#LeakyLooks: Of Turkeys and Taking Care

by Kileah McIlvain

As these days get shorter and the nights get longer, our little family looks forward to the “turning in” of our home. The reveling in the warm light of candles, the pile of fluffy blankets just waiting to be nested in, the warm smells of fresh banana bread baking in the kitchen.

Reveling in the small, slow, intentional things can help us slow down, especially during the holiday season when schedules and nights can fill up quickly with events or extra work. By the time that crazy 4 PM rolls around, the thought of running away sounds much more enjoyable than mustering that last squeeze of energy to last to the end of the day (or bedtime!). So? I put together a few looks this week that highlight some of my favorite “seek simple pleasures” moments throughout the day…whether that’s working, a family get-together, or taking a night to yourself (or maybe a date night in!). My hope is that you transition into this holiday season with peace, armed with some essentials that can help you along the way!

Of Working and Pumping 

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I loved the classy style of this dress that is specifically for the working or jetsetting mama who needs to pump or breastfeed on the go! It’s easy to layer with a great jacket, blazer, or poncho wrap. Unique accessories are a great way to change the look of your main wardrobe pieces. Juno Blu wins the day again with their stylish pumpgear-toting handbags.

1.Hadley Stilwell Jet Set Dress  2.Etsy  3.Brit.co  4.Modcloth  5.Matraea Soothing Nipple Fix  6.Simple Wishes Pumping Bra  7.Born  8.Juno Blu “Nepenthe” Pumping bag 

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Mama’s Night In

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A Mama’s Night In? Date Night In? This look features some of my go-to pieces for a cozy night in snuggled up under my favorite blanket. Drinking chocolate is one of my favorite late treats I’ve discovered…and wearing my favorite pair of socks while I do my nails (a true indulgence! absolutely love SOPHi’s line…and seriously. the stuff wears like nail armor. I went 5 days without chipping! It’s basically a mama miracle). Rubbing on some gentle lotion…or taking turns with my partner massaging aching shoulders with our favorite massage bar really helps my body and mind relax after a stressful day.

1.Belabumbum Nursing Dress “Eva”  2.Lush Massage bar “Soft Coeur” (the honeymooner!)  3.Creo Brewing Cacao drinking chocolate  4.Ikea Ursula knit throw  5.SOPHi non-toxic nail polish “Skinny Dip & Chips”  6.Earth Mama Angel Baby Lotion  7.Smart Wool socks

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The Leaky’s Essentials To Surviving Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving here in the states is one of my favorite times to get together with our friends and family. Over the years as we’ve added to our family, I’ve discovered a few (though not all are listed here!) essentials to not only surviving, but thriving at a holiday get-together. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of those around you! Also, we just featured the Innobaby AquaHeat in our comprehensive Infant Feeding Guide! Check it out for more details and why we recommend it!

1.Bamboobies  2.Ergobaby Original in “Black Twill” (NEW!) 3.ThinkSport Insulated coffee mug/coffee  4.Calm-a-mama Calm Drops  5.Etsy  6.AquaHeat by InnoBaby  7.JuiceBeauty Authentically Pink Makeup Kit

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Do you have some good holiday survival tips? Shoot them my way! I’m going to be featuring some more looks and holiday-themed articles designed with every mama in mind! xoxo

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#LeakyLooks: Oh Autumn, Let Me Count The Ways!

by Kileah McIlvain

Autumn is by far my favorite season. All of the layering possibilities, cozy colors, soft knitted things and all of the scarves a mama could want (yes…they cover up the crusty nut butter and toddler teething drool quite nicely when I need to make a run to the post office!).

Here’s a great collection of cozy-inspired looks featuring some great names I got the chance to meet up with at ABC Kids Expo last month! So sit back with that yummy chai, and get ready to celebrate the start of November with some functional, comfy, versatile outfit and multi-use accessory options!

Easy Chic

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I loved putting this look together to highlight the range of great sizing that some brands have! Also, check out the cool scarf that is actually a cotton swaddle blanket. (Get it? Put a bird on it? Portlandia? 🙂 )

1.H&M  2.Little Unicorn  3.Modcloth  4.Old Navy  5.MelindaG  6.Happ  7.DSW

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Cozy Always Wins

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This look practically screamed “WEAR ME AND BE COZY” when I put it together! Featuring a great super-soft jumper, cozy knit sweater, versatile diaper bag (right?! doesn’t even LOOK like a diaper bag!) and all of the soft knitted things…this look can go from daytime function to funky date downtown. Plus? it’s absolutely maternity and nursing-friendly!

1.Belabumbum  2.Modcloth  3.Toms  4.Modcloth  5.Target  6.Lily Jade

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Peaches n’ Plaid

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Who says powder blue and peach can’t be worn in the fall? Adding in some touches of soft greys and blacks are a great way to transition some of those traditionally “summer” shades and adapt them to your autumn wardrobe!

1.Modcloth  2.Tula  3.H&M  4.OiOi  5.cloth diaper  6.Wooly Baby  7.Mama Owl Shop  8.Old Navy

#LeakyLooks: Final Costume Call!

by Kileah McIlvain

Whew! I can’t believe it’s been over a week since the Leaky Boob Team came home from Vegas! What a week we had together. We have so many exciting things planned for all of  you!

For our final week of our #LeakyLooks costume series for October, I picked out 3 new looks to highlight some great fun (and breastfeeding friendly!) options for the harvest parties and trick-or-treating you’re bound to be celebrating! Let me know what you think! I wanna see YOUR awesome babywearing and boob-friendly costume ideas!

Mom’s Bakery

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Sweet as can be with one of parents’ best-loved carriers. Now you can take your cupcake and take on a night of sweets and treats!

1.Ergobaby (Indigo Mint Dots) 2.Etsy  3.Baby Leggings  4.Amazon  5.Target

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A Princess & Her Ewok

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I am such a Star Wars fan. I know. Big shocker there 😉 This is a pretty easy outfit to put together with a bit of creative skill! What’s cuter than a fuzzy little Ewok baby?!

1.Endor Rebel helmet (make your own here!)  2.Etsy (or search pinterest for easy how-to!)  3.Amazon  4.H&M  5.Tekhni Nymphai (Tuxedo)  6.Payless Shoes  7.Petco Ewok Costume

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Mama & Her Chicks

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My main reason for this adorable get-up? The TwinGo Carrier! I got to see this carrier in action at the ABC Kids Expo in Vegas and it looked extremely comfortable.

1.Old Navy  2.Target  3.Walmart  4.Target  5.TwinGo Carrier  6.Amazon

#LeakyLooks: Best of October!

by Kileah McIlvain

This week we’re rounding up our top 3 most-LOVED #LeakyLooks on our Instagram page for October! Also, if you like surprises, keep looking for new content. I have some fantastic stuff I wanna share with you Leakies. Trust me. You’re gonna LOVE it 😉

Ready for our top 3 most-loved looks? Read on, get your Leaky Fashion on!

 

Favorite Look #1: Welcome To Hogwarts

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I will fully admit: I am a total Potterhead! Would you believe that most Hogwarts-themed costumes can be totally breastfeeding-friendly?! (Plus, check out my FAVORITE wands from Woodland Wandolier!) Now you and your little witch or wizard can sport your favorite Hogwarts House in style!

1.Etsy  2.LookHuman.com  3.Buy Costumes  4.Costume Express  5.Ebay  6.Kohl’s  7.Woodland Wandolier  8.Walmart

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Favorite Look #2: Steampunk Cosplay

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Yeah. I totally went there. I’m pretty sure one of my secret fantasies is getting to go full-on steampunk! I’ve always wanted to wear some Victorian gothic-inspired outfit with goggles and a top hat. This look features some fun ideas (and a GREAT breastfeeding-friendly dress!) and the beautiful Tekhni Nymphai woven wrap in Tuxedo! (it’s not out yet, so consider this a great preview and get your ordering fingers ready!)

1.Leche Libre  2.CafePress  3.Silver Bird Treasures  4.Etsy  5.Ebay  6.Tekhni Nymphai  7.Steampunk Parasol

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Favorite Look #3: Pumpkin Patch Party!

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I look forward to Pumpkin Patch parties all year long! I chose this outfit to highlight some GREAT sizing options for some great autumn wardrobe pieces. My favorite piece in this collection? The Tekhni Nymphai Clover woven wrap. It’s heaven. <3

1.Modcloth  2.Bebe Au Lait  3.Torrid  4.Tekhni Nymphai  5.Target (great deal!)

 

What do you think of the favorites for October? Was there another look that you absolutely loved? What would you like to see us roll out in November? Comment below or give us a shout-out on Facebook or Instagram! We’d love to get your ideas.

#LeakyLooks: Autumn For Everyone (With A Twist!)

by Kileah McIlvain

I remember the first time I had my partner watch Nightmare Before Christmas. He kind of had this blank stare on his face…and probably fell asleep 15 minutes in (to be fair, he’d worked a 12-hour day and well…sometimes my weird is just a lot to take in after all that.). 😉 I’ve always had a love of Jack Skellington and his Sally! One of my favorite outfits this year (Paxmommy Jillian ROCKS a great Disneybounding Sally!)

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1.Hot Topic  2.Tula (custom-made from Kokadi “Sally”)  3.Ebay  4.Spencers  5.Classic White pumpkin (because you need one to carve Jack’s face properly!)

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I was just talking to some fellow Leakies today about our very different Pumpkin Patch experiences this year. It’s currently pushing almost 100 Degrees in southern California and here in Portland we’re enjoying cooler temps and foggy mornings! This might mean some very different wardrobe choices for the both of us! So I chose to highlight some wardrobe choices that might accompany some of our different experiences. I hope you enjoy!

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1.Destination Maternity  2.NYX “Cherry Skies” here or here  3.Modcloth  4.Toms  5.Walmart  6.Beco Toddler Carrier “Benjamin”

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1.Elomi 2.Destination Maternity  3.H&M  4.Tim & Leslie “Rachel” Diaper bag  5.Target  6.H&M  7.Old Navy

Do you have some great #LeakyLooks costume ideas for you and baby this year? Tag us on Instagram! We’d love to feature you!

xoxo

 

When Lipstick Is My Lifeline: Coping With Mental Illness

by Kileah McIlvain

I stood in front of the newest display of NYX Suede lipsticks at the local beauty store, hands trembling from the newest round of psych meds I’d started that week as I picked out the last shade of Stone Fox…my newest most-coveted lip color. I carefully placed it in my shopping bag, already running through eyeshadow shades I’d be wearing to match it. My husband was in the car with 4 cranky and probably hungry kids. But this 5 minutes? It was mine. Even if it was 5 minutes over some damn grey lipstick. It was mine. My shaky hands browsed the sample aisle before I meandered my way back to the front counter to complete my purchase and walked back into the screaming hurricane that was my minivan. I sighed. I could finish this day. I could maybe do it. For 5 minutes, I didn’t contemplate death, or removal of myself, or running away, or that I was having to wean because some medication was supposed to make me not crazy, or the crazy burning pain over every inch of my skin that wouldn’t go away, or overwhelming floods of anxiety. Five Minutes. It. Was. MINE. 

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You do what you can. You say the words. You make the motions.

You feel like like a broken shell. Fragile. Incomplete. Lost.

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This is what I feel like. A lot.

You feel like a muddy flood. Nothing is clear. Everything is swirling.

Being co-responsible for bringing 5 precious lives into the world, 4 of which are living, in the midst of figuring out how to wade through the deep waters of mental illess and a yet-to-be-diagnosed myalgia condition means I don’t have a lot of control. Things come out, feelings wash over every inch of me and it feels ugly. It’s there. It isn’t pretty. It’s part of my journey. It’s my story.


I can’t control the pain. I can’t control the way the new medication I’m trying out makes me feel like shit. Or how many times I have to say no, or flake out because I know that if I expend one more bit of energy…I’ll be paying for it for the next week. My body, my time, my soul, is a precious commodity around here. To myself, my partner, and my kids.

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My first blueberry bush.

So? You can’t control the ocean. Sometimes you can’t even find the damn shovel to dig yourself out of the pit you find yourself in. But? I CAN hold a small container of lipstick. Grasp the small tube and spread it around on my lips and try my best to make an even line with shaky medicated fingers. Because it’s a small thing. But it’s something that I can have a say in. I can tell it where it goes. I can make it as dark or bright or outlandish or as grey as I want to. I can use this lipstick as a badge on my face that declares “I AM STILL HERE. I AM ME. AND THIS ILLNESS INSIDE OF ME WILL NOT CONSUME ME. NOT TODAY.”

It may be something else entirely different for you. Sinking your fingers into the earth and growing seeds. Knitting and stroking and spinning beautiful things from frail fibers woven and twisted together. It may be speaking healing words into a fragile heart, or stretching warm silent arms around the shuddering shoulders of a grieving friend. It may be watching your baby’s breathing as she sleeps…blissfully unaware of the harshness and darkness that life can bring.

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My littlest hobbit. Napping.

Whatever that thing is. Small or great. Cling to it. Whether it’s a tube of lipstick, or a piece of yarn, or a sweaty curl on your newborn’s head, or a plate of food handed to someone who’s belly is empty. Cling to it.

Because really? It isn’t so much about the thing you cling to.

It’s that you are clinging.

So cling, dear heart. And when your hands and arms and soul are tired, we will cling together. 

Because? You are always, and always will be, enough

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Stone Fox lips. Mine.

 

#LeakyLooks: Of Pumpkins and Steampunks

by Kileah McIlvain

I know it may come as a shock to some of you, but I am a nerd. Major nerd. October (besides being my birth month!) is just a 31-day-long reason to dress up and get away with it in public. 😉

Here are a few awesome additions to our #LeakyLooks dress-up-October edition! Have a costume you’re putting together for you and baby? Want to share? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can feature you!

Steampunk Cosplay 

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Yeah. I totally went there. I’m pretty sure one of my secret fantasies is getting to go full-on steampunk! I’ve always wanted to wear some Victorian gothic-inspired outfit with goggles and a top hat. This look features some fun ideas (and a GREAT breastfeeding-friendly dress!) and the beautiful Tekhni Nymphai woven wrap in Tuxedo! (it’s not out yet, so consider this a great preview and get your ordering fingers ready!)

1.Leche Libre  2.CafePress  3.Silver Bird Treasures  4.Etsy  5.Ebay  6.Tekhni Nymphai  7.Steampunk Parasol

Mermaid & Merbaby

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Remember when we did an awesome PaxBaby themed-look called “Under The Sea”? Well this one is an updated version for all of your trick-or-treating fun! My favorite part? All of these items are great deals!

1.Etsy  2.PaxBaby  3.ASOS  4.PaxBaby  5.AliExpress  6.ecrater mermaid wig

Pumpkin Patch Party!

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I look forward to Pumpkin Patch parties all year long! I chose this outfit to highlight some GREAT sizing options for some great autumn wardrobe pieces. My favorite piece in this collection? The Tekhni Nymphai Clover woven wrap. It’s heaven. <3

1.Modcloth  2.Bebe Au Lait  3.Torrid  4.Tekhni Nymphai  5.Target (great deal!)

Safety: Who To Listen To, Carseat Giveaway, And Pregnant Lady Talk

This newsletter generously sponsored by our friends at
Dear Leakies,Have you found confidence in yourself through the challenges you’ve faced in your parenting journey? Has feeding your baby taught you something about yourself?  You’re not alone and we want to hear all about it, email your story to us at content@theleakyboob with the subject #ConfidentMoms.

The first time I drove after finding out I was pregnant I discovered 5 things:

  1. I had no confidence and was suddenly nervous about driving because my baby was an extra person to take care of and
  2. Driving safely was challenging with constantly needing to vomit.
  3. Safety was more important to me than it ever had been before.
  4. Keeping our babies safe starts before they’re even born.
  5. Everyone else in the whole world drives like they just don’t have they’re in a clown show! (I’m working on letting go of this one.)

It can be hard to tell what’s really a safety concern and what’s an old wives’ tale when you’re pregnant and so many well intended people will hurry to dispense even more confusing information that could just be a myth and not information at all. What practices are dangerous? What food should you really avoid and why? Are there any chemicals you should be worried about? Is your shampoo ok? What about your hair dye? Face wash? Sleeping on your back, yes or no? Is that thing about raising your arms about your head just something silly or is it a real thing? How to tell?

No really, how do you tell?

Four ways to figure out if the pregnancy warnings are real:

  • Talk to your health care provider. They’ve heard it all and if they don’t already know the answer, they know how to find the answer from a reliable, evidence based source. And if you aren’t sure about their answer, get a second opinion and of course…
  • Talk to your family and friends. We’re not alone in this life for a reason. Feel out your friends, ask their experience, and ask around. The answers may be diverse but that’s not a bad thing as you…
  • Do your own research. Use the CRAAP test to be sure the source and the information provided is something you should trust. But in the end…
  • Listen to your gut. If you can clear the noise around you, take some deep breaths, and just listen to yourself, that mom-sense is probably already starting to heighten. Listen to it. And don’t do something that makes you uncomfortable.

You’ve got this Leakies. You can keep your little ones safe when they’re inside and out.

#TLBsafeKids is coming to a close, we hope the information and support has been helpful to you. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a clek car seat, Newton Crib Mattress, Crane humidifier, California Baby gift set, CatBird baby carrier, and Rhoost home safety items. Also, we teamed up with Euphoric Herbals to offer all of you a special discount to use in their online store! (Organic, sustainably-resourced all-natural products for mama and family!) CLICK HERE for the exclusive coupon code!

Happy Parenting Leakies!

For more tips and resources, read the rest of our exclusive newsletter HERE.

Peace,

Jessica Martin-Weber
Founder, TheLeakyBoob.com

#LeakyLooks: Breastfeeding Friendly Costumes!

by Kileah McIlvain

I know. It’s September 29th. I couldn’t resist! I’m planning my costume already and (No. Not gonna reveal it just yet! Unless you’re a big MLP fan…then I just might tell you!)

So? This edition is about having fun, and giving some creative ideas for dressing up with your kids (and pssst! They’re also breastfeeding-friendly!).

Have some great ideas to share with our Leakies?

Tag us on Instagram and use #LeakyCostumes to show us some great breastfeeding-friendly costumes for October! 

Forest Creatures

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When I saw this great carrier from Tula I just couldn’t resist coming up with a great “Mommy Tree and Baby Raccoon” theme! I even found some great eco-friendly facepaint sticks! What would you add to this one?

1.Tula “Campy”   2.Raccoon Mask/Tail/Ears set  3.Milk Nursingwear brown top  4.Tree Branch headband   5.Gerson Red Lantern  6.Luna Star Naturals facepaint stick

Welcome To Hogwarts

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I will fully admit: I am a total Potterhead! Would you believe that most Hogwarts-themed costumes can be totally breastfeeding-friendly?! (Plus…check out my FAVORITE wands from Woodland Wandolier!) Now you and your little witch or wizard can sport your favorite Hogwarts House in style!

1.Etsy  2.LookHuman.com  3.Buy Costumes  4.Costume Express  5.Ebay  6.Kohl’s  7.Woodland Wandolier  8.Walmart

Kanga & Roo

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One of my favorite Mum-and-Baby costume ideas is Kanga & Roo from Winnie The Pooh! Easy to put together, simple, and so darn cute.

1.Forever21  2.Tula   3.Oriental Trading Company   4.Pinterest  5.Target.com  6.Under The Nile

Leaky Looks: Autumn Pregnancy Edition

by Kileah McIlvain

I can still remember vividly the first time my partner and I were expecting. We were working 3 jobs between the 2 of us and lived near Seattle. He suprised me with a day trip and took me to my favorite store downtown and had me pick out a capsule maternity wardrobe. Some of those pieces I picked out survived 5 pregnancies and 4 loan-outs to dear friends. Talk about good choices! (Thank you, babe!)

Here are some of my favorite Autumn picks for all of my pregnant Leaky friends! I hope they give you some great ideas while you show off that beautiful pregnant body of yours. Because you ARE beautiful. You are exquisite. And you should feel it from the inside out<3

Baby’s On The Way

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Yes. I totally put chocolate in this look. Because every mama needs to have yummy things that are all her own! This look features some of my favorite pieces and post partum must-haves! Definitely might want to pack some of these lovelies in your bag:)

1.Belabumbum    2.Earth Mama Angel Baby    3/4/5. Zutano    6.Theo Chocolate    7.Ameda Purely Yours

 

Autumn Goddess

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I saw this dress online and nearly squealed! Between the great price and the fact that it is absolutely gorgeous…you just can’t go wrong! A comfy bra, belly and hip support, and yummy organic goodies to keep your skin soft and your spirits lifted!

1.Pink Blush Maternity    2.Destination Maternity    3.Earth Mama Angel Baby    4/5. Target.com    6.Modcloth

 

Hello, Seattle

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If you’ve gotten to know me a little bit, you’ll know that I consider plaid to be absolutely essential to a wardrobe. Especially here, in the Pacific Northwest! This look is a great mix of textures and colors (yes, you can even mix handbag colors and shoe/hat colors!).

1.Pea In The Pod    2.H&M Mama    3.H&M   4.Toms   5.Modcloth    6.Target

I hope this gave you some great ideas for you or an expecting friend! Want to share your #LeakyLooks with me? Tag us on Instagram @TheLeakyBoob and show us how you rock your Leaky Style!