Feeding support

Gentle Breast Lymphatic Massage for Swelling and Engorgement

This technique should be gentle. It is not deep-tissue massage. Hard kneading, aggressive pressure and forceful massage can worsen inflammation or tissue injury. The partner must obtain consent before touching, and stop if the massage increases pain. A painful lump, fever, spreading redness, flu-like symptoms or worsening symptoms may need professional medical assessment.

Before beginning

Answer honestly. Some answers mean this tutorial is not the right next step.

Has the postpartum parent agreed to the massage?
Is there severe pain?
Is there fever or chills?
Is there spreading redness?
Is the breast extremely hot?
Is there pus or unusual nipple drainage?
Does the parent feel acutely ill?

Consent comes first. Ask before you touch, and again before each new area.

Watch: Gentle breast lymphatic massageCertified lactation professional network · J. Alvarez, IBCLC

Step 1 of 5 · Side view

Consent and position

Illustrated frame placeholder

Reclined, pillows supporting the arms, permission given.

Transcript and media source

Full transcript available. Placeholder media for the prototype; production media is sourced only from hospitals, university medical centers, government health agencies, professional medical organizations and certified lactation professionals.

Reviewing clinician: R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Reviewed 2026-05-14 · Captions available

Supplies needed

·Clean hands
·Comfortable pillows
·Supportive seating or a reclined position
·Warm or cool compress according to the care plan
·Clean cloth
·Water
·Phone nearby in case medical support is needed

Safety warnings

Ask for consent before touching, and again before each new area.
Correct pressure is light enough to move the skin, not to deeply knead the tissue.
Stop immediately if pain, redness or discomfort worsens.

Step by step

1Help the postpartum parent sit or recline comfortably.
2Ask permission before each area is touched.
3Begin with very light skin-level strokes near the collarbone and upper chest.
4Use gentle sweeping motions toward nearby lymphatic areas, such as the upper chest and underarm.
5Use flat fingers rather than fingertips or knuckles.
6Move the skin lightly rather than compressing breast tissue deeply.
7Work around the breast with gentle outward strokes.
8Avoid forcefully pressing directly into a painful lump.
9Stop if pain, redness or discomfort worsens.
10Follow the massage with the feeding, pumping, cooling or provider-recommended plan.

Pressure indicator

Correct pressure: light enough to move the skin, not deeply knead the tissue.

Skin-levelToo deep

Do not do this

No hard digging
No aggressive squeezing
No massage gun
No scraping tools
No forceful kneading
No attempting to break up a lump

How do I know I am doing this correctly?

Pressure only moves the skin; the tissue does not dimple
The postpartum parent describes it as relieving, not painful
The areola softens enough for the baby to latch
Swelling and tightness ease after the session and the cooling plan

Aftercare

Record how things changed so you can spot a worsening pattern early.

Pain before and afterSwelling before and after

· Redness
· Temperature if illness is suspected
· Whether milk removal felt easier
· Whether symptoms are worsening

Symptoms are not improving

When to stop and seek help

· Fever, chills or flu-like symptoms
· Spreading redness or a breast that is extremely hot
· Pus or unusual nipple drainage
· Severe pain, or pain that worsens during the massage
· Feeling acutely unwell, or symptoms that are not improving

Call emergency services Call healthcare provider

This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.

Finish this tutorial

How confident do you feel doing this on your own?

Need supervisionFully confident

Clinical review

Author: Partnered Postpartum clinical content team
Reviewer: S. Whitfield · IBCLC
Reviewed: 2026-05-14
Next review: 2027-05-14
Version: 1.3
Applies to: United States and Canada

Evidence sources

· Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36
· Certified lactation professional consensus guidance
· LactMed

Version history

· 1.0 initial publication
· 1.1 cord-care wording aligned to AAP
· 1.2 added safety-check steps

This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.