How to use

If possible use a cooled Lactamo. If it isn’t possible to cool Lactamo or you there is a preference not to, room temperature is fine.

Lymphatic drainage aimed at reducing interstitial oedema which is present during engorgement.

A cooled Lactamo is recommended as it assists the smooth muscles within lymphatic vessels to rhythmically
contract in order to push lymph along. However, if mothers are sensitive to cold and prefer room temperature the techniques described below will facilitate lymphatic drainage regardless.

Step 1: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 2: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 3:
Roll Lactamo over your breast/s in an upward direction from your nipple towards your armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Aimed at aiding milk flow to reduce engorgement

Step 4: Roll Lactamo over the breast towards the nipple at the start of the feed for a few minutes. If expressing it's advisable to spend longer on this step.

Gentle breast massage during a breastfeed or whilst expressing assists with stimulating oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the let-down reflex. Additionally, it promotes circulation within the breast which in turn assists milk flow.

If preferred and if comfortable, clients may warm Lactamo when using it during a feed (but not when using it before, during and/or after a feed). Avoid warmth with acute engorgement.

Note on warmth: research shows that gentle warmth can assist with vasodilation, widening milk ducts and improving milk flow during breastfeeding/expressing. There is discussion around using warmth for management of inflammatory conditions. The current Mastitis Protocol states “although heat will vasodilate and may worsen symptoms, it also may provide comfort for some patients”. The Protocol does not explicitly state to avoid heat completely and allows for users to work with their own needs and preferences. It precautions heat for individuals whereby heat exacerbates symptoms.

If Lactamo is used at room temperature (without heat) then the combination of gentle breast massage in conjunction with baby suckling at the breast (or the suction from the breast pump) is still designed to assist milk flow.

Engorgement is categorised as an ‘inflammatory’ breast condition due to what is occurring at the cellular level and what is documented in current research.The Protocol acknowledges engorgement as being the “first step on the mastitis spectrum” as it presents with interstitial oedema and hyperemia. The Protocol further recommends the use of lymphatic drainage to combat interstitial oedema.

Step 5: Place a cooled Lactamo on any particularly inflamed and/or painful areas of the breast.

Aimed at reducing inflammation

Step 6: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 7: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 8: Roll Lactamo over the breast/s in an upward direction from the nipple towards the armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Note: Engorgement should be managed as early as possible to avoid it leading
to other problems (including blockages, milk supply and affecting baby's
latch).

If possible use a cooled Lactamo. If it isn’t possible to cool Lactamo or you there is a preference not to, room temperature is fine.

Lymphatic drainage aimed at reducing lymphatic congestion and alveolar oedema which causes induration and ductal narrowing.

A cooled Lactamo is recommended as it assists the smooth muscles within lymphatic vessels to rhythmically contract in order to push lymph along. However, if mothers are sensitive to cold and prefer room temperature the techniques described below will facilitate lymphatic drainage regardless.

Step 1: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 2: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 3:
Roll Lactamo over your breast/s in an upward direction from your nipple towards your armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Aimed at aiding milk flow to reduce engorgement

Step 4: Roll Lactamo over the breast towards the nipple at the start of the feed for a few minutes. If expressing it's advisable to spend longer on this step.

Gentle breast massage during a breastfeed or whilst expressing assists with stimulating oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the let-down reflex. Additionally, it promotes circulation within the breast which in turn assists milk flow.

If preferred and if comfortable, clients may warm Lactamo when using it during a feed (but not when using it before, during and/or after a feed). Avoid warmth with acute blocked ducts.

Note on warmth: research shows that gentle warmth can assist with vasodilation, widening milk ducts and improving milk flow during breastfeeding/expressing. There is discussion around using warmth for management of inflammatory conditions. The current Mastitis Protocol states “although heat will vasodilate and may worsen symptoms, it also may provide comfort for some patients”. The Protocol does not explicitly state to avoid heat completely and allows for users to work with their own needs and preferences. It precautions heat for individuals whereby heat exacerbates symptoms.

If Lactamo is used at room temperature (without heat) then the combination of gentle breast massage in conjunction with baby suckling at the breast (or the suction from the breast pump) is still designed to assist milk flow.

Blocked ducts is categorised as an ‘inflammatory’ breast condition due to what is occurring at the cellular level and what is documented in current research.They occur due to ductal narrowing, which presents as a focal area of induration (thickening of tissue due to inflammation) or congested breast tissue. This may be due to lymphatic congestion and alveolar oedema.

Step 5: Place a cooled Lactamo on any particularly inflamed and/or painful areas of the breast.

Aimed at reducing inflammation

Step 6: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 7: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 8: Roll Lactamo over the breast/s in an upward direction from the nipple towards the armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Note: While lumps in breast tissue may commonly occur as part of breastfeeding, not all breast lumps are breastfeeding related. If in doubt, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

If possible use a cooled Lactamo. If it isn’t possible to cool Lactamo or you there is a preference not to, room temperature is fine.

Lymphatic drainage aimed at reducing ductal inflammation and interstitial oedema.

A cooled Lactamo is recommended as it assists the smooth muscles within lymphatic vessels to rhythmically contract in order to push lymph along. However, if mothers are sensitive to cold and prefer room temperature the techniques described below will facilitate lymphatic drainage regardless.

Step 1: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 2: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 3: Roll Lactamo over your breast/s in an upward direction from your nipple towards your armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Aimed at aiding milk flow for mastitis

Step 4: Roll Lactamo over the breast towards the nipple at the start of the feed for a few minutes. If expressing it's advisable to spend longer on this step.

Gentle breast massage during a breastfeed or whilst expressing assists with stimulating oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the let-down reflex. Additionally, it promotes circulation within the breast which in turn assists milk flow.

If preferred and if comfortable, clients may warm Lactamo when using it during a feed (but not when using it before, during and/or after a feed). Avoid warmth with acute mastitis.

Note on warmth: research shows that gentle warmth can assist with vasodilation, widening milk ducts and improving milk flow during breastfeeding/expressing. There is discussion around using warmth for management of inflammatory conditions. The current Mastitis Protocol states “although heat will vasodilate and may worsen symptoms, it also may provide comfort for some patients”. The Protocol does not explicitly state to avoid heat completely and allows for users to work with their own needs and preferences. It precautions heat for individuals whereby heat exacerbates symptoms.

If Lactamo is used at room temperature (without heat) then the combination of gentle breast massage in conjunction with baby suckling at the breast (or the suction from the breast pump) is still designed to assist milk flow.

Step 5: Place a cooled Lactamo on any particularly inflamed and/or painful areas of the breast.

Aimed at reducing inflammation

Step 6: Roll Lactamo at the base of the neck, just above the collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up the breastbone (between the breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 7: Roll Lactamo under the armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if desired.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 8: Roll Lactamo over the breast/s in an upward direction from the nipple towards the armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Note: A healthcare professional should be contacted in the case of fever or flu-like symptoms that do not ease after 24 hours.

The hormonal release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream is heightened by nipple stimulation. Oxytocin is responsible for the milk ejection reflex. Additionally, nipple stimulation is aimed at drawing out inverted nipples.

If possible, for extra benefits use a warm Lactamo. If it isn’t possible to warm Lactamo, room temperature is fine.

Step 1: Roll Lactamo over your breast/s for a few minutes, including rolling Lactamo in gentle circular movements and towards your nipple.

Step 2: Roll Lactamo over your nipple with gentle circular movements. Nipple stimulation helps to release hormones that are involved in releasing the milk and also can help to draw out inverted nipples.

Gentle breast massage whilst breastfeeding/expressing is aimed at further supporting oxytocin release and heightening circulation.

Step 3: Continue to roll Lactamo over all areas of the breast (always massaging towards the nipple during feeding) for as long as possible.

Tip: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 between feeds. Lactamo Mums say a great time to do this is in a warm shower.

Note: We recommend that clients speak to a healthcare professional if they have ongoing issues with low milk supply.

Lymphatic drainage aimed at supporting oversupply.

If possible use a cooled Lactamo. If it isn’t possible to cool Lactamo or you would prefer not to, room temperature is fine.

A cooled Lactamo is recommended as it assists the smooth muscles within lymphatic vessels to rhythmically contract in order to push lymph along. However, if mothers are sensitive to cold and/or prefer room temperature the techniques described below are designed to facilitate lymphatic drainage regardless.

Step 1: Roll Lactamo at the base of your neck, just above your collarbone in a circular motion 4-6 times on each side. Then roll Lactamo up your breastbone (between your breasts) 4-6 times.

Aimed at activating the supraclavicular lymph nodes (found at the base of the neck) and the internal mammary lymph nodes (found on the sternum between the breasts).

Step 2: Roll Lactamo under your armpit/s in a circular motion 4-6 times. Repeat this step if you like.

Aimed at activating the axillary lymph nodes, which are the lymph nodes most responsible for draining lymphatic fluid out of the breast.

Step 3: Roll Lactamo over your breast/s in an upward direction towards your armpit/s 4-6 times.

Aimed at moving the additional lymph fluid in the breast towards the lymph nodes, to be excreted.

Over supply Tips:

1. Don’t use Lactamo during breastfeeding / pumping for over supply (to avoid exacerbating the milk-ejection reflex).

2. Don’t use a warmed Lactamo for over supply.

3. Do not use Lactamo over your nipple if you have a breastmilk oversupply (to avoid stimulating the let-down reflex).

4. You may also gently place a cooled Lactamo on any particularly inflamed and/or painful areas of your breast. This is aimed at reducing inflammation and easing discomfort.