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The Leaky Boob
The Leaky Boob is a resource centered around baby and toddler feeding and throughout the entire parenting journey run by a lactation educator and parenting and relationship coach.
Check out our sister podcast: For Tits and Giggles.
🙋♀️ Forceful let-down anyone? 🙋♀️ ![]()
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When your complete meal comes with an exclusive facial too.![]()
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Forceful let-down or Overactive Milk Ejection Reflex (OMER).![]()
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☔️ Ever sprayed your baby in the face as you were trying to get them latched?![]()
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☔️ Had them let go, coughing and sputtering as your milk soaked their face and your torso?![]()
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☔️ Noticed your baby gag, gulp, gasp, cough while feeding?![]()
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☔️ Experienced them clamping down just as your milk starts to let-down?![]()
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☔️ Does/did your baby seem uninterested in comfort nursing?![]()
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☔️ Feeds seem short and intense?![]()
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☔️ Heard clicking sounds when nursing?![]()
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☔️ Sometimes had your baby refuse to nurse even when you know they were probably hungry?![]()
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☔️ Had baby let go and re-latch over and over again with some fussiness?![]()
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☔️ Feel like feeds are a struggle and baby is uncomfortable?![]()
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☔️ Been concerned that your baby seems to spit up more than normal?![]()
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These are all signs of possible overactive milk ejection reflex or forceful let-down. ![]()
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*Note: some of these signs can be related to other possible causes, on their own they may not enough information, see an IBCLC to sort out what is going on.![]()
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Sometimes forceful let-down goes along with oversupply, but not always. ![]()
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The causes of OMER vary, sometimes we don't know why, sometimes it is from pumping too much too soon, sometimes it is related to oversupply, sometimes it is due to inflammation. Addressing the potential underlying cause can help reduce the difficulties of oversupply but isn't always possible.![]()
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Other than the mess it can make, forceful let-down isn't always a problem, more an inconvenience. But when it is a problem, overactive milk ejection reflex can become a serious barrier in reaching lactation goals.![]()
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OMER can:![]()
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🤱 Make feeding sessions stressful for both.![]()
🤱 Cause gassiness and pain for baby.![]()
🤱 Result in shortened feeds and eventually slow weight gain.![]()
🤱 Tissue damage from baby clamping down during feeds to control the flow of milk.![]()
🤱 Pain and discomfort as a result of baby clamping down.![]()
🤱 Increased risk of mastitis with tissue damage and reduced feeds.![]()
🤱 Possible lowered supply with shortened feeds or avoiding feeds.![]()
🤱 Increased risk of postpartum mood disorders.![]()
🤱 Create a sense that feeding just isn't working, that baby doesn't like breastfeeding, and that they must be doing something wrong.![]()
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It can feel like a lot and though OMER is usually combined with a robust milk supply, it can lead to the end of nursing for some. (Please note, not everyone with OMER has oversupply and not everyone with oversupply has OMER and not everyone with OMER quits breastfeeding.)![]()
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What can be done?![]()
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✅ See an IBCLC. They can help with strategies that work for you and see about addressing underlying causes.![]()
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✅ Use your hand position to press against the tissue with a shaped hand or pressing your hand into the side to slow the flow of milk.![]()
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✅ Try different feeding positions such as laid back/biological feeding position, laid back cradle hold, laid back football, baby sitting up leaning onto the breast, koala hold, and side lying.![]()
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✅ Nursing more often- go shorter periods of time between feeds.![]()
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✅ Don't wait for baby to give desperate hunger signals (crying and rooting).![]()
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✅ Feed when baby is sleepy and relaxed.![]()
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✅ Hand express before latching baby to get past initial let-down, wait for milk flow to slow before latching baby.![]()
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✅ Use cool packs on chest (unless there is Raynaud's syndrome in the mix) prior to nursing.![]()
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✅ Switch sides more often during a feed.![]()
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Additional measures that should only be done under the supervision of an experienced and qualified lactation helper such as an IBCLC:![]()
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⚠️ Reducing supply intentionally.![]()
⚠️ Block feeding (feeding only one side per feed).![]()
⚠️ Using cabbage leaf compresses![]()
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While a milk bath can do wonders for your baby's skin and certainly isn't going to hurt, forceful let-down can be frustrating to deal with and can even undermine one's lactation goals. If you're struggling with overactive milk ejection reflex, you're not doing anything wrong and there could be relief for you and your baby.![]()
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***This post was written by a human, not a thieving AI bot that rips off the creativity and content of others. Drawing on personal experience and my knowledge as a lactation educator, I wrote this based on current research and lactation protocols. See the comments for more resources.
Reminder: ![]()
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Breast is best is marketing lingo that came from formula companies when they were required to indicate that their product is a replacement for human milk, not superior to human milk. They choose that language for a reason, best seems like overachieving rather than normal, or standard. That helps them market their product as being more accessible and realistic than human milk. Human milk isn't some kind of overachieving out of reach high bar, it is normal.![]()
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The "breast is best" phrase isn't helpful, it is intended to be emotional manipulation and is part of a marketing tactic for formula.![]()
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We can share information, teach techniques, and provide meaningful support without emotionally manipulating people, without using the jargon formula companies want us to use, and without bullying. ![]()
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More importantly, we make a difference when we address the barriers and systems that make it seem like feeding your baby human milk is going above and beyond instead of supporting breastfeeding as normal. ![]()
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With curiosity and kindness, we can meet people where they are and that's where real support happens.![]()
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Judging people does not inspire them. Shame does not connect and lead to meaningful change. Bullying does not motivate. All that does is create division and often lead to difficulties being hidden for fear of experiencing judgment, shaming, and bullying. ![]()
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Kindness makes information accessible, empathy makes support impactful.
My babies would be thrilled.Our Lady, Artemis of Ephesus.![]()
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What's up with her torso?![]()
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Her story is fascinating. Truly complicated and having completely different positions in society depending on the location. Artemis of Ephesus was controversial from birth and that was even with being born and then having to turn right around and help her mom give birth to her twin brother. ![]()
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Talk about eldest daughter syndrome! Newborn and midwifing your mom as your twin is born.![]()
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My 18 year old guest co-host dishes with me about this ancient goddess, what's on her chest (are those... a lot of br3a$ts or something else like seed pods or bull testes?), our favorite gods in mythology, Percy Jackson, and a set of Would You Rather Questions that are eye opening.
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.
