Postpartum Physical Therapy Can Improve Breastfeeding
Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Extends Far Beyond the Pelvis
After childbirth, your body's recovery doesn't start and stop at the pelvis. It isn't all about pelvic pain and bladder issues, while those are important to address, postpartum PT goes far beyond the pelvis.
The truth? Your postpartum recovery is whole-body care. All of your body changed throughout pregnancy and as such all of your body needs time to adjust and recovery. This includes breast health, especially if breastfeeding and physical therapy is a great way to address both through thoughtful, evidence-based strategies.
That's right physical therapy postpartum can improve your breastfeeding journey.
Expanding Focus Beyond the Pelvis
Pelvic floor PT is commonly associated with managing postpartum incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse—and rightly so. Research demonstrates that exercise-based therapy, education, biofeedback, strongly improve pelvic floor function postpartum. And this is an obvious area that needs a little TLC after childbirth.
The thing is that even if we are addressing pelvic floor related issues such as those above we will often work outside of the pelvis. While internal work is important so is assessing and addressing the hips, back, feet even your breathing and jaw come into play.
A true whole-person approach also addresses the systemic challenges you face as a new parent—including in breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support: Where PT Makes a Difference
Preventing Clogged Ducts & Mastitis Through Massage, Education & Gentle Techniques
Clogged ducts can become painful and progress to mastitis if not addressed. PT can help by:
Using gentle lymphatic drainage to keep milk flowing
Teaching feeding positions that minimize breast compression
Advising on behavioral strategies such as bra fit and feeding frequencyPhysical therapy techniques like breast and lymphatic massage as well as and educational guidance have been shown to significantly improve breast engorgement symptoms compared to usual care.
In fact, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) highlights PT’s role in unclogging ducts and preventing recurrence, which can happen in 20–35% of cases.
Ducts can get clogged if there is increased inflammation in the breast tissue putting pressure on and narrowing the ducts. In this case the use of cold packs and ice can help reduce the inflammation and take the pressure off the duct.
Systematic reviews suggest that acupoint massage probably reduces the risk of mastitis and breast pain with moderate-certainty evidence. Breast massage and low-frequency pulse therapy may also reduce the risk of mastitis.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Engorgement, Pain, Milk Flow & Mastitis Relief
Lymphatic massage is a manual technique utilized by physical therapist to stimulate the lymphatic system to improve lymph flow. This helps decrease swelling, eliminate cellular waste and can help with pain management. These techniques can help reduce pain,engorgement, even improve milk flow.
All of that adds up to prevention of Mastitis and helping alleviate symptoms. While antibiotics are needed to treat the infection they don't address the clogged duct, these manual techniques can.
A randomized controlled trial found that MLD significantly improved breast pain and swelling, and increased milk volume compared to routine care (PubMed).
Behavior, Posture & Pain: Supporting Body Mechanics During Feeding
Breastfeeding (and bottle feeding) can leave new mothers with aching backs, stiff necks, and sore shoulders. PT helps by:
Teaching ergonomic feeding positions
Restoring mobility in the spine and shoulders
Strengthening muscles that support posture
Proper positioning also makes latching easier and reduces nipple trauma—protecting both you and your baby. Your PT can help determine if it is a postural/positional issue, latch issue and or postural issue for your baby such as torticollis and help you connect with lactation support, pediatric PT or pediatric OT to work on feeding.
Whole-Body Postpartum Recovery
A truly effective postpartum PT program includes:
Pelvic floor and core rehab – exercises, nervous system regulation, and education
Breast health support – massage, MLD, ultrasound, and behavior coaching
Postural correction – strategies for comfort while feeding and carrying baby
Education – guidance on rest, hydration, and recovery habits that actually work
Conclusion
Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy is about far more than your pelvis. It’s about addressing the interconnected systems of your body so you can heal fully, feed your baby comfortably, and move through motherhood with strength and ease. Still not sure you need physical therapy postpartum read further here.
If you’re navigating feeding challenges, recurring clogged ducts, or simply want whole-body support after baby, consider working with a pelvic floor physical therapist who understands the bigger picture of postpartum care.
About to have a baby? Download your FREE Postpartum Pelvic Recovery Guide and learn simple, expert-backed strategies to heal, strengthen, and feel like yourself again. Because your recovery matters—let’s take care down there!
