Dax Shepard Recalls the Unforgettable Way He Helped Kristen Bell During Breastfeeding Struggles

Dax Shepard just redefined what it means to be a truly supportive partner.

During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Parenthood actor shared a surprisingly intimate — and strangely endearing — moment from his marriage to Kristen Bell. He described the time he quite literally came to her aid by sucking out a clogged milk duct while she was breastfeeding.

“I’ll just say I removed a case of mastitis,” Dax said, leaving the audience stunned and Drew visibly taken aback. “It’s not pleasant, and there’s nothing glamorous about it. But when your partner’s in pain, you do what needs to be done.”

He went on to explain that while the experience wasn’t exactly enjoyable, it deepened their bond. “You realize in those moments — this is real love. It’s not just date nights and red carpets. It’s being in the trenches together.”

Kristen, who shares two daughters — Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10 — with Shepard, gently confirmed the story on air, affectionately stroking his cheek and saying, “That was when I knew how deeply he was committed to me.”

The story first made headlines years ago when Bell talked about it on her digital series Momsplaining. She recalled approaching her husband in desperation. “I told him, ‘You either help me or we sit around being awkward about it.’ He didn’t hesitate. He got a cup, sucked the clog out, and spit into it. I was so grateful, I fell even more in love.”

Bell has since revisited the story, even defending the unusual tactic in a later episode with Katie Lowes. “It works,” she said confidently.

And she’s not wrong — lactation professionals back up the claim. Leigh Anne O’Connor, a board-certified lactation consultant, told Self magazine that in severe cases where a pump or baby isn’t effective, partners have been known to step in. “It’s not ideal, but sometimes it gets the job done,” she noted.

Dax’s love and devotion to Kristen doesn’t stop there. Just recently, he proudly celebrated her 2025 Emmy nomination for her lead role in Nobody Wants This, where she plays quirky protagonist Joanne. He marked the occasion in classic Dax fashion — with humor and a little shock value.

On Instagram, he shared a cheeky photo of Kristen doing downward dog in their backyard wearing nothing but electric blue knee-high socks. The caption read: “People don’t realize what it takes to deliver an Emmy-worthy performance. Maybe this was part of her training. Maybe not. Either way… CONGRATS!!!”

Kristen’s reaction online was a little more composed, though still filled with joy. She posted candid shots from a Zoom call with showrunner Erin Foster as they learned about their nominations — both looking hilariously stunned. “Me finding out I got nominated… and @erinfoster too!!!” she wrote.

The series itself earned a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, and Kristen’s co-star Adam Brody was also nominated for his role as Rabbi Noah Roklov. Kristen joins a list of heavy hitters in her category, including Quinta Brunson, Jean Smart, Uzo Aduba, and Ayo Edebiri.

Of course, Dax couldn’t help but chime in again in the comments, writing: “Celebrate by listening to Steven Seagal’s ‘Strut’ on loop all day. You’ve earned it!”

The couple, who started dating back in 2007 and married in 2013 after waiting for marriage equality laws to pass in California, have built a reputation for sharing both the quirky and heartfelt sides of their relationship.

From awkward medical moments to barely-clothed Instagram tributes, Dax and Kristen continue to show that love isn’t always picture-perfect — but it sure is real.

And that’s exactly why their fans keep cheering them on.