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Massage and BF?

post #1 of 12
Thread Starter 
This may seem like an odd question, but is it safe to get a deep-tissue massage while BFing? I guess I'm just worried about all the toxins that are released during this type of massage and don't want them going into my breastmilk.

I desperately need a good massage right now, so any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
post #2 of 12
post #3 of 12
I have a gift cert for a massage and have been wondering this same thing. Hope somebody has some answers . . I could really use a rub down!
post #4 of 12

great question!
post #5 of 12
Thread Starter 
Really? No one has some wisdom to share?
post #6 of 12
Sorry... I did view the thread and did some google searching and checked kellymom and couldn't find anything.

Honestly I've only had a few professional massages and I thought the whole "toxins released" stuff sounded like a load of bunk....
post #7 of 12
I am also curious about this topic....hopefully someone can share some wisdom with us!
post #8 of 12
nak I had one and honestly this thought didn't cross my mind. I was more worried about leaking on the bed - which I didn't. I would think most of the toxins would be flushed out through drinking water and your kidneys.
Not sure if that helps or not.
post #9 of 12
Caveat: I'm a hippie, but I'm a science-lovin' hippie. If I can't find a study at least somewhat proving the existence of something, I tend to be skeptical.

I'm not sure that the "toxins" associated with massage (and I have had massage therapists or chiropractors tell me similar things) are actually an evidence-based thing. When you ask for more details people tend to be really short on them. I mean, really... what <i>sort</i> of toxins?

I did a bit of googling just now, and it seems that the "toxins" you could actually get due to massage are either stuff like simple lactic acid (which of course your muscles also produce after working out!) or myoglobin, which is a protein in muscle that gets released into the bloodstream when muscle is injured. So I guess in a pretty intense massage you theoretically could get significant amounts of myoglobin in the bloodstream, which theoretically could be bad for your kidneys. But I find it super-hard to believe, I'm sorry, that a regular massage could damage ENOUGH muscle for this to be a factor. And I have no idea if the myoglobin could end up in breast milk in significant amounts.

Massage, in my opinion, is really good for you! But not because it removes toxins or anything, just because it feels good and de-stresses and helps you relax, and THAT is terrific for your mental and physical health.

I am not a scientist, just a curious mama. I would have no issues getting a massage. If I were extremely concerned about the hypothetical myoglobin situation, I think I would just get an ordinary relaxing massage and avoid serious deep tissue work.

post #10 of 12
My husband is a Massage Therapist and says that breastfeeding is not a contraindication to massage. You are fine to have a massage but he did mention that you might want to ask for extra pillowing for your chest so that you are not uncomfortable from the pressure on your breasts. I enjoyed massages all through my pregnancy and 2 years of breastfeeding and there was never an issue.

Hope that helps.
post #11 of 12
I should mention that I have had a deep tissue massage since giving birth-- but wondered about the "lactic acid" thing. But, I didn't notice a change in my LO after the massage...so I wouldn't hesitate to have one again....

Also, I used double sided tape to keep breast pads on during the massage because I also didn't want to leak a ton of milk on the table...and it worked! (Once I found a position that was comfy on my breasts of course, which was a little tough!)
post #12 of 12
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the great responses! I've also been googling it, and I think it seems pretty harmless. I'm going for it. I definitely need the relaxation.

Also, I love the idea of the double-sided tape to keep the breast pads on. I'll be using that one.
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