Research-backed
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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 lead to milk production.
Most nursing issues are self-resolving, and you may try lactation massage to manage the breastfeeding discomforts. Read on to know the benefits, methods, and tips for lactation massage.
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 (mastitis). 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 lipids, casein, 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).
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).”
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- Poor latching: 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.
- 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.
Besides these, breast massage could help in lymphatic drainage, which may help remove toxins and other harmful waste from the breast.
Quick factSteps 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. 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.
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- 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.
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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).
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
2. Does massaging breasts prevent sagging?
The practice of massaging breasts has been around since ancient times. 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).
A lactation massage or a breast massage is effective in relieving problems such as breast pain and clogged milk ducts. 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. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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.
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
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.
