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Your trusted companion on the journey of nurturing and nourishing your little one. We understand that breastfeeding is a unique experience for every family, filled with joys and challenges alike. Our mission is to provide you with evidence-based information, practical advice, and a supportive community to empower you in your breastfeeding journey.
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Baby feeding impacts the whole family ( . ) ( . ) ( • ) ( • )
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The Leaky Boob is a resource centered around baby and toddler feeding and throughout the entire parenting journey. Share your story: https://forms.gle/LuAuYE1mi9KQtrHE6
What parenting practices have you ditched?![]()
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We’ve ditched spanking and punitive punishment and not saying “no” (yes, we say no, no, we don’t spank).We’ve ditched a lot of the parenting practices our parents used, even ones we started out using. We’ve also ditched some of the more popular parenting too. ![]()
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What about you?![]()
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What’s on my mind? Getting to hangout with Becoming You Counseling’s Mel Brave, LCSW this morning! Talking about processing how we were parented and how we parent differently. For us that means Ditching Dobson. ![]()
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Who wants to hangout with us?
“Just stop, switch to formula, it isn’t a big deal.”![]()
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We have to stop saying this.![]()
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Sometimes feeding our babies is difficult. ![]()
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Sometimes it is overwhelming.![]()
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Sometimes we are touched out and overtaxed in the process.![]()
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It doesnt help to hear: “just stop. Switch to formula. Don’t be a martyr.”![]()
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Sometimes feeding our babies with our bodies doesn’t seem to work.![]()
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And still, they don’t need to hear “just stop” or “give it up already” or “formula is just as good.”![]()
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For someone who planned to feed their baby naturally with their body, to breastfeed, ending breastfeeding can raise their risk of postpartum mood disorders significantly. It doesn’t mean they shouldn’t stop, it simply means there is an increased risk to do so. ![]()
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Which is why, if they want to continue, working to make that possible is a protective measure. Not only for the health of the baby but also for the health of the one that intended to nurse that baby. ![]()
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“Just stop” can even add to the stress. It can feel judgmental, even blaming. “You wouldn’t be having such a hard time if you weren’t trying to breastfeed, it doesn’t even matter, you’re doing this to yourself” is what it can sound like. But it does matter to them.![]()
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There are ways we can support someone and let them know they aren’t pressured to breastfeed without undermining them. A friend of mine and expert in the field gently told me that stopping was ONE of my options (we had also gone over the othet options) and it was my call because I was the expert on me and my baby. That was supportive for me to hear, even with my 9th baby.![]()
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Ending breastfeeding isn’t failure, it can be quite brave to change paths from the one you prepared for. ![]()
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But it isn’t simple, easy, or risk free.![]()
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Nothing “just” about it. ![]()
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Pressure to end can be even more damaging than pressure to continue. It can be isolating and disconnecting.![]()
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“Just stop” isn’t supportive, it is dismissive and minimizing. It is blaming and judgmental. ![]()
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What are some actually supportive ways to communicate that ending nursing is ok?![]()
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***Pic of me syring feeding my youngest my colostrum. The baby that 3 of my friends and lactation colleagues reminded me that it was ok to stop breastfeeding but did so in a way that was sensitive, caring, informed, and truly supportive. That baby is 2 now and yes, STILL breastfeeding.
testimonials
"If you've ever had a child or been a parent you know what it means to say that each day is a new experiment. There is so much to figure out, and so many self-proclaimed helpful resources. Fortunately, Jessica Martin-Weber, owner/creator/author of The Leaky Boob, has the answers based on science, best practice, and practical advice stemming from her own experiences raising nine children. TLB is a go-to for all people expecting, lactating, raising children, or counseling any of the aforementioned groups. Want advice on speed dial? Check out TheLeakyBoob.com."
Kim Updegrove, MSN, MPH, APRN, CNM, chairperson and Past President of Human Milk Bank of North America, Executive Director at Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin
"I found TLB and Jessica when I was desperately trying to figure out how to keep breastfeeding my eldest, who my lactation consultant still says had the worst latch she has ever seen. Jessica had created something so special-amazing information, a supportive community amidst the mommy wars, content in many different formats for those of us who need to see/read/hear in different ways, and it is no exaggeration to say that her work was instrumental in not just saving that breastfeeding journey (which would extend through 3 years, 18 months of that tandem nursing) but in setting me up for success and support in future journeys, and truly for motherhood as a whole. The down to earth way she writes makes the information relatable and easy to digest and apply. I am forever grateful."
Dr. Jennifer Stone, PT, DPT, OCS, PHC, TPS, HLC
"The Leaky Boob has met a need in the lactating community since its inception. Jessica’s breastfeeding support group is a true pioneer in the online breastfeeding community, offering families exceptional education and unwavering support long before similar pages emerged. Her transparency, authenticity, and heartfelt encouragement create a safe and empowering space where parents feel heard and guided. It’s a shining example of what real, compassionate leadership looks like!"
CHRISTY JO HENDRICKS IBCLC, RLC, CCCE, CLE©, Doula
Hi there!
Jessica and Jeremy Martin-Weber are the dynamic duo behind The Leaky Boob, a trusted resource dedicated to supporting families on their parenting and breastfeeding journeys. As parents to nine children, they bring a wealth of personal experience, humor, and compassion to their work. Together, they have created a safe, inclusive space where parents can access evidence-based information, practical advice, and a thriving community.
Jessica leads with her passion for normalizing breastfeeding and empowering families, while Jeremy provides a supportive voice for partners and caregivers, fostering collaboration and connection. Their shared mission is to celebrate the uniqueness of every family's story and provide resources to help navigate both the joys and challenges of nurturing little ones.
