Why massaging your breasts is better for baby

 But while the milk seems to be unlimited, any mother who stops breastfeeding for less sthan four weeks will find her breast milk gone.

Breastfeeding helps with maternal bonding and lactation as it releases the hormone oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “cuddle chemical”, which has been shown to help development of IQ, EQ, as well as executive functions – the set of cognitive skills necessary to plan and manage life’s tasks.

One of the biggest obstacles to breastfeeding here in Thailand is that mothers need to return to work after just three months of maternity leave. This consideration was discussed in depth at the recent annual breastfeeding conference, which boasted the title “Breastfeeding and Work – Let’s Make it Work!” The meeting called for an increased commitment and action from all stakeholders to provide support for working mothers so that they can combine breastfeeding and work. Female employees, it stressed, should be entitled to fully paid maternity leave, access to a workplace lactation room, breastfeeding breaks and flexible work hours.

Dr Siriporn Kanchana, chairperson of the Thai Breastfeeding Centre Foundation, took the opportunity of the conference to emphasise therapeutic breast massage during lactation, as this helps prevent stagnation, empties the breast and releases tension, thus allowing the mother to be relaxed while breastfeeding.

“Many mothers are concerned about their milk production. They think that can’t provide sufficient milk to meet their infants’ requirements. More often than not, this concern is driven by external factors,” she says. 

“There are surprisingly few paper studies about this and we’d like to do more.

“Our brain is an incredible organ, very smart. There is always milk in our breasts for the baby, and more milk is made while we feed. So if you don’t empty breast or if the baby does not breastfed often enough, can’t suck the nipples and the holding position is not right, less milk will be produced. This is when massaging the breast comes into play. Experts advise mothers to massage their breast to trigger enhanced milk production. The breast massage should be gentle just like having a facial massage. When mother relaxes, she will not stress out and the milk flows,” Siriporn says.

Common massaging procedures include applying warm compress on the breast. Simply soak a towel in warm water and place it on your breast before conducting the actual massage procedure. Stroke the top of your breast down towards on the nipple. Apply a gentle touch while stroking, which promotes oxytocin stimulation while relaxing your body,” she adds.

And Siriporn notes that anyone who’s uncertain about the procedure need only check out the video clips online, 

“Sometimes, a mother waits for the breasts to fill but that’s not good as it can cause stagnation. This often happens to mothers using breast pumps because the machine suction is not as good as the baby’s. Once she gets home she should give the baby her breast as soon as possible. Doing a breast massage regularly before feeding can help prevent stagnation,” Siriporn continues.

“Several studies highlight that women switching their infants to formulas significantly decreases milk production since the body does not feel the changes caused by breastfeeding demands. It is important to empty the breast. When the breast is clear, the mother is happy and the baby is full.”

Mothers can also take advantage of bath time to massage their breasts and use soap as a lubricant.

Lactating mothers are advised to drink lots of water as this boosts milk production. Taking the baby to bed and nursing is also good, as it relaxes both mother and baby, in itself one of the most powerful ways of increasing milk supply.