If you’ve ever searched for mastitis relief, you’ve probably come across advice telling you to just “massage the lump out.”
For years, firm massage, vibration and trying to “empty the breast” were standard recommendations. But the latest research has changed our understanding of mastitis and breast inflammation—and we now know that this old advice may actually have been making symptoms worse.
So, does massage help mastitis?
The answer is yes—but only when done gently and correctly.
We chatted with Your Two Jugs (an educational platform empowering breastfeeding women through practical, self-paced masterclasses) about gentle lymphatic drainage and how it can support breastfeeding mamas.
Here’s what the latest evidence says.
Understanding mastitis: It’s usually inflammation first
Mastitis affects up to one in three breastfeeding mothers and can cause:
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Breast pain and tenderness
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Redness or warmth
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Swelling
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Fever or flu-like symptoms
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A firm or painful area in the breast
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Further complications including breast abscesses, if left untreated
Historically, these symptoms were thought to be caused by a “blocked duct” that needed to be physically broken up.
However, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's updated Clinical Protocol #36 explains that many cases of inflammatory mastitis begin with breast inflammation and oedema, which compress the milk ducts and impair milk flow. Rather than a hard "plug" that needs to be broken up, the underlying problem is often inflammation and swelling. This updated understanding has significantly changed treatment recommendations.
So, does massage help mastitis?
Deep massage? No.
Current guidelines strongly advise against aggressive massage, vibrating devices and high heat. This can:
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Increase inflammation
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Damage delicate breast tissue
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Cause trauma and bruising
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Increase swelling around the ducts
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Potentially prolong recovery
Gentle lymphatic massage? Yes.
Gentle lymphatic drainage techniques are recommended; they help reduce swelling and encourage fluid movement without causing further trauma.
Unlike traditional deep massage, lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure and gentle sweeping movements to encourage excess fluid to move away from swollen tissues, rather than attempting to force milk through compressed ducts.
Research and clinical experience suggest this approach can:
✓ Reduce swelling
✓ Improve comfort
✓ Support normal milk flow
✓ Help mothers avoid worsening inflammation
✓ Complement other conservative treatments
What Is lymphatic breast massage?
Lymphatic massage uses soft, sweeping motions on the skin rather than deep tissue pressure.
The goal is to support the body’s natural lymphatic system and reduce congestion around the breast tissue. Lymphatic drainage practitioners are skilled in undertaking this technique.
We asked Your Two Jugs, to share their philosophy around lymphatic massage and why gentle approaches are often more effective than forceful massage.
“Everyone’s first thought when they think of massage is deep tissue, remedial massages or sports massages that they get on their back. But the breast tissue is a completely different ball game! We’re not massaging muscle here. Deep tissue massage often increases inflammation in the body. That’s why we can often feel sore for a couple of days after a back massage.
The breast tissue is soft and delicate, and quite vulnerable to over doing it. So many mums who try to vigorously massage out mastitis or blocked ducts end up in more pain, and worsened symptoms. They’ve basically just fought inflammation with inflammation!
When we change our mindset from “quickly getting the problem out” to gently guiding fluid “away”, we have an effective method to reduce symptoms whilst also protecting our tissue.”
How Your Two Jugs approaches mastitis support
The team at Your Two Jugs developed the Mastitis Rescue programme to support mothers using an evidence-informed approach.
Their approach focuses on:
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Reducing inflammation
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Gentle lymphatic techniques
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Supporting normal feeding patterns
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Rest and hydration
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Recognising when medical treatment is required
Where does Lactamo fit in?
Without access to a lymphatic drainage practitioner, many mothers find it difficult to apply these techniques consistently themselves. Gentle lymphatic drainage requires light pressure and appropriate technique, and it can be difficult to judge the right amount of compression and movement, particularly when breasts are painful and inflamed.
Lactamo was designed to facilitate and enhance the practical application of gentle lymphatic drainage and therapeutic breast massage principles in a way that is simple, reproducible and accessible for mothers. Through a combination of temperature, movement and light compression, it also helps mothers avoid inadvertently applying excessive pressure to inflamed breast tissue.
Lactamo is aligned with contemporary breastfeeding guidance, and independent clinical studies and hospital implementation programmes have reported good outcomes in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
What else helps mastitis?
According to the latest Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine guidelines, supportive management includes:
Continue feeding as normal
Feed your baby on demand. Trying to completely empty the breast or adding excessive pumping can stimulate more milk production and worsen inflammation.
Use cooling, not high heat
Cold packs may help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Consider anti-inflammatory medication
Ibuprofen may be helpful if suitable for you. Always speak with your healthcare provider regarding medications.
Prioritise rest and hydration
Recovery is important. Mastitis is often accompanied by systemic symptoms, and adequate rest matters.
Seek medical advice when needed
If symptoms are worsening, you develop a fever, or symptoms are not beginning to improve within 12–24 hours despite conservative measures, medical assessment is important, as antibiotics may be required in some cases of bacterial mastitis.
We asked Your Two Jugs, how their understanding of mastitis changed with the newer research?
"The latest research has only cemented our thoughts around addressing mastitis inflammation. Before the ABM #36 protocol came out, we had to change up how we were managing our patients in clinic because not everyone was responding. We went back to our knowledge about anatomy and it just made sense to us that we needed to treat the inflammation with lymphatic work. It was a game changer for our mamas and we had significantly better outcomes in clinic. So it’s been really great to see the literature advance, so that more mothers can get the best outcomes for their symptoms."
What advice would you give mothers who have been told to use vigorous massage?
"So for any mum who has been using vigorous massage, or gone too hard, now is the time to back it off! Don’t worry about the past, you weren’t to know better. Going forward, any massage you do shouldn’t feel painful, shouldn’t bring tears to your eyes, and shouldn’t feel like you’ve bruised yourself. Nice and gentle, mama!"
Frequently asked questions
Can massage make mastitis worse?
Yes. Deep or forceful massage may increase inflammation and tissue injury. Current guidelines recommend avoiding aggressive massage.
Is lymphatic drainage different from regular massage?
Yes. Lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure designed to reduce swelling rather than force milk through the ducts.
Should I try to empty my breast completely?
No. Current recommendations suggest feeding your baby normally and avoiding pumping or feeding excessively to “empty” the breast.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if:
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You develop flu-like symptoms or fever.
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Symptoms are worsening.
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You are not improving after 12–24 hours.
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You suspect an abscess or recurrent mastitis.
The bottom line
The advice around mastitis has evolved.
Newer research suggests that when it comes to breast massage during mastitis, gentler is often better. Rather than trying to "massage out a blockage", current guidance focuses on reducing inflammation, supporting lymphatic drainage and maintaining normal milk removal.
When it comes to massage, the goal isn't to push harder—it's to support your body's natural healing processes as gently as possible.
References
Mitchell KB et al. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2022;17(5):360-376.
Every breastfeeding journey is different. This article provides general information only and is not individual medical advice. If you have severe symptoms, recurrent mastitis, or concerns about your health, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
