If you want to reduce breast pain, boost milk flow, or relieve engorgement, you may consider lactation massage. It’s been shown to be a safe and effective way to resolve certain breastfeeding woes.
Clogged milk ducts and engorgement are common issues for nursing moms and can be painful. Luckily, gentle vibration and manual massage can help break up these blockages to ease pain and ensure your baby gets the maximum nutrition from breast milk.
Increased Oxytocin Release
Oxytocin is the hormone that plays a pivotal role in breastfeeding and has many other important functions throughout the human body. These lactation massages like those at Cradle Me Baby help reduce stress and anxiety, increase relaxation and decrease blood pressure. It is also responsible for regulating body temperature and muscle contractions.
This is why it can be helpful for breastfeeding mothers to stimulate the breast with a lactation massager. Using the roller, which has strategically placed bumps, can increase oxytocin release, which in turn helps to boost milk flow.
Lactation massage is a great remedy for many common issues that nursing moms may experience. From sore nipples to clogged milk ducts, it can alleviate pain and stimulate the breast milk supply.
Reduced Pain
Depending on your specific device, a lactation massager can help alleviate the pain you might experience during breastfeeding or pumping. They’re small handheld devices that use vibration and sometimes heat to stimulate the breast tissue and break up clogged ducts.
In addition to being a great tool for nursing mothers, these devices can also be helpful for breastfeeding moms who experience discomfort due to clogged milk ducts or mastitis. The devices can be used as part of a routine to help manage these issues before they become more serious.
These devices can be purchased at most major retailers, and they’re often included in a package of breastfeeding supplies or as part of a pumping kit. They’re a must-have item for breastfeeding moms who want to ensure their baby gets the best possible milk supply during each feeding.
Increased Milk Flow
If you’re a breastfeeding mother, you know how frustrating it can be not to produce enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. Low milk supply, failure to fully empty each breast, and clogged ducts are all common issues that can cause stress and frustration for nursing moms.
A growing body of research shows that lactation massage can reduce pain, increase milk flow and relieve clogged ducts. Furthermore, it’s been shown that certain breast massage types can even improve your milk quality by increasing total solids, lipids, and casein concentration.
Better Sleep
One of the benefits of using a lactation massager is improved sleep for both you and your baby. The most effective massagers are small enough to fit in your hand and come with multiple vibration settings to find the perfect stimulation level for your unique anatomy.
A good night’s rest is necessary to fully recover from breast problems, including sore breasts, plugged ducts, and other nursing symptoms. To help get you and your baby into a restful frame of mind, plan your feedings around sleepy times such as night and day or when you can snuggle up with your little one in bed.
If you are not ready to commit to a full-time nursing schedule, consider pumping as often as possible or using an express milk delivery service. The best pumps for breastfeeding are a mix of manual and electric and can be a great way to meet your child’s nutritional needs while keeping your hands free.