Breastfeeding can be a beautiful, bonding experience, but it’s far from easy. Sore nipples, clogged milk ducts and low milk supply are just a few of the issues nursing parents may contend with. But don’t let these common complaints sour your experience—most ailments can be safely treated at home. While it certainly isn’t a fix-all solution, gentle lactation massage can ease breast pain, loosen clogs and stimulate milk supply. Of course, you can always use your hands, but a lactation massager is great if you’re after a quick fix or want to target certain areas. But what exactly is a lactation massager, and does it really work? We’ve got all the information you need to know about these nifty gadgets, plus our picks of the best lactation massagers on the market. In this article: What is a lactation massager? Is lactation massage safe? Benefits of a lactation massager How to use a lactation massager The best lactation massagers
What is a Lactation Massager? A lactation massager is a small, handheld device that uses vibration and, in some cases, heat to stimulate the breast tissue and break up clogs. Typically made from silicone, these palm-sized massagers can be helpful in a pinch, but aren’t always necessary for nursing moms. According to Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, LCCE, a certified lactation consultant in New York City, massagers work well for people that aren’t comfortable handling their breasts—or those with carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions that make it hard to manually manipulate.
Is Lactation Massage Safe? New guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) advise against deep-tissue massage for parents dealing with mastitis. However, gentle sweeping motions with your hands or light stimulation with a lactation massager may be soothing and helpful. “The idea is that you wouldn’t press the massager too vigorously or aim for any kind of deep-tissue massage,” explains Wendy Wisner, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant in New York City.
Benefits of a Lactation Massager While it isn’t a necessity for new parents, a lactation massager can be a helpful tool if you choose to pump or breastfeed. Below, the three main benefits of using a lactation massager.
Stimulate milk flow. Everyone is different, but for some people, light massage can stimulate the flow of breastmilk. Although lactation massage doesn’t increase milk supply, it can “wake up” the breasts and get your milk flowing, explains Wisner. This is especially helpful if you are about to nurse, as it entices baby to latch and suck more vigorously—and frequent nursing or pumping sessions can increase milk production.
Help to relieve clogged milk ducts. “If milk ducts are blocked, it’s like a traffic jam and the milk doesn’t flow,” explains O’Connor. Alongside frequent nursing or pumping sessions, gentle vibration or light manual massage can help to release blockages that cause clogged milk ducts.
Reduce pain. In addition to vibration, some lactation massagers are designed with a soothing heat setting. Applying a little heat to the affected area can ease the symptoms of painful, engorged breasts. However, it’s important to note that cold compresses—or a combination of the two—are the best way to reduce inflammation. And if you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch, or if the breasts are so engorged that the nipple is flattened, Wisner recommends contacting a lactation consultant for help.
How to Use a Lactation Massager Before unboxing your new gadget read the instructions and, if possible, watch an online demonstration by a reputable lactation massager brand. Wisner warns against deep-tissue massage, as this can actually be counterproductive, so start on the lowest vibration setting. You can always go up a level, as needed… “To use the massager, find the targeted spot and focus on that area, gently moving in a circular motion,” explains O’Connor. It can also be helpful to massage away from the clog, to create more space for the milk to flow, she continues.
The Best Lactation Massagers Now that you’ve got the basics, you’re ready to browse the options. Here are the five best lactation massagers on the market. Best warming lactation massagerFrida Mom 2-in-1 Lactation MassagerImage: buybuyBABYBuying OptionsbuybuyBABY | $34.99Target | $34.99Give your chest a helping hand with Frida Mom’s warming lactation massager. Adjustable heat and vibration modes gently break up obstructions, so milk can start flowing again. The unique looped end and side scoop help to pull out blocked milk and empty your breasts. Meanwhile, the pointed tip can get to work on clogged ducts. It’s made from medical-grade silicone and is water-resistant to boot.What We LoveHeat settingAdjustable vibration modesThings To ConsiderShort battery lifeBest heatless lactation massagerLaVie Lactation MassagerImage: TargetBuying OptionsbuybuyBABY | $34.99Target | $34.95Warming lactation massagers are great, but not everyone’s a fan of the sensation. The original lactation massager by LaVie has multiple vibration settings, so you can find the perfect speed for you. The ergonomic design can be used in three different ways: Glide the scooped edge towards the nipple to move milk forward, use the small tip to provide targeted relief to clogged milk ducts and use the flat side to help with sensitivity and engorgement. Plus, the heat-free device is waterproof, meaning you can take it into a hot shower before a nursing session. Good vibes only.What We LoveWaterproofFive speed settingsThree-hour battery lifeThings To ConsiderNo heat settingBest waterproof lactation massagerMomcozy Warming and Vibration Lactation MassagerImage: MomcozyBuying OptionsMomcozy | $29.99Walmart | $29.99Next up on our list of the best lactation massagers is this pick by Momcozy. Made from silky-soft silicone, the palm-sized gadget is small enough to slip inside a nursing bra. Gentle vibrations and warming sensations relieve pain and discomfort as you produce milk. It has three adjustable modes, meaning you can use the heat and vibration settings together or separately. It also happens to be waterproof, so it’s suitable for use in the shower.What We LoveWaterproofTwo modes and six intensity speedsThings To ConsiderIt takes four to five minutes for the massager to warm upBest manual lactation massagerLaVie Lactation Massage RollerImage: buybuyBABYBuying OptionsbuybuyBABY | $17.99Target | $17.99These days there’s a gadget for everything, but if you can’t face having one more device to charge, consider this massage roller by LaVie. This tool offers the same benefits as hands-on lactation massage, and is a good option for parents that dislike vibration. Use the scooped handle to draw milk towards the nipple, and the nobbled roller head to treat pain. Simple yet effective.What We LoveWaterproofManual device—no charger requiredAffordable price pointThings To ConsiderNo heat settingBest lactation massager with cooling reliefCrane Breast MassagerImage: MaisonetteBuying OptionsbuybuyBABY | $34.99Maisonette | $34.99When it comes to breastfeeding pain, some people prefer cooling relief over a warming sensation. And that’s where the Crane Breast Massager comes in. This non-warming device gently vibrates to help alleviate pain and soothe the discomfort associated with clogged ducts and engorgement. It has three vibration modes and multiple speed settings, so you can customize the intensity to suit your needs. The best part? It comes with cooling gel pads that you can apply to your nipples between nursing or pumping sessions.What We LoveIncludes cooling gel padsWaterproofThree vibration modesThings To ConsiderNo heat settingAbout the experts: Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, LCCE, is a New York-based board-certified lactation consultant with more than 20 years of experience. She is a former president of the New York Lactation Consultant Association. Wendy Wisner, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant and writer based in New York. She is a former La Leche League leader. Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.Plus, more from The Bump: What to Expect at Each Stage of Breastfeeding Postpartum Essentials You’ll Need for Recovery Best Breast Pumps to Suit Your Needs
What is a Lactation Massager?
Is Lactation Massage Safe?
Benefits of a Lactation Massager
Stimulate milk flow. Everyone is different, but for some people, light massage can stimulate the flow of breastmilk. Although lactation massage doesn’t increase milk supply, it can “wake up” the breasts and get your milk flowing, explains Wisner. This is especially helpful if you are about to nurse, as it entices baby to latch and suck more vigorously—and frequent nursing or pumping sessions can increase milk production.
Help to relieve clogged milk ducts. “If milk ducts are blocked, it’s like a traffic jam and the milk doesn’t flow,” explains O’Connor. Alongside frequent nursing or pumping sessions, gentle vibration or light manual massage can help to release blockages that cause clogged milk ducts.
Reduce pain. In addition to vibration, some lactation massagers are designed with a soothing heat setting. Applying a little heat to the affected area can ease the symptoms of painful, engorged breasts. However, it’s important to note that cold compresses—or a combination of the two—are the best way to reduce inflammation. And if you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch, or if the breasts are so engorged that the nipple is flattened, Wisner recommends contacting a lactation consultant for help.
