As much as breastfeeding is an intimate and beautiful time for many first-time mothers, there are hurdles that every mom who chooses to breastfeed is willing to conquer, including clogged ducts, engorgement, and low milk supply. In the Philippines, lactation massage is a Bohrian practice which is a unique way of assisting mothers to surmount these challenges to have smoother breastfeeding. This sort of therapy is quite popular among new moms looking for nonsurgical ways to boost their lactation.
What is Lactation Massage?
Lactation massage is a particular type of massage that is meant for breastfeeding parents to help them establish a good and comfortable milk supply, as well as making the process of breastfeeding as pleasant as possible. It entails minimal massaging of the breast and the vicinity to foster milk letting out, alleviate swelling, and ease the breasts.
Benefits of Lactation Massage
- Improved Milk Flow: Lactation massage can help stimulate the milk ducts, leading to improved milk production and flow. This is especially beneficial for mothers experiencing difficulties with latching or milk supply.
- Relief from Discomfort: Many new mothers experience breast tenderness, engorgement, or blocked ducts. Lactation massage can provide relief from these discomforts, helping to alleviate pain and pressure.
- Enhanced Bonding: The process of massage can create a calming environment for both mother and baby, fostering a deeper emotional connection during feeding.
- Promotion of Relaxation: Lactation massage encourages relaxation, which can help reduce stress levels. This is particularly important for new mothers who may feel overwhelmed during the early stages of motherhood.
- Support for Milk Letdown: Gentle massage techniques can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk letdown, making breastfeeding more efficient.
Techniques Used in Lactation Massage
- Effleurage: This technique involves gentle, gliding strokes along the breast and chest area to stimulate blood flow and promote relaxation.
- Petrissage: This method uses kneading and rolling motions to target specific areas of tension, helping to release any blockages in the milk ducts.
- Compression: Applying gentle pressure to the breast can help stimulate milk flow and relieve engorgement.
- Warm Compresses: Using warm compresses before and during massage can further enhance relaxation and facilitate milk flow.
When to Consider Lactation Massage
Lactation massage can be beneficial in various situations, including:
- Engorgement: When the breasts become overly full, making it difficult for the baby to latch.
- Blocked Ducts: If a mother is experiencing localized tenderness or a hard lump in the breast.
- Low Milk Supply: For mothers concerned about insufficient milk production.
- Breastfeeding Challenges: To ease discomfort and enhance the overall feeding experience.
How to Perform Lactation Massage
Lactation massage may be administered by a trained specialist, but some tips can be given to the new mothers and they can practice some easy techniques by themselves at their homes. Here’s a simple guide:
- Prepare the Environment: Find a comfortable, quiet space where you can relax. Consider using a warm compress on the breasts for a few minutes to ease tension.
- Start with Effleurage: Using your fingertips, gently glide along the breast and chest area. This helps stimulate circulation and relax the muscles.
- Use Petrissage: Apply gentle kneading motions to any areas of tension or discomfort, focusing on the sides of the breast and under the arms.
- Incorporate Compression: Gently compress the breast using your palms, moving towards the nipple to help express milk.
- Finish with Relaxation: After massaging, take a moment to breathe deeply and relax. This will help you and your baby during feeding.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding or experiencing significant discomfort, consider consulting a lactation consultant or a massage therapist trained in lactation massage. When seeking lactation massage services, it’s essential to find a provider who has experience and certification in both massage therapy and lactation support. Look for professionals who understand the delicate nature of postpartum recovery and who can offer a safe, nurturing environment for mothers.
Most moms choose home service lactation massage as it helps them to receive a treatment in their own house and take care of the baby at the same time. Home Services Massage such as Healer’s Touch Manila guarantees that therapists who visit homes offer the same standards as in the clinic environment.
Healer’s Touch Manila | Home Service Massage
Healer’s Touch Manila aims to provide a unique and convenient home service massage through traditional Filipino therapeutic massaging techniques. Because Healer’s Touch Manila belongs to home service massage providers, the aim to meet the customers’ needs for massage services in Marikina, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Quezon City. Many of their skilled therapists offer a variety of treatment services in mental and physical health to meet the individual needs of their clients. Providing luxury treatment services in the comfort of its clients’ homes within Metro Manila, Healer’s Touch Manila provides healing therapies and treatments that change clients’ lives.
Lactation massage is a conservative approach that can be used to address issues that new mothers may encounter regarding breastfeeding, lessen pain that might develop from the process, and enhance the supply of milk. While helpful to physical health, this delicate process also builds on the therapeutic relationship between the mother and her infant. Since there are professional home service options like Healer’s Touch Manila, mothers are able to receive such privileges in the comfort of their homes thus promoting lactation, breastfeeding and health.
Book your lactation massage session now to support your breastfeeding journey at the comfort of your home!
