The Benefits of Breast Massage for Nursing Parents

Breastfeeding, which is also called chestfeeding, offers many benefits. That said, this feeding method often comes with a big learning curve. Sure, it's a natural option for feeding your baby, but "natural" doesn't always mean "easy." In the early weeks of breastfeeding, it's common to deal with irritated nipples, plugged ducts, milk supply problems, engorgement, and latch or positioning issues. Breast massage for breastfeeding can help.

While there's no one magic trick to resolving or preventing potential lactation issues, breast massage, also called lactation massage, can relieve many breastfeeding discomforts and promote a healthy breastfeeding practice. Even better, breast or chest massage is simple to learn and do at home. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Breast Massage for Breastfeeding?

Breast massage for breastfeeding, also known as lactation massage, is a hands-on method of facilitating effective lactation. It can be particularly useful when breast milk first "comes in" when the risk of engorgement is high, but the practice can be used for a variety of purposes when lactating.

Similar to hand-expressing breast milk, lactation massage utilizes basic massage techniques on the breast or chest during breastfeeding or pumping to keep breast milk flowing freely. Lactation massage is also called "hands-on pumping" when done while pumping with a manual or electric pump. Breast massage can also be done separately from breastfeeding or pumping to alleviate pain or discomfort in the breast between feedings.

"For a [person] who is breastfeeding without difficulties, there isn't a definite indication for having a lactation massage," says Natasha Chinn, MD, an OB-GYN practicing in New Jersey. "However, in cases where a [person] suffers from frequent clogged ducts or frequent episodes of mastitis, then lactation massage [might serve a purpose]."

Dr. Chinn notes that massaging a clogged duct or another hardened part of the breast can relieve pain and help loosen the clog by breaking up the milk in the impacted area. Additionally, regular breast massage can help to prevent or treat mastitis, an infection of the milk ducts.

The Benefits of Breast Massage for Breastfeeding

In addition to preventing and managing clogged milk ducts and breast infections, lactation massage offers a number of other potential benefits. Amelia Henning, CNM, IBCLC, a certified nurse midwife and lactation specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes that breast massage can improve milk production, assist in the overall "transfer" of milk (i.e., the process of getting milk from your breast to your baby), and provide a much-needed boost in supply for people who pump their breast milk.

Research shows that breast massage works by stimulating lymphatic and blood circulation, which helps to clear blocked milk ducts and enhance breast milk supply. Also, just like the benefits of massaging sore muscles, massaging breast tissue promotes relaxation and healing.

"We've seen massage increase milk supply when it's done along with pumping," says Henning, adding that the skin-to-skin contact normally missing when a parent uses a breast pump may play a role in the link between breast massage and increased supply.

Breast massage can be especially helpful for parents who pump beyond the newborn phase (once they return to work, for example). Those changes to the breastfeeding schedule—when the time between feedings is lengthened, and some feedings are dropped entirely—can contribute to an overall decrease in milk supply.

For these parents, lactation massage may be one of the keys to successfully extending breastfeeding or pumping, says Henning. It also may be beneficial for babies with feeding issues—like those who are sleepy or sluggish at the breast or who have trouble latching onto or emptying the breast during nursing sessions.

How To Do Breast Massage for Breastfeeding

Essentially, breast massage for breastfeeding is simply massaging the breast tissue from the outside edges of the breast inward toward the nipple using light pressure. Aim to massage the entire breast, then move on to the other breast. You can massage the breast while breastfeeding or pumping or just do the massage.

If you're considering trying lactation massage, it's relatively safe to try it at home without any formal instruction, though there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. To start, apply a warm compress like a washcloth dampened with warm water across the breast you're going to massage. Breast massage can be done without this step, but using moist heat helps to encourage blood flow and the loosening of clogged ducts.
2. When you're ready, begin by using your fingertips to gently massage from the top of the breast toward the nipple. You can use straight or circular motions as you move toward and over the nipple and areola.
3. Do not press too hard and if anything feels painful, stop.

"There are slightly different techniques of massage, and what you're using it for could influence which technique you choose," explains Henning. "For clogged ducts, you want to move across the ducts and toward the nipple. For increasing supply when you're pumping, you want to use both hands, if possible, and massage downward toward the nipple."

Whatever your reason for using lactation massage, remember that it should always be comfortable—it should never hurt or leave red marks, says Henning. Try to be firm but gentle because you could cause minor tissue damage if the massage is too vigorous. That said, if you have clogged milk ducts, they may be sensitive to the touch but light massage may relieve that discomfort.

If you're uncomfortable with or unsure about your technique, consider scheduling a home visit with a certified lactation consultant, who can teach you how to use the correct technique to troubleshoot your specific breastfeeding issue. Additionally, never hesitate to contact your health care provider with questions.

"If you're concerned or having persistent clogged ducts or episodes of mastitis, you should definitely speak with your health care provider," says Dr. Chinn.