The 10 Best Lactation Massagers To Help Your Milk Flow

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Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most beautiful and natural things about motherhood. At least that’s how you think it should feel. But then suddenly, your entire life starts to revolve around things like latching on or not latching on, milk production, not enough milk production, leaks, breast pumps, nursing bras and sore, achy breasts.

And when you’re working on zero sleep and suffering the pain of engorgement or a clogged milk duct, suckling your little one can feel a lot more like torture than a tender bonding moment with your child.

Nope, breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart. Which is why so many nursing mothers are now turning to lactation massagers to help smooth out the journey. So what is a lactation massager, and how can it help? Let’s talk about it.

The Best Lactation Massagers:

What Is a Lactation Massager?

A lot of nursing moms joke that lactation massagers look suspiciously like a vibrator. And indeed, vibration is the key to massaging your boobs with one of these handheld devices. Sometimes combined with a heat mode, they’re used to stimulate your breasts and get your juices flowing – in this case, milk. 

Benefits of Lactation Massagers

While lactation massagers are relatively new to the breastfeeding journey, breast massage, in general, has long been thought to help with the let-down reflex that releases milk. Mothers and midwives have also used it as a remedy for problems like engorged breasts and clogged milk ducts that can turn into a painful case of mastitis if not treated. 

And there is actual research that backs up this DIY approach to breastfeeding issues. Not only does it suggest that breast massage can help to empty milk ducts and encourage more production, but one 2004 study even found that it changed the quality of breastmilk by improving lipids, casein concentration and gross energy. 

Can you experience these benefits by massaging your boobs with your own hands? Absolutely! But when you’re overwhelmed with all the responsibilities of being a mom and drifting through life like the walking half-dead (or mom-bie), one of these handy little devices can feel like a lifesaver. 

Just hold it on your breast or simply slip it into your bra and let the good vibrations do their work. Many lactation massagers come with multiple vibration modes, so you can adjust the intensity of the massage to suit your needs. And some even come with a heat setting for further relief. 

There are also lactation massagers that come with scooped edges and narrow, rounded ends to help target specific areas. 

Now that we’ve covered lactation massagers 101, let’s take a look at our favorite picks to get you and your baby into the flow of breastfeeding.  

Lactation Massagers with Heat

These massagers combine vibration with heat to relieve aching breasts and get your milk flowing. 

Hauture Warming Lactation Massager

We like that this lactation massager has five different vibration settings so that you can adjust it to your particular comfort level. Nursing mothers also praise its soft silicone surface and its adjustable heat function. 

The only drawback to this massager is that its battery doesn’t last the full 60 minutes that it’s supposed to, so it’s best to keep this one charged and ready for when you need it. 

Why We Like It:

Made of very soft silicone

Five vibration modes

Adjustable heat settings

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

Battery life could be longer

Related: The 13 Best Nursing Bras For Breastfeeding [Shopper’s Guide]

Grownsy Warming Lactation Massager

This massager is smaller than most, but nursing mothers agree that it has a powerful vibration that helps to unclog ducts and help with letdowns. And its petite size makes it perfect for slipping right into your nursing bra.

Another plus is its long battery life which can last up to 90 minutes. Just be aware that this small but mighty massager can be slightly noisier than others. 

Why We Like It:

Convenient compact size

Strong vibrations (with 2 adjustable settings)

Adjustable heat setting

Made from BPA-free silicone

Waterproof

Good battery life

Things to Be Aware of:

It can be a little loud for some people

Only has two vibration modes 

MOMCOZY Warming Lactation Massager

This massager gets high praise for its strong vibrations, 6 different massage modes and 3 variable heat functions to help you unclog ducts and encourage let down. Made from silky, liquid silicone, it’s also easy on delicate skin.

While the magnetic charging cord is quite convenient, be aware that it can slip off if the massager gets bumped during charging. But overall, this well-reviewed massager gets a thumbs up from nursing moms.  

Why We Like It:

6 vibration modes

3 heat functions

Strong vibrations

Silky liquid silicone

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

The magnetic charging cord can get knocked off if it’s bumped during charging

Lavie Lactation Massager 2 Pack

If you want to double team your breasts, this convenient 2-pack from Lavie includes two lactation massagers. While Lavie also makes a very popular massager without heat, this upgrade gets high marks from breastfeeding moms for its powerful vibrations and ability to improve milk flow and prevent plugged ducts. 

Why We Like It

2 massagers included

3 vibration modes

Multiple heat settings

It is often approved for FSA/HSA reimbursements

Things to Be Aware of:

Pricey

Lactation Massagers with No Heat 

If you want a massager with no heat or prefer to use a different source to warm your breast, these lactation massagers work with vibration only. 

Lavie Lactation Massager

We like that this lactation massager features multiple vibration modes and is made from BPA-free silicone. No, it doesn’t feature a heat setting as other Lavie models do. But because it’s fully waterproof, you can massage your breasts while taking a nice hot shower. If you actually get the chance to take a nice, hot shower that is!

Why We Like It

Various vibration modes

Made of BPA-free silicone

Waterproof

Good battery life

Things to Be Aware of:

No heating mode

Related: Building A New Mom Care Package [29 Gifts Ideas To Show Her A Little TLC]

Lumama Lactation Massager

If you’re looking for a breast massager that’s small and discreet, this lightweight model from Lumama is easy to slip into your nursing bra and runs very quietly. It also has a curved tip to help you target blocked ducts.

The tradeoff is that this massager doesn’t vibrate with as much intensity as others on this list. But if your breasts are especially sensitive to vibration and you need a massager that doesn’t make a lot of noise, this lower intensity model could work for you. 

Why We Like It:

Small and lightweight

Quiet

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

Vibrations are not as strong

No heat mode

AL’OFA Lactation Massager

Nursing mothers rave about the silky smooth feel of this massager made from BPA-free liquid silicone. It also has 7 different massage modes so you can find the perfect intensity and pattern for yourself. Just be aware that vibration lands in the medium category, which is fine if you’re not looking for a high intensity massager.

More pluses include a curved shape that fits nicely around the breast and the fact that it runs pretty quietly. 

Why We Like It: 

7 different vibration modes

BPA-free, liquid silicone 

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

No heat mode

Only medium-intensity vibrations

Haakaa Lactation Massager Shell

This pretty lactation massager from Amazon will make you feel like the little mermaid while helping your milk supply. But looks aren’t the only things this massager has going for it. The ergonomic shape conforms well to the breast, and it has 7 different vibration modes to adapt to your specific needs. Mothers also praise this model for its long battery life.

And considering that many lactation massagers kind of look like a vibrator, the discreet shell shape makes you feel more comfortable about leaving it around the house!

Why We Like It:

7 different vibration modes

Pretty and ergonomic shell shape

Good battery life 

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

Pricey

No heat mode

Crane Lactation Massager

Mommies like this massager for its silky feel and the fact that there are three different types of vibration as well as three different intensity levels. The rounded tip can also be used to target specific areas of the breast. 

While this model is rechargeable, some users found the charging port a little hard to find at first (though they did agree the placement helps to keep fluids out of the port). But in general, this model gets a big thumbs up from nursing mothers. 

Why We Like It

3 different vibration modes

3 intensity settings

Rounded tip for targeting specific areas

Waterproof

Things to Be Aware of:

Pricey

Charging port is a little too well hidden

No heat mode

Lavie Lactation Massage Roller

The Lavie lactation massager features two teal medical grade silicone rollers that can be used in various ways to help you with breastfeeding issues. It has nubbed rollers, a flat side and a scooped edge so that you can massage your breasts with different techniques to help with clogged ducts, encourage let down and relieve engorged breasts. 

True, it’s manual. But it’s definitely easier to use than your hands. It’s also very economical, and you never have to recharge it. No wonder so many nursing mothers give it high praise!

Why We Like It:

Economical

BPA-free silicone

Various ways to use the massager

Water Resistant

Things to Be Aware of:

Manual use only

Tips for Using a Lactation Massager

Ready to add a lactation massager to your nursing routine? We asked Holly Avery, founder of This Toddler Life, about some things to look for when shopping. “A lactation massager should have a soft, velvety texture to it in order to avoid any irritation. It’s also important that the massager has different settings in order to customize the massage depending on what you need. For example, if you are experiencing soreness, you might want a more intensive massage than if you are just trying to relieve congestion.”

Start Slowly

Lactation massagers come with different vibration levels and heat modes. Be sure to start off with a low level of vibration and or heat and increase them slowly to find the settings that are right for you. If your breasts are extra sensitive, starting with too much vibration or heat could feel too intense.

Try Different Techniques

Experimenting with different techniques can help with let down and clogs and help you find what’s most comfortable and effective for you. Here are a few simple things to try.

1. Hold the massager at the side of your breast and apply pressure while slowly moving it toward your nipple to move milk forward.
2. If your massager has a curved end tip, you can gently apply pressure deeper into the milk ducts to work out clogs in the breast.
3. If your massager has a scooped edge, you can use it to reach under the breast and upwards toward the nipple to help move fluid. 
4. Place the massage into your nursing bra and simply leave it there to help encourage let down.
5. Place the massager on your breast and gently rock it back and forth.
6. If your massager is waterproof (which most are), try using it in a warm shower for an extra level of comfort and relief.

Use Lactation Massagers Before Pumping or Breastfeeding

Because lactation massagers help with let down and clogs, using them immediately before you breastfeed or pump is especially effective. Some mothers even like to use them during the pumping process. 

Keep a Watch on Breast Pain

Lactation massagers can help to encourage milk flow and unclog painful ducts, but be sure to consult your doctor if your pain persists. 

Good, Good, Good Vibrations

While breast massage has long been used to encourage milk flow, relieve engorged breasts and unclog ducts, the new wave of lactation massagers makes the process a lot easier. In fact, many mothers can no longer imagine their breastfeeding routine without one of these handy little gadgets.

Not only do they relieve tired hands, but they can also be discreetly slipped into your bra when you are between pumping sessions. Whichever model you choose, be sure to start slowly and experiment with different techniques for the best results. And if you have continued problems, be sure to contact a lactation consultant who can pinpoint more specific problems.

Before you know it, you and your baby could be flowing together beautifully in your breastfeeding journey. 

You might also be interested in: Our 12 Favorite Smart Baby Monitors For Your Home

The 10 Best Lactation Massagers: 

1. Hauture Warming Lactation Massager
2. Grownsy Warming Lactation Massager
3. MOMCOZY Warming Lactation Massager
4. Lavie Lactation Massager 2 Pack
5. Lavie Lactation Massager
6. Lumama Lactation Massager
7. AL’OFA Lactation Massager
8. Haakaa Lactation Massager Shell
9. Crane Lactation Massager
10. Lavie Lactation Massage Roller