safe and healthy options, but I personally feel like women who pump are really going the extra mile. Not sure I could have done it).
I LOVE HER FRECKLES.
I’m actually so jealous of her
Yep, me too. She’s so gorgeous, the most beautiful woman in my eyes 😉
I’m in my first trimester of my first pregnancy and I can’t magine breastfeeding for 12+ months! I haven’t yet thought that far into breastfeeding yet but I’ve been dreaming of having my venti latte and a glass of wine once I get past the breastfeeding stage, but I guess it won’t be coming anytime soon :p
You can have both while breastfeeding, if you choose to breastfeed. I’m always a little jealous of people who love breastfeeding. I have an anxiety disorder and for some reason nursing just made me super anxious. Something about the constant touching/squirmy something. I’m getting anxious just thinking about it! I ended up pumping most of the time before weaning. To each his own. I hope this thread doesn’t turn into a battle.
You can do both while breast feeding! Especially in the later months when babies’ digestive systems are more mature and less sensitive to what the mother eats. I also couldn’t imagine going for that long. The first six weeks are the hardest. Now at 13 months in, it is the simplest most natural thing. I never expected it to be so its all been quite a surprise.
As a mom who breastfed my first baby for 19months and now currently breastfeeding my 14 month old…I totally agree that it is addicting. It is a bonding and a quiet time you get to share with your little one. I thoroughly enjoy it. The big eyes that look up to you, the warm baby head and body on you during the dark hours of the night. The feeling of giving your little one nurishment and something fulfilling to them. And to know youre comforting them…it’s a positive, beautiful time and I am sad for the day we wean. But, i also know that’s not the same for every mom. Just as tho every baby and pregnancy is different for each individual…I also know nursing is one of those things too.
This actually just made me tear up a bit. My girls are now 20 and 21 and I remember all of what you described as if it were yesterday. Enjoy every minute, even the difficult times, as it all goes so fast and the next thing you know, you are helping them pack for college! 🙁
I nursed for a really long time, too – 3 years with my oldest, 2 with my middle and just a small amount of adoptive nursing with my youngest. I absolutely loved it. It was such a special time for us. That being said, when my youngest came home she was only 4lbs. and nursing ended up being too difficult for her. I happily bottle fed her (homemade formula, lol! Is my crunchiness showing?) and never regretted it. Breastfeeding is great for many reasons, but I found just as much to love about bottle feeding, too. It was wonderful for my husband to enjoy that bonding time with our daughter that he never had with the older two.
God, these comments are making me want to have kids sooner rather than later lol. Motherhood is such a beautiful thing and hats off to you all, it’s also a challenging role to take on. Much love to all of you 🙂
I encourage you to check out the Kellymom website. it’s my go to for all nursing questions. I’ve been nursing my daughter for 7 months and I plan to go for another year, & I drink plenty of beer and coffee. I’m a milk donor too, and I can even drink beer while I’m donating as long as I finish my drink 12 hours before I pump.
Good luck 🙂 Nursing is a wonderful experience. the first month is hard but I felt the results were well worth it with both of my kids.
I also second Kellymom – it was the most helpful site on nursing, at least for me.
I never really thought she was that beautiful before, but these pictures changed my mind.
I’ve never been able to view her impartially because she and Tom Cruise started their relationship while he was still married to Nicole Kidman. That was a long time ago, but she still carries the Cruise stigma for me.
And while they’ve never acknowledged that their relationship started while he was still with Nicole, Cameron Crowe commented how beautiful he thought it was to watch them fall in love on set. A completely insensitive comment which neither of them denied.
Unlike Angelina, Jennifer A, and Claire, she never seemed to be called on it.
What’s the whole story between her and Tom Cruise? All I heard was that they either got together or broke up when they did Vanilla Sky.
Breastfeeding is awesome, but it is hard to get started on. It took me three days for the milk to come through and lots of expressing and engorged boobs. I went one of the best maternity hospitals in the world and I don’t think I would have been able to do it without the midwives there. Now having trouble weaning at three years, argh. So I do understand that some women are going to not feel very excited about another celeb taling about breastfeeding.
Good to hear her promoting breastfeeding. I remember seeing Cruz and Bardem in their first movie, together, “Jamon Jamon” and I thought they were two of the most beautiful people on the planet. Especially, him. Whew!
It makes me really happy to see more and more celebrity moms promoting breastfeeding. Of course, people can choose what they want to do with their bodies, but I like that it is becoming less taboo. I am currently still breastfeeding my 20 month old son, and my goal was always to reach 2 with nursing. I enjoy reading about extended breastfeeding celebrities- Penelope makes it sound so casual and acceptable, which is refreshing. Love her!
I am a post partum doula and just became a lactation consultant. It makes me proud to hear celebrities talking about the wonders of breastfeeding. While it is such a personal choice, there is still such stigma attached to it. There is also a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding, such as even though it is natural, and so incredibly healthy for mother and child…it’s not that natural of a feeling when a new mom is learning to have her baby latch on. That, and it HURTS. Like, really, really hurts at first.
Personally, I nursed both of my sons for over a year. Becoming a doula and lactation consultant has made me realize how blissful my nursing experience was…I never encountered plugged ducts, or mastitis, my babies latched on easily and my milk supply was always enough for proper weight gain. I nursed everywhere and it was never an issue for me. Working with new moms now, I realize how more often than not women don’t encounter the ease that I did.
That said, I think it is a personal choice, and one that shouldn’t be knocked either way. A stressed out mom who is nursing and doesn’t want to be is not the best thing for her baby.
I’m glad Penelope spoke about this to show that working moms can do both, just as that picture of Giselle nursing while working showed.
I appreciate your professional opinion but I would just like to add that it doesn’t hurt for everyone. My breasts are VERY sensitive to touch, but I never found breast feeding painful. I never leaked, had chapped nipples or bled (although I did have mastitis twice because I wore too many bras that were too tight during exercise). Obviously, it has a lot to do with ones nipple shape and how cooperative their child is. I’m pretty sure I lucked out on both accounts as far as optimal conditions for breast feeding. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Thank you for your post, my baby is just under 8 weeks old and she was born at 36 weeks so classed as premature, Breast feeding has been horrendous, to begin with she just didn’t have the energy to do it or learn how to so my milk suffered, after a week of her losing weight I was advised to formula top up and I’m so glad I did (after a lot of tears from me!) she gained weight and strength so now I’m breast feeding with a top up when needed.
It hurt like hell, still does sometimes but we’re getting through it, I just kept telling myself to stick with it one more week and I do enjoy it when we’re on a roll!
I wouldn’t change what we’ve been through for the world though cause she’s wonderful, however I’ll stop at 6 months or if my milk gives up!
good luck! I hope you have a lot of support. my daughter was sick when she was born, full term but with life threatening breathing problems, and she had a hard time getting used to nursing since she missed the first few crucial weeks. It took a few months for her to figure it out, but when she did she wanted to nurse until 18 months. I hope you can make it to the 6 month mark and longer if you choose to.
@CarrieUK – my first 6 weeks breastfeed ing were a nightmare. My son was also a bit early, he had jaundice, wouldn’t eat because he was sleepy, I wasn’t making enough, and it was painful as hell. We used formula to supplement because he had to gain weight and I didn’t want my irrational pride to get in the way of him being healthy (I don’t understand women who won’t feed their child at any cost, insisting on bf-ing when that’s not an option for whatever reason). But, it all eventually fell into place. Hang in there. But, if you have to stop earlier than you had planned, don’t beat yourself up too much. Your baby will be fine either way. 🙂
Thank you for being honest that it often hurts in the beginning! I didn’t use a lactation consultant (my mom breastfed five of us — so I had in in-house consultant), but every book I was given said that I was doing something wrong if it hurt. (And I had friends who had lactation consultants tell them the same thing.) I told my mom, and she said, “The books lie!”
All of the correct technique in the world isn’t going to keep your nipples from getting sore when they are getting hoovered by a hungry little parasite. I just kept slathering on the lanolin ointment and gritting my teeth. And just when I was at the height of my misery when my son was a week old, the girls toughened up and I happily and painlessly breastfed my son for 20 months.
I remember the first few days of breastfeeding my first baby, sitting there with cracked and bleeding nipples reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and bawling my eyes out because it says “If it hurts you’re doing it WRONG.” I felt like I was a failure at motherhood (damn hormones). Nope, I am just a redhead with super sensitive skin. 3 weeks in everything healed up and it was clear sailing for 15 months (except a bout of mastitis at 3mos). My goal was a year, but my son still wanted to nurse a couple times a day, so I let him decide when he wanted to wean. Nursed my 2nd until she weaned at 15mos. My 3rd is now 12.5mos and still nursing. A few times I’ve thought I’m tired of breastfeeding and will wean earlier this time, but knowing she’s my last baby is making it hard-I’m not ready to give up those baby cuddles just yet!
Breastfeeding can be inconvenient and difficult, and I don’t know a single woman who actually likes to pump (UGH!). But the cost savings, health benefits for mom & baby, and the snuggling and love gazes make it all worthwhile! It’s also nice to hear a celebrity talk about breatfeeding positively without being judgmental.
@Scarlet: “Nope, I am just a redhead with super sensitive skin.”
Preach! Two babies, nursed them both and was convinced I was doing something wrong. Wait, you mean having someone hover on your nipples day and night for the foreseeable future can be a little… chaffing? Who knew!!
I also have very fair skin and my nipples didn’t stick out very much. I had cracked, bleeding scabbed over nipples for several months and would cry when it was time to nurse (ie all the time). But I didn’t quit! Smooth sailing after that, and I sure as hell wasn’t stopping after going through that. Like I said downthread, my son is 2 and 8 months and he’ll nurse until he’s ready to stop. It sure makes my life easier at bedtime/nap time and when he needs comfort. We are so bonded and I know I owe a lot of that to breastfeeding.
I’m actually pumping at work as I read this! She is awesome and I’m sure those kids are beautiful, right?
She is beyond beautiful. Breast feeding is super- convenient bef the real world-ie work- intrudes!
More power to her; if mother and child are comfortable with it and enjoy the experience, then they should go ahead. Mothering is subjective, and is not a “one size fits all”. I can only imagines that it benfits the child in the long run.
I agree with her. Pumping at work sucks, and the decrease that it causes in your milk quantity sucks, but the bonding of breast feeding IS totally addictive. I love it. I’m on month 16. 🙂
Her and Salma are the most beautiful women in Hollywood IMO, along with Angelina, Charlize and Paula Patton. Stunning.
I breast fed my son for 25 months. Everyone around me thought my nursing was great – until he was about one.
By the time he was 1.5 yrs old, I got a lot of grief. From my Mother who thought he should stop at one; from my sister who snickered that the only reason I could nurse so long was because I was a SAHM who barely worked; my childless friends who quoted the line from SATC – if he can ask for it, he’s too old to nurse; my Mom friends who either thought I was vain (nursing to lose and keep the weight off) or selfish (because I was thinking of weaning before he was ready); and my sitter who thought I was raising a boob-crazy little boy who’d grow up to have no impulse control (she was fired).
I didn’t love nursing, but I didn’t hate it, either. It was practical, easy (except for the first two months) and I loved holding him and looking at him all the time. Mentally and physically, though, I was done around 9 months.
I don’t know why so many people care about – for or against – other people nursing. Then again, we police and judge other people’s eating habits so I guess it’s just part of that.
I love Allure covers showing freckles. She is beautiful.
I breastfed both of mine to 2 and 2.5. Luckily I never got a moment of criticism except from my spouse’s mom. She grew up in the age of formula=science=better than nature!! and so wondered at my choices. Vocally. Otherwise awesome though. All the wonderfulness (after I lanolined those cracked nipples, yikes).
I just have to say, this is a beautiful thread! I am particularly educated about breastfeed and get so exciting when I see women in the public eye celebrating breastfeeding. My enthusiasm quickly turns to disgust as I read comments because all the women are attacking each other. There has been none of that on this thread and I just wanted to compliment all you ladies!
I don’t want to sound… anything bad… judgy, condescending, anything….
It makes me sad and angry that mothers in other countries don’t get a full year of maternity leave. Whether to breastfeed comfortably for the full recommended year, or bottle feed and bond, regain your sanity, etc. In Canada we get a year of mat leave, the government pays 55% of your salary and your employer can choose to top you up (mine did up to 80% of my full salary) and your employer has to bring you back after said year at the same level you were at when you left. they’re not allowed to fire you while you’re away, and not allowed to fire you when they find out you’re pregnant either. In other Scandinavian countries (and others I can’t think of right now) it’s an even better deal for mothers, fathers and babies. I think this is a real ‘focus on the family’.
Anyway, I commend all you parents and non parents for making the choices that work for you.
Right on, Rachel.
Wow-sounds like Canada has excellent parental leave/maternity laws. There’s a lot of talk in the US about being “family friendly” but in terms of parental leave policies we suck.
Nursed my first son until he was 30 months and I was 3 months pregnant. I had two bad cases of engorgement, cracked and bleeding, and I stuck with it out of sheer stubbornness. It didn’t get easy until he was 4 months old.
The second time around I started off with the same issues, painful latches, engorgement. One of my midwives saw what I was doing and adjusted the way I held my newborn. Suddenly no more pain! Based on my first experience, I assumed that nursing would be painful until the baby was bigger and more developed. In my case, all it took was an experienced midwife who showed me how to position the baby. Unfortunately I wasn’t so lucky the first time around. I still shudder thinking about my nurse home visit. She suggested positions that only made it more painful, and I spent weeks convinced I was a failure.
This is all to say, I though breastfeeding was supposed to be painful for the first few weeks, and then I learned that it didn’t have to be for me. My second son is now 20 months and shows no signs of quitting. I’m lucky to have work flexibility, although at a financial cost.
My son is 2 and 8 months- still going strong. I don’t think he’ll be ready to stop any time soon.
Fabulous. I love this beautiful, talented woman that much more. Went for two years with mine and, yes, it is addictive. I was a little teary eyed as we neared the end.
Also … Tom, you stupid stupid bastard.
It’s addictive because it hurts physically to quit. Big time. Your breasts fill up almost to the breaking point with milk, and it’s a sweet release when you keep breast feeding. I breastfed my daughter until I had to go back to work six months after she was born. I was like a junkie “ok I’m not going to go home and breast feed after work”, the next day, rinse and repeat. It took me a month or so to fully stop.
Love this story and she looks great! It’s recommended to nurse until 2 years old to give the child the best I.Q. and immunity. If you aren’t able to breastfeed, definitely look into donated breast milk from a local bank or a mother who wishes to sell or donate her milk. There are many reputable breast milk banks and donor breast milk exchanges that you can find, both locally and non-local; frozen breast milk especially can be shipped. If you research formula, you will find most have GMO products – linked to causing cancer, IBS, leaky gut and sterility – and/or their vitamin and mineral content is not as packaged. Some of the most popular formula have been tested and found to have almost toxic levels of some vitamins! So always research and follow your instincts. Breast milk is a wonder food; even a grown adult could survive and thrive on a diet of only breast milk.
Hueva is Mexican slang for lazy….so the reporter hearing hueva, thinking they are changing huevo “egg” to feminine tense is hilarious….
lovely to see all the positive comments including the ones that say “hey, if you don’t that’s fine too”… i nursed both my children 6 years of age (it isn’t the same to nurse a 6 month as a 6 year so don’t freak out) it was mostly a one time or two time a day thing in bed at wake up or sleeping. kudos definitely goes to moms that pump – that sounds soooo hard. kudos to anyone who takes care of their children in a loving way – whether it’s a bottle or breast, unconditional love is best!