I have had a few clients whose cases looked so much like yeast, but which
responded fully to therapeutic massage.  The back muscles that are connected
to the breast(under where the bra would be) need to be focused on, as well
as upper back and neck.  Sometimes it has taken two visits to totally
resolve the breast pain and accompanying nipple pain.  I read about this
treatment in JHL and gave it a try.  I was pleasantly surprised. The mothers
have nipple pain and radiating pain in the breast after feeds.

I tell the mother that we can always go to yeast treatment if it doesn't
work, and she deserves a good therapeutic massage anyway.

I have an OT whom I refer to. She has training in several massage therapies
and knows that a breastfeeding mother should not lie with her breasts
pressed into the table.  She always places a small pillow under the abdomen.
The mothers have loved the treatment--even the ones whom we went on to treat
for yeast overgrowth.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee
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