Therapeutic Breast Massage
What is Therapeutic Breast Massage?
Therapeutic Breast Massage (TBM) is gentle massage that helps relieve problems like engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis. It reduces swelling and helps milk flow more easily through the breast. TBM can be helpful at any stage of breastfeeding.1,2
- Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Use Lubricant: Apply a little olive oil or another lubricant to your fingers if you want.
- Start Gently Tapping: Use your fingertips to gently tap the areola (the darker skin around the nipple), moving out toward your armpit. Use a rolling motion.
- Massage in Circles: Massage in small circles around the side of your breast, and on the chest muscles above the breast, moving toward the armpit.
- Alternate Breasts: Massage both breasts. Tap and knead each one with the back of your fists.
- Hand Expression: In between massages, express (remove) some breast milk by hand.
- Continue for 30-45 Minutes: Do TBM for as long as comfortable, up to about 30 to 45 minutes.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Breast Massage
Breast pain is one of the main reasons why some mothers stop breastfeeding early. Therapeutic Breast Massage can help solve common problems that happen when you start breastfeeding. When you do TBM regularly with gentle hand expression, it can reduce swelling and pain. Studies have shown that TBM can also improve the quality of breast milk. Often, relief is immediate, and you can continue breastfeeding without interruption.1,2
Engorgement
Engorgement happens when your breasts become swollen and painful during the onset of your milk production. This can happen in the first few days after giving birth, usually between 3-5 days postpartum, and can last up to 10 days. First-time mothers and mothers who have had a cesarean delivery are more likely to experience engorgement. It can also happen when you’re stopping breastfeeding (weaning).3
Therapeutic Breast Massage helps move the swelling from the breast tissue and back into the body, which can give relief from engorgement. After massaging, you can use ice or a cold compress for 10 minutes to help reduce swelling even more.
Latching Your Baby to the Breast
If your baby is having trouble latching because of engorgement, Therapeutic Breast Massage can help soften the breast and make it easier for your baby to latch. After TBM, you can gently “walk” your fingers around the nipple area and hand express a few drops of milk to help your baby latch deeply. You can also nurse from the opposite breast while doing the massage. This can make your breastfeeding sessions more effective.3
Plugged Ducts
Plugged or clogged ducts are common during the first few months of breastfeeding when your body is getting used to your baby’s needs. A clogged duct happens when one of the milk ducts gets blocked, which causes a painful lump in the breast. It can also feel warm and tender. Common causes of clogged ducts include not breastfeeding often enough, a poor latch, tight clothing, or stress. Most clogged ducts go away in 2-3 days with proper care.3
To clear a clogged duct, try doing Therapeutic Breast Massage before breastfeeding. You can also gently apply pressure behind the clogged area while your baby nurses. You can also use a warm compress before the massage to help with milk removal. Alternate between heat and cold to the affected area. If you have a milk blister (called a bleb), avoid squeezing it, as it can make the pain worse.3
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection or inflammation in the breast tissue that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. It can happen because milk isn’t being removed from the breast, a clogged duct gets worse, or because of changes in breastfeeding patterns. It may also be caused by tight bras. Mastitis can make you feel feverish, with flu-like symptoms, and the breast can feel hot and painful. If you think you have mastitis, reach out to your provider. TBM can help with healing, but you may need medicine to treat an infection.3
Chronic Breastfeeding Pain
If you have chronic (long-lasting) breast pain, Therapeutic Breast Massage can help. It can encourage your milk to flow more easily, whether you’re breastfeeding or pumping. If the pain doesn’t improve after using TBM, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to check for any other causes.
Other Tips:
- Try to breastfeed as often as possible to keep your milk flowing.
- Get as much rest as you can.
- If your baby can’t nurse, use a hospital-grade breast pump every 2-3 hours to protect your milk supply.
- If you don’t feel better after a few days, contact your doctor.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, this Aeroflow class expands on some of the topics discussed above:
- Lactation Q&A
To register for this class, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
References