Prenatal Breast Massage To Cure Sore Breasts!

Prenatal

oi-Amrisha

By Amrisha Sharma

Friday, September 16, 2011, 10:48

During pregnancy, the breasts go through a number of changes. Breasts expand due to increased hormonal levels. Changes in breast like tenderness, dark nipples and areolas, enlargement, colostrum secretion (thick yellowish substance), etc can cause great discomfort like tingling sensations, soreness or hypersensitivity. Prenatal breast massage benefits as it helps tone these tissues and firms them up. This gives the breasts a healthier and more natural look. It also helps flush out toxins from the breast through the lymphatic system and provides nutrition to the tissues. Even wearing right bra during pregnancy which has good support keeps the sensitive breasts away from pain.

Following are tips to do prenatal breast massage:

• The most important tip for a prenatal breast massage is, always massage the breasts with gentle fingers and it is best to use finger pads than the tips due to hypersensitivity of the breasts. As the breasts can be very tender when swollen, always put light pressure.

• To drain the lymph fluid from the breasts, a common massage stroke such as the outward stroke from the nipple to the outer edge of the breast can be done with light pressure. Start from the centre of the breast and make several strokes outwards from the nipple.

• Massage the sore breasts with fingers in circular motion. Massage from the inner to outer edges. Pay more attention to the sore areas. Keep massaging till you cover the entire breast.

• Use a cool compress on the breasts if you feel sore breasts even after a massage.

• Place the palms on the breast in a downward position. Move your palms downwards so that the fingers rub against the side of the breast. Avoid touching the nipples as it may spoil the shape.

A feeling of warmth in the massaged area can be felt gradually. This indicates increased blood flow to massaged areas. To gain maximum benefit, do prenatal breast massage regularly. Do prenatal breast massage after a shower as the skin is moist therefore helping easy massage strokes. Massage can also be done two times in a day.