What is Therapeutic Breast Massage?

Therapeutic Breast Massage (TBM) is a gentle, hands-on technique that can bring relief from many common breastfeeding challenges—such as engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis. By supporting your body’s lymphatic system and encouraging natural lymphatic drainage, TBM helps reduce swelling, improve milk flow, and ease pain.

Whether you are in the first month postpartum or further along your breastfeeding journey, TBM can be a soothing, effective tool. Research shows that when TBM is combined with light pressure and hand expression, it can decrease your pain level and improve comfort.

Mothers around the world have used massage and hand expression for centuries to improve their breastfeeding experience—today, TBM brings together that wisdom with evidence-based physical therapy intervention to support your breastfeeding experience.

Why Try Therapeutic Breast Massage?

Pain is one of the leading reasons mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they’d hoped. TBM offers both immediate relief and long-term support by:

  • Reducing swelling and pain from breast engorgement.
  • Helping clear plugged ducts before they turn into mastitis.
  • Encouraging better milk flow and easier latching.
  • Supporting overall breast health through improved circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Often, moms notice relief right away and can return to breastfeeding comfortably without interruption.

How TBM Helps Common Breastfeeding Concerns

Engorgement

Engorgement usually happens 3–5 days after birth, when your milk first comes in. Your breasts may feel swollen, hot, and very firm—sometimes making it hard for your baby to latch. Engorgement can also happen later, such as during weaning.

TBM helps move excess fluid from the breast tissue back into circulation through the lymphatic system, easing swelling and tenderness. After massage, using an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth or a receiving blanket can provide extra comfort. (Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.)

Latching Difficulties

When breasts are overly full, babies may struggle to latch. Gentle TBM can soften your breast, making it easier for your baby to latch deeply and ensuring they get plenty of milk.

Plugged Ducts

Plugged or clogged ducts can feel like a bruise or pulled muscle, and may appear as small, painful lumps. They’re often warm or tender and can be caused by missed feedings, a shallow latch resulting in inefficient milk removal, or even tight bras.

TBM can help clear the blockage by applying light pressure behind the affected area during breastfeeding or pumping. Warm compresses before massage and cold compresses afterward may add extra relief. If you notice a milk blister (bleb) on your nipple, avoid squeezing it—it can make the pain worse.

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation or infection of the breast tissue that can cause redness, swelling, heat, and flu-like symptoms. It often begins with untreated plugged ducts or engorgement.

While TBM may encourage drainage and healing, mastitis sometimes requires antibiotics or other medical treatment. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve within 24 hours or worsen.

Steps to Perform Therapeutic Breast Massage

  1. Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
  2. Use Lubricant: Apply a small amount of olive oil or another gentle lubricant if desired.
  3. Gently Tap: Use your fingertips to lightly tap around the areola (the darker skin around the nipple), moving outward toward your armpit.
  4. Massage in Circles: Using light pressure, make small circular motions around the breast and chest muscles, directing fluid toward the armpit to aid lymphatic drainage.
  5. Alternate Sides: Massage both breasts, using tapping and kneading with the back of your fists.
  6. Hand Expression: Between massages, hand express milk to help relieve milk stasis.
  7. Duration: Continue for as long as comfortable, up to about 30 to 45 minutes.

Other Tips for Breast Health

  • Breastfeed at least 8-12 times per day during the newborn stage. Try not to go longer than one 4-5 hour stretch at night without breastfeeding in the early weeks.
  • If your baby isn't breastfeeding well, use a hospital-grade breast pump at least 8 times per day, including once or twice at night.
  • Rest and hydrate to support healing and recovery.
  • Rest, hydrate, and nourish your body—it makes a difference in healing and recovery.
  • Remember: gentle, consistent care can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

When to Seek Medical Help

Call your healthcare provider if:

  • You don’t notice improvement within 24 hours of trying TBM and home care.
  • You develop fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms (possible mastitis).
  • You have chronic breast pain that doesn’t improve with massage.
  • You notice unusual changes in the breast, such as persistent lumps, skin dimpling, or changes in the nipple.

Therapeutic Breast Massage is a loving, gentle way to support your body and your breastfeeding journey. By encouraging lymphatic drainage, easing pain, and helping milk flow, TBM can bring comfort, confidence, and relief—making breastfeeding more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.