Introduction
Premature breastfeeding discontinuation is frequently brought on by issues with nursing that cause maternal pain, such as breast engorgement, clogged milk ducts, and mastitis. One of the common breastfeeding issues is a blocked milk duct. Local milk stagnation brought on by a blocked milk duct promotes the growth of uncomfortable breast lumps. In addition, one of the risk factors for mastitis is a blocked milk duct.
What Is Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation?
Therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) entails soft breast massage movements toward the axillary (armpit) region. This novel integrated breast massage (IBM) method speeds the clearance of clogged milk ducts in lactating women, and clogged milk ducts might be resolved in certain patients with up to four days of daily TBM. In addition, this method includes the successive application of various massage patterns that are already present.
What Are the Advantages of Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation?
Therapeutic Breast Massage has the following advantages in lactation:
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Improves lymphatic circulation.
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Improves blood circulation.
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Enhances breast milk production.
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Makes blocked milk ducts easier to unclog.
What Are the Therapeutic Breast Massage Techniques?
Breast Massage Technique - Except for the nipple area, the afflicted breast is covered with a moist, warm towel for 10 minutes. Then, breastmilk is extracted using an electric pump or nursing the child for 30 minutes. Before beginning the massage, the mother lies down on her back with the head raised at a 45-degree angle. The massage therapist is positioned next to the mother's head. The underlying muscles or bone should never be felt when receiving a massage because the pressure would only reach the skin and superficial fascia levels. Leaning in toward the mother while giving the massage causes the massager's hands, arms, and shoulders to exert pressure rather than their body weight. However, the massagers can modify the pressure to the mother's comfort, which needs to be constantly monitored.
Traditional Breast Massage (TBM) -
Step 1: To calm the mother, the masseuse places her hands on the injured breast and softly rubs the area for five rounds.
Step 2: Gently push and massage in a circular motion with the middle three fingers, beginning at the base of the breast. For five minutes, move to cover the entire breast from the base up toward the nipple.
Step 3: Manually express breast milk until a slow flow is reached, then repeat steps one to three until the 30-minute session is complete.
Step 4: A butterfly stroke occurs when the affected breast is transferred from the breast's base on the medial side to the axillary region while being continually compressed. After that, carry out the identical procedure on the top breast half.
Fingertip Circle: Gently press and massage the breast in a circle around the areola with the fingers of one hand.
Diamond Motion: Both hands move toward each other and the areola, with the breast positioned between the fingers and thumbs of both hands, forming a diamond shape.
Step 5: Press the breast with the palmar side of the second to fifth fingers, alternating hands, and then release (resembling patting on the breast). Next, gently press into the breast with the tips of the second to fifth fingers, then pull both hands apart in a motion akin to scratching. The same movements around the breast and toward the axilla should be repeated. Finally, gently roll and squeeze the areolar region between the thumb and forefinger to aid milk duct dilation.
Step 6: Increased milk drainage from locations where milk ducts are clogged. While the dominant hand manually produces breast milk by gently compressing the areola and nipple between the thumb and index finger, fix and squeeze the breast mass with the non-dominant hand.
What Are the Other Techniques of Breast Massage?
Nipple Rolling - This massage helps to encourage milk duct dilatation, and manual breast mass immobilization and moderate pushing are used to facilitate the drainage of the mass of stored milk in the final step.
What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged Milk Duct?
A clogged milk duct expresses the following symptoms:
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Acutely painful breast masses.
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Localized milk stasis.
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Low-grade temperature (38.4 °C).
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Slight skin redness.
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Fluctuation of the mass upon palpation.
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Acute discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Massage?
Lymphatic System - The body has a network of tubes called the lymphatic system that collects and filters extra fluid waste. These breast veins transport fluid to the lymph nodes close to the collarbone, breastbone, or underarm. The accumulation of fluid and waste might result from lymphatic system damage. Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by this buildup, can result. Lymphedema risk in the arms and chest may be decreased by breast massage, which may assist in stimulating the lymph vessels. A more recent study discovered some evidence supporting the efficacy of manual stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were used to demonstrate how the stimulation has assisted in moving extra lymph fluid.
Breastfeeding - Breast massage while breastfeeding may assist lessen discomfort brought on by milk engorgement in the breast. However, some massage techniques may work better than others. Additionally, breast massages may enhance milk flow by preventing milk duct obstructions and other problems.
Mammary Cancer - Breast massages, perhaps as a type of self-examination, may aid in detecting breast cancer. Breast self-examinations are how 71 percent of breast cancer diagnoses in women under 50 are discovered. Breast cancer can alter the size or form of the breasts and feel like a hard lump or thicker tissue. Early detection of breast cancer can improve outcomes since it gives more time for therapy before the disease spreads widely. In locally advanced breast cancer cases, most patients have a 99 percent chance of surviving for at least five years after their first diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Breast massage may enhance lymphatic drainage, reduce nursing pain, and aid in the detection of breast cancer. Different massage methods might have various outcomes. Breast massage should be avoided by some individuals, such as those receiving cancer therapy. The flow of milk is improved by breast massage. Sucking and massaging help clear the milk ducts and promote more milk production. Breast massage can boost milk production, unclog ducts, lessen nursing discomfort and breast engorgement, and even enhance milk quality, according to a growing body of scientific studies.
