The 14 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.

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Preview	Name	Rating	View
	MOMCOZY Warming Lactation Massager	5/5	Check Price
	Lavie Lactation Massager	5/5	Check Price
	Haakaa Lactation Massager Shell	5/5	Check Price
	Lavie Lactation Massage Roller	5/5	Check Price

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.

Other benefits that come with lactation massage include…

Increasing oxytocin release

Oxytocin is especially important because it improves your postpartum mental health and it causes your uterus to return to its normal shape. Oxytocin is produced naturally when your baby feeds, but the lactation massage can increase that production as well.

Quickening slow letdown to improve milk flow

If your letdown is slow — an issue that’s incredibly common for many new mothers — then it can take a while for your baby to feel satisfied while feeding, as they’re not getting the milk, fast enough. Using a lactation massager can speed up your letdown, getting milk to baby quickly. On the flip side, though, if you find your letdown is too fast, you can use a massager to help expel extra breast milk before your baby feeds.

Types of Lactation Massagers

There are several different types of lactation massagers. The main differentiator is heat or no heat. Some mothers find that a massager with a built-in heat setting can help with pain, engorgement or plugged ducts, but others find the heat irritating. Whichever camp you fall into, you’ll find plenty of massagers to fit your needs.

Other lactation massagers are differentiated by their power source. Some are manually powered (ie, there’s no motor and no vibration, meaning they’re just like any rolling massager that you might use), while others are electric. Some mothers feel a little iffy about using the electric massagers in such a sensitive area, but they’re considered quite safe.

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.

1. Hauture Warming Lactation Massager

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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

2. Grownsy Warming Lactation Massager

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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

3. MOMCOZY Warming Lactation Massager

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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

4. Lavie Lactation Massager 2 Pack

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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

5. Frida Mom 2-in-1 Lactation Massager

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This breast massager “busts through buildup and clogged ducts” via the power of heat and vibration. There are multiple modes and different ends and sides that you can use to fit your needs. The massager is small enough to be taken on the go, and it’s rechargeable. It also comes with its own USB charger and storage bag. It’s also water-resistant.

Why we like it:

Water-resistant
Adjustable modes
Rechargeable

Things to keep in mind:

Even though the massager is rechargeable, reviewers report a short battery life.

6. Bellababy Heat + Vibration Lactation Massager

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This massager, available for easy ordering on Amazon (because you need all the convenience you can get right now), features five different vibration modes, and all of those modes can further be customized to fit your needs, with four different vibration strength options. The heat can also be adjusted.

The massager is curved to fit most breast sizes, but you’ll want to gauge if the size and shape will be right for your needs. The built-in battery is rechargeable. An anti-scald feature turns off the heat after 10 minutes to prevent overheating.

Why we like it:

Very adjustable
Budget-friendly

Things to keep in mind:

Some reviewers mention that the high heat setting is almost painfully hot.

7. JoRocks Lactation Massager

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This massager is made from medical-grade liquid silicone. It comes with 10 different vibration settings. There’s also a heating function and a mute button in case you’re trying to massage while also dealing with a quiet, fussy or sleeping baby. The massager is USB rechargeable and waterproof. The BPA-free massager can be used for up to 90 minutes on a full charge.

Why we like it:

Waterproof instead of just water-resistant
Long use time
Handy mute function

Things to keep in mind:

The shape might not be ideal for all users

8. DGSHIMIN Warming Lactation Massager

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This affordable lactation massager features various heat and vibration settings. There are three heating modes and ten vibration modes. The waterproof massager is made from BPA-free material and is designed to fit any breast shape while scooping and pulling milk toward the nipple.

Why we like it:

Waterproof instead of just water-resistant
Designed for every breast shape

Things to keep in mind:

Only one massager
No reviews yet

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.

9. Lavie Lactation Massager

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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

10. Lumama Lactation Massager

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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

11. AL’OFA Lactation Massager

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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

12. Haakaa Lactation Massager Shell

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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

13. Crane Lactation Massager

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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

14. Lavie Lactation Massage Roller

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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

How to Pick the Best Lactation Massager for Your Needs

Have your eye on a few of the massagers featured above? Here’s how to pick the right one for your specific needs.

Portability

You’ll want to choose a lactation massager that will be easy to carry around and take with you. You already have, likely, a breast pump and all sorts of baby gear. You don’t need more stuff to lug around.

Thankfully, some lactation massagers are small enough that you can simply tuck them into your pumping bra and go about your business or pumping session hands free, which is certainly more convenient than needing to hold the massager the entire time you’re using it.

Size

You’ll find that lactation massagers vary in size and shape, but overall, you want to pick one that is well suited to your boobs. If you have smaller breasts, even as a breastfeeding mom, then you’ll want to go with a smaller massager. If you have larger breasts, go larger.

Functions and Features

If you just want the vibration function, then you’ll be good with just about any massager on the market. However, if you want fancier features, such as a heating setting or multiple vibration types, then you’ll want to look for those features as you shop.

Water Resistance

Some mothers like to use their massagers in the shower, as the heat helps further with the duct unclogging. If you’d like to be able to do this, look for a water-resistant massager specifically. Even if you don’t plan on using the massager in the shower, though, the water resistance can be handy when you consider all the leaks, spills and other liquid that’s just floating around with a nursing newborn in the house.

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.

Hold the massager at the side of your breast and apply pressure while slowly moving it toward your nipple to move milk forward.
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.
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.
Place the massage into your nursing bra and simply leave it there to help encourage let down.
Place the massager on your breast and gently rock it back and forth.
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.

Are there Other Options?

Yes, there are other options for dealing with clogged milk ducts and other breastfeeding issues beyond buying a new lactation massager. Some doctors may recommend using an item with a similar vibrating function (you might have one in your bedside table) to replicate the function of a lactation massager, but you don’t have to use vibration at all to unclog milk ducts if you don’t want to. In fact, some mothers may even find that the vibration is painful for clogged milk ducts (especially if you’re dealing with mastitis).

If you’re among that group, try other methods. Sometimes, positioning your baby differently while feeding can help, as can feeding more. You can also use warm compresses and cold compresses to unclog ducts. If the ducts are particularly painful, consider taking some over-the-counter pain reliever. These pain-relieving tactics can also help if you have engorged breasts.

Of course, you can go the old-fashioned route for breast massaging as well. You can use your hands to massage from the outside curve of your breast toward the center, which is intended to help push the milk toward the areola.

Lactation Massager FAQs

TL;DR? Have questions now? Check out the below top questions and answers.

Does a lactation massager really work?

A lactation massager’s purpose is to stimulate your existing milk flow. However, a lactation massager cannot increase your total milk, and it cannot cause you to create breast milk if you don’t already have it. Because of this, it’ll depend on what you’re aiming for, to determine whether or not a lactation massager will “really work” for your needs.

If you’re looking to induce lactation, that’s something you can talk to your doctor about, as there are various therapies and treatments that help make this possible.

Do I need a lactation massager?

While a lactation massager can help with many issues, they’re a relatively new tool, and mothers have breastfed for millennia without them. So, no, you don’t desperately need one. They’re just a “nice to have.”

Is using a lactation massager safe?

Light massage is definitely safe. You should, however, avoid harsher movements or deep-tissue-type massaging.

Does using a lactation massager hurt?

Sometimes using a lactation massager does hurt if you have particularly tender and painful breasts. If you try using your massager and it’s painful, hold off and try stimulating your flow using hot compresses and other methods that do not include vibration.

If lactation massage won’t increase milk production, what can I do?

As mentioned above, lactation massage isn’t intended to increase your total milk. It just stimulates your existing milk flow. However, this can, in the end, help to increase your total milk.

As the lactation massage gets the milk going, that encourages the baby to latch on and feed more effectively. If the baby is feeding more effectively, more often, that can result in your breasts producing more milk, as, essentially, your breasts produce as much milk as they think they need to (in most cases). If the demand is there from your hungry baby, it’s more likely you’ll begin producing more milk.

Of course, there are other ways to increase milk production. If you can’t breastfeed more often, pump between feedings and pump from both sides at once. You can also eat lactation cookies that contain ingredients that are intended to increase milk flow and production. Ingredients that are thought to increase milk flow include fenugreek and brewer’s yeast.

However, before you add anything new to your diet, be sure to check with your doctor.

Why am I having problems with my milk flow?

There are tons of reasons why you might be having issues with your milk flow.

A blocked milk duct is one of the most common issues and one that lactation massagers can help with. Symptoms of a blocked milk duct include tenderness, pain, redness and sometimes a lump. Blocked milk ducts are caused when the milk is not properly removed from the breast when feeding, whether that’s due to poor infant attachment, infrequent feedings, your breasts producing more milk than you need or an issue with your pump.

If not fixed, a blocked milk duct can cause mastitis, which is a more serious issue. Mastitis is an inflammation of the nipple, with symptoms including pain and fever.

How do I use a lactation massager?

If you know you’re dealing with a blocked milk duct, locate the duct and massage around it with a circular motion, starting on the lowest massager setting. Otherwise, massage the rest of the breast, much like you would when massaging your breast for lactation by hand.

Do You Need Additional Help?

If you need additional help or you find you’re still having problems with the whole breastfeeding thing, you might want to schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant. As the name suggests, a lactation consultant focuses on lactation and can help with a broad range of issues that you and your baby might be having with breastfeeding or pumping.

You can visit a lactation consultant even before you have your baby to get their advice and input. The lactation consultant can also help right after the birth of your newborn and up until the baby is several months old. No matter when you choose to see a lactation consultant, their goal is always the same: to help you have a comfortable breastfeeding experience and ensure your baby is getting the nutrients they need, despite the many challenges that come with breastfeeding.

A lactation consultant can help you learn things like…

How to manage your milk supply
How to manage your breast health during breastfeeding and avoid common issues
How to balance breastfeeding and pumping
How to hold your baby and how to get them to latch while breastfeeding
How to increase your milk supply

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.

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The 14 Best Lactation Massagers: