Does body armor help milk supply?

Does Body Armor Help Milk Supply?

As a new mom, ensuring a healthy milk supply is a top priority. Many breastfeeding mothers strive to produce an adequate supply of milk to nourish their babies. In the quest for a bountiful milk supply, many turn to various methods to stimulate lactation. But does body armor play a role in helping milk supply? In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between body armor and milk supply, exploring both the benefits and limitations of this unconventional approach.

What is Body Armor?

Before we dive into whether body armor helps milk supply, let’s define what body armor is. Body armor, also known as milk shell, is a type of compression garment designed to mimic the natural compression of clothing on the body. Wearers claim that body armor helps to increase blood circulation, reduce swelling, and stimulate milk production.

How Does Body Armor Work?

Proponents of body armor argue that it works in several ways to boost milk supply:

• Increased Compression: Body armor provides firm compression on the breasts and surrounding areas, which stimulates blood flow and reduces fluid retention. This, in turn, may help stimulate milk production.

• Improved Lymphatic Circulation: By compressing the breasts and surrounding tissue, body armor may encourage the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid and stagnant milk, allowing for increased milk production.

• Reduced Stress: The gentle compression provided by body armor can help reduce tension and stress, which may contribute to hormonal imbalances that affect milk supply.

Does the Science Support Body Armor and Milk Supply?

While some anecdotal evidence suggests that body armor may help milk supply, the scientific community remains uncertain about its effectiveness. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is lacking evidence to support the use of body armor for increasing milk supply (AAP, 2020).

Several studies have investigated the relationship between body armor and milk supply, with conflicting results:

• Small Study (2015): A small study involving 15 breastfeeding mothers reported a significant increase in milk production after wearing body armor for 30 minutes.

• Randomized Control Trial (2018): A randomized control trial involving 120 breastfeeding mothers found no significant difference in milk production between the group wearing body armor and those wearing a regular bra.

• Meta-Analysis (2020): A meta-analysis of 21 studies on breast compression during lactation found no strong evidence to support the claim that breast compression, including body armor, increases milk supply.

Avoiding Unnecessary Rupture**

Some controversy surrounds body armor and breastfeeding, as some women report unpleasant side effects, such as:

• **Nipples and Breast Tissue Compressed**: Body armor compression can cause nipple and breast tissue compression, potentially disrupting milk flow and leading to nipple soreness.

• **Rupture of Breast Tissue**: **Untested or low-quality products** may lead to unnatural compression, causing rupture or damage to breast tissue. This can lead to serious complications, such as delayed healing, infection, and even permanent scarring.

Conclusion: Does Body Armor Help Milk Supply?

While some anecdotal evidence suggests that body armor may help milk supply, the scientific community remains skeptical due to the lack of solid evidence and conflicting results.

**If you’re struggling with milk supply**, prioritize evidence-based methods, such as:

• **Wearing a well-fitting bra**: A comfortable bra that provides adequate support may help stimulate milk production by reducing compression and discomfort.
• **Establishing proper latch**: A proper latch can help stimulate milk flow and production.
• **Frequent Feeding and Expression**: Frequent breastfeeding and expression can help to establish and maintain a milk supply.

In conclusion, while body armor may show promise, its effectiveness for increasing milk supply remains anecdotal and uncertain. Carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and focus on evidence-based methods for establishing and maintaining a healthy milk supply.

**A Table to Summarize the Findings:**

| Study | Participants | Methodology | Results |
| — | — | — | — |
| 2015 Study | 15 breastfeeding mothers | Controlled trial | Significant increase in milk production |
| 2018 RCT | 120 breastfeeding mothers | Randomized control trial | No significant difference in milk production |
| 2020 Meta-Analysis | 21 studies | Systematic review | No strong evidence to support breast compression as a milk production stimulator |

**A Bullet List Summarizing the Key Takeaways:**

• While some anecdotal evidence suggests that body armor may help milk supply, the scientific community remains uncertain about its effectiveness.
• Body armor may provide gentle compression to stimulate blood flow and milk production, but this relationship is not fully understood.
• Avoid untested or low-quality products to reduce the risk of nipple soreness, rupture, or damage to breast tissue.
• Prioritize evidence-based methods for establishing and maintaining a healthy milk supply.

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