The Benefits of Breast Massage for Nursing Parents

Experts share insights on whether breast massage can prevent breastfeeding issues like mastitis and increase milk supply.

Image credit: Mykola Sosiukin

Breastfeeding, also referred to as chestfeeding, offers numerous benefits but often comes with challenges. Despite being a natural feeding method, many nursing parents face issues like irritated nipples, plugged ducts, milk supply problems, engorgement, and difficulties with latch or positioning. Breast massage for breastfeeding can help alleviate these common discomforts and promote a healthy nursing practice.

What Is Breast Massage for Breastfeeding?

Breast massage for breastfeeding, also known as lactation massage, involves hands-on techniques to facilitate effective lactation. Particularly useful when breast milk first “comes in,” which is a time of high risk for engorgement, this practice can be beneficial at various stages of lactation. Similar to hand-expressing breast milk, lactation massage uses massage techniques on the breast or chest during breastfeeding or pumping to ensure milk flows freely. When done while pumping, it’s known as “hands-on pumping.” Breast massage can also be performed separately from breastfeeding or pumping to alleviate breast pain or discomfort between feedings.

“For someone breastfeeding without difficulties, there isn’t a definite need for lactation massage,” says Natasha Chinn, MD, an OB-GYN in New Jersey. “However, for those who suffer from frequent clogged ducts or mastitis, lactation massage can be helpful.” Massaging a clogged duct or hardened area can relieve pain and help loosen the clog by breaking up the milk in the affected area. Regular breast massage can also 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 infections, lactation massage offers several other potential benefits. Amelia Henning, CNM, IBCLC, a certified nurse midwife and lactation specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights that breast massage can improve milk production, assist in milk transfer (the process of getting milk from breast to baby), and boost supply for those who pump their breast milk.

Research indicates that breast massage works by stimulating lymphatic and blood circulation, which helps clear blocked milk ducts and enhance milk supply. Similar to massaging sore muscles, massaging breast tissue promotes relaxation and healing.

“We’ve seen massage increase milk supply when done along with pumping,” says Henning. The skin-to-skin contact typically missing during pumping might contribute to the link between breast massage and increased supply.

Breast massage is particularly useful for parents who pump beyond the newborn phase, such as after returning to work. Changes in the breastfeeding schedule—lengthening time between feedings and dropping some feedings—can lead to a decrease in milk supply. For these parents, lactation massage may be key to extending breastfeeding or pumping successfully. It can also benefit babies with feeding issues, such as those who are sleepy or have trouble latching.

How To Do Breast Massage for Breastfeeding

Breast massage for breastfeeding involves massaging the breast tissue from the outer edges inward toward the nipple using light pressure. Aim to massage the entire breast, then switch to the other breast. You can massage during breastfeeding, pumping, or separately.

If you’re trying lactation massage, it’s safe to attempt at home without formal instruction. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Warm Compress: Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the breast you’re about to massage. While not essential, moist heat encourages blood flow and helps loosen clogged ducts.
Gentle Massage: Use your fingertips to gently massage from the top of the breast toward the nipple using straight or circular motions.
Avoid Pain: Do not press too hard; stop if it feels painful.

“There are different massage techniques depending on the issue,” Henning explains. “For clogged ducts, move across the ducts toward the nipple. To increase supply while pumping, use both hands to massage downward toward the nipple.”

Breast massage should be comfortable and never painful or leave red marks. Be firm yet gentle to avoid tissue damage. If you have clogged ducts, they might be sensitive, but light massage can relieve discomfort.

If you’re unsure about your technique, consider a home visit with a certified lactation consultant, who can teach you the correct method for your specific breastfeeding issue. Always contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.

“If you’re having persistent clogged ducts or mastitis, speak with your healthcare provider,” advises Dr. Chinn.

In summary, breast massage can be a valuable tool for nursing parents, helping to alleviate common breastfeeding issues and promote a successful lactation journey.