Plugged Ducts and Breast Massage

The breast is not a muscle, but instead a glandular organ made up of a dense network of milk ducts, milk making cells and connective and fatty tissue. Unfortunately, many people believe that intense massage can help resolve clogged ducts and even receive this recommendation online or from their healthcare provider. Deep tissue massage is not appropriate for lactating breasts ESPECIALLY when the breast is inflamed (ex. plugged ducts/mastitis). Plugged ducts occur when breast tissue becomes inflamed which squeezes the milk ducts and makes it difficult for milk to flow. Deep massage "causes increased inflammation, tissue edema, and microvascular injury" leading to tissue injury and cell death that often leads to a progression to bacterial mastitis and requires antibiotics.

If a massage is performed, it should only be done by a provider who is HIGHLY trained with the complexities of breast tissue and is able to massage in a way that does not cause trauma. If you have a plugged duct, use gentle pressure only at the level that you would stroke a cat. You can also try breast gymnastics to promote lymphatic drainage.

If your provider recommends deep massage in the case of breast inflammation, they may not be educated with the current standard of care in lactation and I encourage you to find a provider to is knowledgeable about current research!

Source: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #36, Physician Guide to Breastfeeding