FAQ

Lactamo features allow the facilitation of a unique combination of temperature, movement and compression, specific to breastfeeding.

Temperature: Lactamo is filled with a non-toxic gel which allows for prolonged heating and cooling as required. The benefits of the application of heat in breast application are well documented in studies [7, 8, 9, 10 ], and include helping to address inflammation and congestion, helping relieve swelling, pain and supporting milk flow from the breast. Benefits of cool applications include reducing inflammation, providing relief and comfort, slowing the milk refill process, and providing maternal comfort.

Movement: Lactamo's surface is covered with both solid and hollow lumps that are designed to gently address congestion and inflammation whilst also providing stimulation and supporting milk flow, as applicable. A flexible design - featuring both large and small lumps – differing on each side, to cater for the varying needs of lactating breasts. 

Compression: Lactamo is made with soft, 100% medical grade silicone, specifically matched to the elasticity of lactating breast tissue. Lactamo's softness limits the amount of compression that can be applied, and was designed to avoid damage to breast tissue, as seen from other massage devices (and indeed massage done by hand). Deep tissue massage can lead to increased inflammation, tissue swelling, and microvascular damage. Recent Research highlights that while breast massage has benefits for breastfeeding, its effectiveness hinges on the practitioner's ability to perform it without causing trauma. Lactamo aims to allow users to facilitate optimal breast massage taking advantage of the well-known proactive and reactive benefits of gentle compression in breast massage, whilst avoiding the potential pitfalls of deep tissue and/or aggressive breast massage.

Lactamo’s unique features empower mothers to easily tailor massage towards their (ever-changing) individual needs.

Extensive studies recommend breast massage in lactation and temperature (essentially, three critical components: temperature, movement and compression) for the resolution of many of the most common breastfeeding issues.

These three components have the ability to improve blood circulation, facilitate lymphatic drainage and aid in milk flow from the breast. Breast massage in lactation also has the ability to increase the quality of breastmilk by increasing total solids, lipids, casein concentration and gross energy. 

Lactamo is a cohesive solution, building on decades worth of research to flexibly and cohesively address the common issues associated with lactation. 

Lactamo offers the unique combination of temperature, movement and compression bespoke to lactating breasts, not offered by any other breastfeeding aid. 

Mindful of the acute sensitivity of breast tissue, Lactamo is the only breastfeeding solution available that is matched to the elasticity of breast tissue – which is critical not just for successful outcomes, but also to avoid damage to breast tissue. Other tools aiming to facilitate massage are often hard or have vibrating functions. The revised ABM protocol emphasises that the key for prevention and treatment of breast inflammation is to avoid excessively high intra-alveolar and intra-ductal pressures, which prevents a critical mass of mechanical strain and rupture of the tight junctions between lactocytes and ductal epithelial cells. 

All of Lactamo’s components are incredibly specific to breast tissue: the design, compressibility, softness, temperature and protrusion size are controlled to ensure massage is therapeutic and does not cause further inflammation or damage to the delicate breast tissue. 

Lactamo is the first and only breastfeeding aid to both proactively and reactively address the common breastfeeding problems in this way. 

It is well known that the application of heat has a wide range of benefits for breastfeeding, including aiding lymphatic drainage, aiding milk removal, increasing oxytocin, improving milk flow, increasing blood flow, and providing maternal comfort.

Inflammatory conditions:

Heat application in the context of inflammatory conditions during breastfeeding, such as engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis, is a nuanced topic: the recently updated “Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36:The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022” (ABM protocol) highlights that while it's true that heat can cause vasodilation and potentially exacerbate symptoms for some conditions, it also offers comfort and relief to others. 

The primary goal of using a heated Lactamo for engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis is to facilitate the drainage of lymphatic fluid, which contributes to congestion in the breast.

Unlike traditional heat packs or compresses that apply direct and consistent heat, potentially leading to increased discomfort, Lactamo is designed to facilitate a gentle, rolling motion over the breast. This method avoids heat being concentrated in one area, reducing the risk of aggravation. Moreover, for those who find the application of heat uncomfortable, Lactamo can be effectively used at room temperature, as indicated in our instructions. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor the use of Lactamo to their comfort levels and needs, providing a supportive aid in managing inflammatory conditions during breastfeeding.

Non-inflammatory conditions:

When Lactamo is used in the absence of inflammation the gentle warmth is used to stimulate the let-down reflex and support milk removal during feeding. Breast massage with heat has been shown to promote relaxation and aid in the stimulation of milk production.  The temperature of Lactamo is able to be easily adjusted to suit the individual needs by adjusting the temperature of the water that is used to heat it. 

There have been numerous significant studies showing the benefits of breast massage for breastfeeding concerns, including [7, 8, 9, 10]. Recent research highlights that while breast massage has benefits for breastfeeding, its effectiveness hinges on the practitioner's ability to perform it without causing trauma. Deep tissue massage can lead to increased inflammation, tissue swelling, and microvascular damage. 

Lactamo has been developed and designed by a team of healthcare professionals including lactation consultants and breast surgeons, and many lactation consultants have commented that they are delighted that it is “impossible to massage breast tissue too hard with Lactamo, due to its elasticity”. Lactamo has been specifically designed to ensure that its hardness and compressibility is suitable for the mechanical properties and elastic modulus values of breast tissue (ranging from 0.5 kPa (lower level for adipose) to 3,000kPa (upper level for skin). The outer hardness of Lactamo ranges from 10 00 to 40 A (Shore Scale) which is incredibly soft, almost ‘jelly like’ (unlike any other breast massage device on the market).

Previous advice on breast massage techniques for inflammatory conditions focused on aggressive massage to ‘dislodge a clog’ through firm pressure on the area. The ABM protocol now supports a focus on inflammation reduction through relieving breast congestion.  Lactamo's instructions for conditions on the mastitis spectrum (including engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis) recommend starting with massage for lymphatic drainage by rolling Lactamo down the sternum and then upwards towards the armpit before feeding to help alleviate breast congestion, directly aligning with the Protocol. During feeding, some parts of Lactamo’s instructions direct users to massage towards the nipple: this is not aimed ‘dislodging clogs’, but at enhancing milk flow (especially in areas of the breast that are less inflamed or congested) following lymphatic drainage. Lactamo’s focus is on the pressure and style of massage. 

Lactamo’s instructions are the product of careful consultation with input from a large number of HCP experts including IBCLCs, lymphatic specialists, and specialised osteopaths, ensuring alignment with the latest research, and in particular aligning with the latest ABM protocol. Lactamo aims to offer a simple solution to breastfeeding mothers allowing them to more easily incorporate breast massage into their daily routine, taking advantage of the well-known proactive and reactive benefits of breast massage, whilst avoiding the pitfalls of deep tissue and/or aggressive breast massage.

Detailed instructions for each breastfeeding condition can be found in the Lactamo instructions both onlineand in the Lactamo box’s accompanying leaflet, allowing mothers to follow and apply these techniques safely and effectively.

1. La Leche League International. Improve global breastfeeding practices. 2021. Available at: https://www.llli.org/2021-world-health-day-improve-global-breastfeeding-practices/. Accessed on: 13/02/2023.
2. Seet L & Vasilevski V. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17(23):1-9. 
3. Anderson L, et al. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep 2019; 17(8):1668-1694. 
4. Witt AM, et al. J Hum Lact 2016; 32(1):123-131. 
5. Foda M, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2004; 38(5):484-487. 
6. Crepinsek MA, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020 Sep 29;9(9). 
7. Zakarija-Grkovic  I & Stewart F. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;9 
8. Yigit F, et al. Breastfeed Med. 2012;7(6):487–488.
9. Kent JC, et al. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2012;41(1):114–121. 
10. Brodribb W. Breastfeeding Management in Australia. 5. East Malvern: Australian Breastfeeding Association; 2019.

Lactamo is available at:  www.lactamo.com

We’re proud of what we’ve created with Lactamo. And we want to share it with you, the breastfeeding experts. Be part of our growing network, supporting mums to have the best breastfeeding experience they can.

If you are a qualified lactation professional, fill in your details on the home page and we’ll get in touch to arrange delivery of a free Lactamo*. We'd love to hear your feedback.

*Currently only shipping to Australia, New Zealand and India. Only 1 free product per qualified lactation professional.

We’d love to chat to you. Contact us at: hello@lactamo.com.

We are always interested in connecting with leaders and champions in breastfeeding, and always welcome enquiries from HCPs. We recognise breastfeeding is an area of varied thoughts and opinions, with many different approaches. Working together, we believe we can better support our mission to give mothers the best success and experience in breastfeeding (if they choose to breastfeed). 

Please contact us at: hello@lactamo.com, and one of our team will get in touch. 

Yes. If you are interested in stockingLactamo, please contact us at: hello@lactamo.com, and one of our team will be in touch.

We are currently looking at ways to provide ongoing educational content and we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you have ideas on content you'd like to see and the best ways for you to receive it and/or if you’d like to be involved in developing this with us, please email us on hello@lactamo.com