Breast Massage Techniques to Release Blocked Ducts

Abstract

A blocked duct is an obstruction of milk flow, resulting in pain and discomfort in mothers who finally may decide to stop breastfeeding. Breast massage is a nursing technique found to solve this problem because massage improves blood and lymphatic systems and increase the recovery of body tissue. Besides, breast massage is safe, convenient, and economical because a mother can do self-massage techniques at home. As mentioned in the literature, three breast massage techniques reducing blocked ducts are 1) therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TMBL), 2) Six-step recanalization manual therapy (SSRMT), and 3) comprehensive treatment (CT) or Physical therapy Intervention (PTT).  This article aims to present six basic steps of breast massage practicing in the lactation clinic of Buriram hospital for more than 10 years. It was applied from breast massage developed in The Philippines. Those six steps are called butterfly stroke, fingertip circles, diamond stroke, acupressure point I, acupressure point II, and final steps, respectively. It is believed that massaging in each step will stimulate blood circulation, promote more effective functions of milk ducts and milk flow, and finally solve blocked ducts.