5 Benefits Of Lactation Massage For Breastfeeding Moms

Image: ShutterStock

Lactation massage is a breast massage technique to relax breast tissue and reduce breastfeeding problems. Although breastfeeding is a pleasant experience for most mothers, lactation woes, such as low breast milk supply and breast pain, are common and overwhelming. Lactation massage and nipple stimulation help to empty breasts and enhance milk production. Most nursing issues are self-resolving, and you may try lactation massage to manage the breastfeeding discomforts. Read on to learn the benefits, methods, and tips for lactation massage.

In This Article

Key Pointers

A lactation massage could open blocked milk ducts, increase the milk flow and reduce breast pain.
To massage your breasts, sit in a reclining position and use oil as a lubricant.
If you have mastitis, consult your doctor to learn suitable breast massage techniques.

Benefits Of Lactation Massage

Research highlights that breast massage could help resolve the following breastfeeding problems (1) (2).

Breast pain: A nursing mother could develop breast pain due to breast engorgement or breast infection (mastitisⁱA painful infection of the breast tissue that causes inflammation, swelling, and redness ). Studies indicate that breast pain is one of the most common reasons nursing women discontinue breastfeeding (13). However, different types of breast massage could effectively help ease breast pain, provide breast engorgement relief, and prevent adverse outcomes, such as reduced breastfeeding or early cessation of nursing (3).

Low milk flow: Breast massage in association with breast pumping could increase breast milk volume (4) (5). A study demonstrated that administering certain types of breast massage may even improve breast milk quality by increasing the milk’s lipidsⁱFatty compounds that store energy and help build cell membranes. , caseinⁱThe main protein in milk that supports muscle growth and repair , and total energy (6).
Blocked milk ducts: Breasts contain narrow milk ducts that pass milk from milk glands to the nipple. A baby suckles on the breast to activate the let-down reflex, causing the milk to flow out. However, in some cases, when the milk doesn’t drain from these ducts properly, it stagnates to form a tender, painful lump. In such instances, gently massaging the lump towards the nipple could help relieve the bulge, causing the milk to flow easily (7) (8). A study revealed that 65% of new mothers found therapeutic lactation massage learned during medical visits effective in managing conditions like mastitis and blocked ducts more effectively at home (8).

Teresa, a mother of three and an author, shares in her blog about the day she attempted a lactation massage when her son refused to breastfeed. She says, “I felt my left breast becoming full of milk. I offered it to my son shortly after he had his lunch. But he refused. He would usually breastfeed again after eating lunch. I thought that maybe he was still full. So I just let him play and wait a while. But he kept on playing until he eventually became sleepy and fell asleep. He didn’t get to nurse.

“I felt my left breast becoming fuller as my baby slept. I felt lumps around my breast. My left breast was becoming harder. So, I decided to massage my left breast. And as I slowly worked around massaging it gently, I saw some milk coming out from my nipple. I continued massaging my breast for a few more minutes, and more milk flowed; I decided to express my milk by hand. I massaged my left breast like my previous lactation consultant did when I had my lactation sessions, and then I expressed milk by hand in between. I’m glad I tried doing it today. I was relieved of the discomfort and gained a new option next time the same thing happens (i).”

Lactation massage relieve the blocked milk ducts — Image: Shutterstock

Poor latchingⁱThe ability of the babies to attach or suck milk during breastfeeding : Reverse pressure softening is a breast massage technique wherein the area around the areola (the dark part around the nipple) is softly pressed inwards for one to five minutes. This pressing could reduce the swelling around the nipple, making the area soft and more compressible, suitable for a baby to latch (9). RPS is used immediately post delivery when breasts are engorged because of edema. It helps in draining the lymph fluids which leads to edema. Clinical lactation care provider Maya Bolman suggests that a gentle breast massage with hand expression is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease engorgement and discomfort. It helps soften the breasts, relieve pain, and make latching easier for nursing infants (10).

Stretch marks: Experts believe that gently massaging the breast for 30 seconds or more could increase blood flow and collagen production. It may cause the stretch marks to fade away eventually (14).

Besides these, breast massage could help in lymphatic drainage, which may help remove toxins and other harmful waste from the breast.

Quick fact

According to new research, breast massage may help decrease sodium levels in the breastmilk and improve your infant’s suckling. Consult your massage therapist to know more about this service (2).

Steps To Do Breast Massage For Lactation

There are different ways to perform a lactation massage. The type of massage suitable to you will depend on the massage’s intent. Thus, consulting a lactation consultant is advisable. Understanding how to express breast milk by hand is quite vital for a smooth nursing experience.

Nonetheless, here are some simple steps that you may follow to resolve general breastfeeding problems, such as engorgement and plugged ducts (10).

Sit comfortably, such as in a reclining position. Ensure that you are calm and the room’s ambiance is pleasant.
Warm your hands by rubbing them against each other, or you could use a warm towel to do it.

Warm your hands by rubbing for lactation massage — Image: Shutterstock

Take some oil or massage cream and rub it in your palms as a lubricant. You could consult your healthcare provider regarding the suitable oil or cream, depending on your massage’s intent.

Begin massaging the entire breast in a rhythmic circular motion moving towards the axilla (armpit) using your fingertips, gently tapping and kneading the breasts with your fingers. Be gentle and avoid using excessive force.

Pause in between the massage to hand-express some milk. It will boost the let-down reflex. If hand-expressing the milk seems difficult, you may also use a breast pump.

Once the milk starts flowing smoothly, reduce the number of massage strokes and express more milk until you feel relief.

You may massage each breast for 30 to 45 minutes before feeding or while bathing. If you intend to massage while feeding, let the baby feed from one breast while you massage the other one.

Do lactation massage for each breast for 30 to 45 minutes — Image: Shutterstock

Research finds

Australia-based researchers Linda Sweet and Vidanka Vasilevski highlight in their research that lactation devices like Lactamo, which support breast massage along with warm/cold therapy and compression, may help ease breastfeeding issues such as pain, blocked ducts, and engorgement (15).

Are There Any Risks Of Breast Massage During Lactation?

There are no apparent risks of breast massage during lactation provided you do it right. Still, you should consult a lactation consultant or doctor before you massage your breast, especially while having a breast infection (mastitis).

Dr. Margaret Thompson, physician at Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Breast Services, states that breast massage can be performed as often as the mother prefers and poses no known risks to her as long as it feels comfortable. However, she advises seeking medical attention if mothers notice an unusual breast lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes around the breasts (14).

If you are unsure about how to massage correctly, consult a licensed massage therapist. They may guide you on the right way to massage and even ascertain if the massage benefits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does vibration increase milk supply?

According to a study, the DC Motor Vibratory (DMV) system can enhance the process of breastfeeding in postpartum women (11).

2. Does massaging breasts prevent sagging?

The practice of massaging breasts has been around since ancient times. In some cultures, a full-body postpartum massage is an important part of maternal care after childbirth. A good oil massage is believed to improve blood circulation and prevent breasts from sagging. However, there is no medical study or research to support the claims.

3. How often should lactation massage be done?

Lactation massage may be done in regular intervals before feeding or pumping to increase the milk supply or as per your doctor’s advice.

4. Is lactation massage safe for mothers who have C-sections?

Lactation massages are safe for mothers who have undergone a C-section and may be conducted by nurses to help stimulate breast milk production and deal with lactation issues, such as breast engorgement and pain, and delayed onset of breastfeeding (12).

5. Can lactation massage be performed daily?

Yes, lactation massage can be done daily to enhance milk flow and reduce discomfort. However, ensure you use gentle pressure and avoid excessive force. Also, pay attention to your body’s signals and seek advice from a healthcare provider if you feel any pain or discomfort.

6. Can lactation massage cause an oversupply of milk?

When done gently and with the correct technique, a lactation massage helps maintain a stable milk supply. However, excessive massage can overstimulate the breasts, worsening an overactive milk supply (16).

A lactation massage or a breast massage is effective in relieving problems such as breast pain and clogged milk ductsⁱA condition where the milk duct gets blocked, leading to lumps, swelling, itching, and soreness. . It may improve milk volume and quality and make stretch marks less visible. In addition, reduced swelling around the nipples helps babies to latch properly. You may massage your breasts before or after a feed or during a bath. You may use a suitable oil as a lubricant. However, consult a doctor or a massage therapist to know the proper techniques, especially if you have a breast infection.

Infographic: Oketani Breast Massage

Oketani massage is a beneficial procedure that improves lactation and builds confidence in mothers who have difficulty nursing. Explore this infographic to learn its uses and how it is done to support breastfeeding.

oketani technique of breast massage (infographic)

This video provides valuable insight on how to massage your breasts to increase your milk supply! Follow along with our easy-to-follow steps and get the most out of your breastfeeding journey.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Expressing breastmilk by hand;https://mommytg.blogspot.com/2013/02/expressing-breastmilk-by-hand.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Sukhee Ahn et al.; Effects of breast massage on breast pain, breast-milk sodium, and newborn suckling in early postpartum mothers; NCBI
2. Postpartum Massage; American Pregnancy Association
3. Loretta Anderson et al.; Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review; NCBI
4. Methods of milk expression for lactating women; NCBI
5. Hand Expression of Breastmilk; La Leche League GB
6. Foda, Mervat I. et al.; Composition of Milk Obtained From Unmassaged Versus Massaged Breasts of Lactating Mothers; Journal Of Pediatric Garsteneterology And Nutrition
7. Breast pain and breastfeeding; NHS
8. Ann M Witt et al.; Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis; NCBI
9. My Breasts are Swollen and Engorged; The Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education
10. New Strategies For Relieving Engorgement: Tips and Tools From Maya Bolman, BA, BSN, IBCLC; International Lactation Consultant Association
11. Siti Saidah Nasution, et al; (2018); The effectiveness of DC Motor Vibrilatory Stimulus (DMV) among Postpartum Women on Giving Breast Milk.
12. Maryam Mahdizadeh-Shahri et al.; (2021); The Effect of Oketani Breast Massage on Successful Breastfeeding, Mothers’ Need for Breastfeeding Support, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: an Experimental Study; NCBI.
13.Anderson, Loretta; Breast massage: can it keep mothers breastfeeding longer?; The Joanna Briggs Institute.
14. 6 Benefits of Breast Massage (and How To Get Started Today); Cleveland Clinic
15. Linda Sweet and Vidanka Vasilevski; (2022); Evaluation of a new lactation device ‘Lactamo’ designed to apply massage, heat or cold, and compression to the breast; International Breastfeeding Journal.
16. Oversupply; La Leche League

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Arushi AgrawalIBCLC

Arushi Agarwal is a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who started as a mom. She has four years of experience and currently works at Surya Hospital, Jaipur. Her struggles through the journey of breastfeeding led her to her mission of passionately creating awareness about the struggles of breastfeeding and the need for help.

Read full bio of Arushi Agrawal

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Anindita GhatakB.Tech

Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

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