In the US, breast massage is not typically considered part of typical prenatal massage. In Washington state, we are fortunate as Licensed Massage Therapists to have the option to pursue additional training and certification in Breast Massage. One of the best applications of this modality is in prenatal care.
Often times, as a Massage Therapist, I do not see prenatal clients until they are well into their third trimester and they are coming in to help mitigate some intense discomfort due to late pregnancy. Sciatica, lower extremity swelling, insomnia, etc. And while massage is a wonderful tool in your toolkit for third trimester, massage can also be beneficial in early pregnancy.
One symptom in early pregnancy that’s commonly experienced is breast pain and tenderness. Often due to fluctuating hormones, it can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breast massage has been known to help alleviate that discomfort and help the breast tissue adjust to changes in size, weight, and proportions.
Whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy, if you haven’t had someone teach you how to perform self breast massage at home, finding a Licensed Massage Therapist that is certified in Breast Massage can be helpful for helping manage this discomfort at home. Any Breast Massage session will include self care demonstration so you can replicate the results at home.
If you’re in any stage of pregnancy and looking for education on how to care for your Breast tissue and how to support tissue changes, lactation, or drying up milk supply if you choose not to lactate, consider scheduling a Breast Massage session. This can also be included with your prenatal massage, just mention it upon booking or at the beginning of your session that you would like to learn more or receive Breast Massage as a part of your session.
Another stage that Breast Massage can be helpful is during postpartum if lactating and you’re finding you are struggling with clogged ducts or frequent mastitis. Receiving Breast Massage and then learning how to perform self massage at home to manage symptoms can be an excellent tool in your toolkit for breastfeeding.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 253.470.6332 for a complimentary consultation.