by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

Breastfeeding moms know exactly how painful plugged milk ducts and mastitis can be -- so much so that they're willing to try pretty much anything to find relief. Cabbage leaves, alternating hot and cold compresses, starting every feeding on the affected side, and dangle-feeding are just a few common ways to ease the discomfort.
Well, it looks like there's another option we could add to our arsenal: The LaVie lactation massager. (a.k.a., a fancy-looking boob vibrator.) According to its website, the lactation massager "helps ease symptoms associated with engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis. By providing gentle pressure and vibration to the affected breast, the lactation massager helps express the milk and restore your flow."
The LaVie lactation massager is waterproof, comes with multiple vibration modes, and has a rechargeable battery. For $34.95, it definitely seems worth the money. I decided to hit up Julie Hawksley, a board certified lactation consultant, to see if a tool like this could actually bring relief to a plugged-up breast.
"Yes, I think the lactation massager could be helpful," Hawksley told BabyCenter. "I recently worked with a mom who had a very painful plugged duct. Nothing worked to get rid of it, except her electric toothbrush! The vibration of the toothbrush handle held over the hard, tender area of her breast helped to loosen the plug."
Hawksley also provided other way...