Does Massage Improve Breastfeeding? Here’s the Answer and Real Experiences from Mothers

We love reading and sharing experiences of real mothers who have gotten a massage from us at PNSG. Every mother’s story of how our massage improves their maternity journey through our post and pre natal massage singapore services always motivates us and reminds us why we do what we do. 

Today, we’d like to focus on breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding has never been an easy task, and yet we are expected to do it for months continuously. While the experience is never exactly the same from one mother to another, there are undoubtedly some biggest enemies in common that mothers can agree to such as breast engorgement and blocked ducts – which can make breastfeeding a nightmare.

Does massage improve breastfeeding?

Studies show it does! In fact, it is proven that giving yourself a massage while breastfeeding works well to empty out the milk ducts and stimulate more milk production. Studies also concluded that massage can increase the milk output by up to 48%!

On that note, here are some mothers whose breastfeeding nightmares were massaged away by our skilled therapists!

“I had a great experience with PNSG and I would like to thank aunty Norrahmah Rashid for the wonderful service!Breast engorgement is the greatest fear of any nursing mummies and aunty is very skilled in lactation massage. On day 3 after delivery when the milk was supposed to flow in, she helped me to clear the blocked ducts, extract the remaining colostrum and assist with my milk flow. With her help, it prevented breast engorgement.She is also skilled in post partum massage which helps to ease sore spots and relaxes muscle tension particularly on my abdomen, lower back and hip area. The massage also helped to reduce water retention in areas such as my tummy and thighs; and improved my blood circulations to help burn body fat faster.Aunty is also very friendly and helpful! She always prepare the bed for me before the massage and pack up nicely after the massage. I will strongly recommend aunty Norrah to any mummies who have just delivered!” – Vivian Luo Peiling Source: Facebook

“Would like to thank and recommend my therapist, Mdm Anita. She is very friendly, punctual and accommodating. She often has to wait for the baby to finish breastfeeding before she can start her massage, yet she always wait with a smile and ask me to take my time. Her massage helps me to feel relaxed and I am able to sleep better. She also helps to massage my breast to prevent any engorgement and the milk flows better.Thank you Mdm Anita for the awesome post-natal massage!” – Eileen Koh Source: Facebook

“Thank you to my masseuse Auntie Emily. She is super friendly, punctual and also very knowledgeable on postpartum recovery .She always sharing me alot of tips and her massage helps me to feel relaxed and I’m able to sleep better. She also helped to massage my breast to relieved my blocked ducts and make the milk flow better.  Highly recommended! ” – Minii Mandy Source: Facebook

“i always enjoyed and feel so relaxed on every massage session with Mdm Siti, she is always cheerful, friendly and so bubbly she is also very professional in her massage! she shared tips on how to massage engorged breast , and ever since i started the massage, it improved so much on my breast engorgement. Thank you so much Mdm Siti! highly recommend her!” – Tiffany Yap Source: Facebook

“I had Sally as my therapist and I must say the whole experience had been very pleasant and relaxing. She is able to exert the right pressure points on my aching areas and even manage 5o massage my clogged blocked ducts away.Having her around makes my confinement days more cheery as  she exhibits a positive and chatty personality.Will strongly recommend her as ur next therapist” – Amanda Cheong Source: Facebook

“Just completed my massage with sister Sofi, the therapist. She has a amazing hands and massage skills that I could feel and see the result in 3 sessions of the massage. During the massage, I get to understand more of my body and I feel completely comfortable and relax during the session. She also help me to improve my milk supply for my new born. Always looking forward to the massage session with her. Thank you sister Sofi ” – Jessica Sin Source: Facebook

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And these are just some of the mothers whose breastfeeding experience was greatly improved by the massage! So, what are you waiting for? Be the next mother to enjoy smoother breastfeeding through rejuvenation in-home sessions with us! Of course, for expectant moms, we have our pregnancy body massage for you as well to relieve the various discomforts that come with pregnancy.

Ready for the best postnatal massage Singapore mothers swear by? Drop us a call to get pampered by our skilled certified therapist. We are available daily from 9-6, at +6564179690.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can massage help improve breastfeeding?

Definitely. One of the benefits of postpartum massage, particularly in combination with back and breast massage, is the increase of prolactin, which is a hormone that plays a crucial role in milk production—thus, potentially, facilitating the success of breastfeeding.

How does massage support breast milk supply?

Massage facilitates blood flow, promotes relaxation, and influences the release of hormones (like prolactin and oxytocin) that are known to increase milk production and make it easier for the mother to let the milk flow during feeding. 

Does breast or back massage make breastfeeding more comfortable?

Absolutely! Soft breast massage aids in the cure of engorgement, blocked ducts, and pain, while back or shoulder massage releases the tension caused by the nursing positions, thus making the whole breastfeeding process more comfortable.

When is the best time to start massage after childbirth to support breastfeeding?

Most new mothers can start gentle, non-breastfeeding massage not long after birth if they have been medically cleared. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have doubts, particularly after surgery.

Is it safe to massage the breast directly after childbirth?

Gentle breast massage is generally considered safe, but it should be done with caution. If there are any breast pains, wounds, infections, or issues with lactation, you should consult a lactation consultant or a therapist first to properly discuss the technique. 

Can massage help with breastfeeding problems like blocked ducts?

Breast massage, combined with other techniques such as the application of warm compresses and proper feeding or pumping, may help clear blocked milk ducts and enhance milk flow. 

Should I get professional massage therapy or do it myself at home?

Both options are beneficial. Professional therapists who are trained in postpartum massage can safely and effectively target the tensions and aid in the relaxation of the patient, while simple techniques like gentle breast or back massage and warm compresses can be done at home as part of the breastfeeding routine.

Does massage affect emotional well-being during breastfeeding?

Yes! Massage can lead to the reduction of stress and anxiety, the promotion of relaxation, and the regulation of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which altogether provide new mothers with the emotional support they need.