Breast massage in pregnancy

Women who are expecting a baby are often advised to do breast massage during pregnancy, which should become part of proper breast care during this period and preparation for the upcoming feeding of the child.

Preparing a pregnant woman's breasts for breastfeeding

But a pregnant woman needs to prepare her breasts for breastfeeding. For this purpose, consultations with obstetricians are held, who advise:

• monitor the cleanliness of the mammary glands, which can be achieved by taking a regular shower (with baby soap), after which the breasts should be carefully dried with light blotting movements (without excessive pressure or rubbing) during the first three months of pregnancy;
• even when at home, wear a comfortable bra that fits your breast size and does not compress the glands, and preferably one made of natural material;
• in the second trimester, you can do a contrast douche on your breasts (or the same shower) followed by using a harder towel, with which each mammary gland is wiped in a circular motion, including the juice area. In essence, this is a self-massage of the breasts;
• to soften the skin and relieve itching, which often occurs due to stretching of the epidermis, it is useful to lubricate the chest with good quality olive oil, avoiding creams, which often contain not very useful components;
• Give your breasts a chance to “breathe” every day, that is, harden your mammary glands with air baths.

But shortly before the due date, doctors recommend (and show how to do it correctly) to train the nipples a little by pulling and squeezing them. But these manipulations are prohibited if the woman has undergone courses of therapy to maintain pregnancy.

To remove all doubts about how to do breast massage during pregnancy, consult a good obstetrician, and also read the materials: Breast massage and Massage during pregnancy.

Is breast massage necessary during pregnancy?

This question is asked by many pregnant women, and it is not without reason. When it comes to what massage techniques are allowed to be used, it is unlikely that therapeutic massage is meant. Therapeutic massage uses a clear set of techniques (in the form of stroking, rubbing, kneading, tapping and vibration), which should help improve tissue trophism in certain diseases and pathological conditions. And there are many of them - from osteochondrosis and back pain to post-traumatic syndromes and paralysis.

We would like to remind you that pregnancy is neither a disease nor a pathology... So what exactly does breast massage mean during pregnancy and how to do breast massage during pregnancy?

To ensure the lactation process, under the influence of estradiol, prolactin, chorionic somatomammotropin produced by the placenta and some pituitary hormones, the mammary gland undergoes a number of morphological changes during pregnancy.

These changes (which may cause some soreness of the mammary glands) are physiological, that is, they are inherent in the process of fetal development in the uterus. They occur throughout gestation and are not included in the indications for massage. Moreover, during the first and third trimesters, any impact on the breast of a pregnant woman is strictly prohibited. This is due not only to the processes of development of the alveoli and ducts in the glands, but also to the special dependence of their condition on the production of hormones (and not only sex hormones) and their release into the blood. The vegetative innervation of the nipple is especially developed, and during pregnancy, the nerve endings concentrated in the area of the nipple and its areola become hypersensitive.

So, for the so-called breast massage for the purpose of preparing for lactation, the main contraindications include the first and last three months of pregnancy, as well as increased uterine tone (which can instantly increase from just one touch to the breast). In addition, many women have various diffuse changes in the mammary gland, which occur without pronounced symptoms and which the woman may not even suspect.

The consequences of massage and any impact on the breast during pregnancy can result in its termination, and in later stages - in premature labor and the birth of a non-viable or premature baby.

During pregnancy, massage of the abdomen, lumbar, armpit and groin areas and inner thighs is contraindicated. Massage of the nipples is also contraindicated.

However, you may come across offers from massage parlors to have a breast massage session for increased sensitivity of the mammary glands during pregnancy or to prevent striae (striated skin atrophy or stretch marks) from appearing on the breast. Pass by and do not be tempted by promises that in most cases are impossible to fulfill and often simply absurd.

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