Lymphatic drainage for breastfeeding moms is a type of massage that can ease swelling. It also helps reduce engorgement, ease blocked ducts, and promote calmness.
Do you think you need it? How to determine if you really do? Find answers by reading this article. It covers everything, from the reasons you should get one to benefits to how to do it.
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a massage that helps move lymph fluid in swollen parts of your body toward lymph nodes. These lymph nodes remove toxins, bacteria, and damaged cells from the fluid.
Unlike traditional massage, lymphatic drainage uses light, gentle pressure. That's because the lymphatic system is directly under your skin.
Under normal circumstances, this system collects lymph and brings it back to your heart. But if there are problems, lymph collects in your body parts, causing swelling. By gently massaging the affected parts, you can help move the fluid from your tissues to the lymph nodes.
How Does Lymphatic Drainage Benefit Breastfeeding Mothers?
Lymphatic drainage supports breastfeeding moms by reducing engorgement, unblocking milk ducts, and managing mastitis.
As mentioned above, the lymphatic system transports lymph throughout your body with the help of the circulatory system.
However, unlike blood in your circulatory system, there is no central pump like the heart to control the lymph flow. Instead, it relies on muscle contractions.
So, when there are problems in your lymphatic system, a massage can help. And for breastfeeding moms, there will be problems. Therefore, lymphatic drainage massage for breastfeeding women is a fantastic solution. Here are the common problems that it solves:
Blocked Ducts
Inflammation in your breasts can cause the milk ducts to narrow or be "blocked." When it happens, the milk can stagnate and the condition could progress to become mastitis. A hot and painful lump on your breasts is an indication that your milk ducts are blocked.
Again, lymphatic drainage is for issues related to inflammation and swelling in your body. In this case, it will open the ducts, promoting milk flow. That prevents the milk from stagnation.
Mastitis
Mastitis is the stage where the inflammation in your breast tissue has become really painful. It can cause fevers and chills. Of course, if you are unwell, breastfeeding will be a challenge.
Remember, the lymphatic system is part of your immune system. So, things that can help it, like lymphatic drainage, can promote healing. It will help remove toxins from your body, which will effectively get rid of the inflammation.
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement is the swelling in the breast caused by becoming very full of milk. Other effects are hardness and pain. A lymphatic drainage massage can help move the excess fluid. It will reduce the pressure on your breast tissues, easing discomfort.
How To Do Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Breast Engorgement
A lymphatic drainage massage helps you overcome some of the challenges in breastfeeding. The question is, how do you do it? Do you need special equipment or help from others? Here is a guide that you can follow easily:
Step 1. Start Above the Collarbone
Start just above your collarbone. Rub it in small circles ten times to get the lymphatic system ready.
Step 2. Massage Under Your Arm
Move to your underarm area and use the same gentle, circular strokes 10 times. This helps with lymph drainage from the breast.
Step 3. Light Sweeping Motions
Gently brush from your nipple toward the underarm. Use very light pressure—just like petting a cat.
Step 4. Repeat as Needed
You can do this massage as often as you'd like throughout the day.
Step 5. Wear Supportive Compression
Wear a supportive bra with some compression to prevent fluid buildup.
How Do I Know If I Need Lymphatic Drainage?
You should look for signs of toxin buildup. Here is a list you can use. If you feel several of these symptoms together, you may need a lymphatic drainage massage:
- Swelling
- Bloating
- Brain fog
- Constipation or digestive problems
- Persistent tiredness
- Weakened immune system
- Sinus infections
- Dry or itchy skin
What Does Poor Lymphatic Drainage Feel Like?
Poor lymphatic drainage makes you feel uncomfortable. The condition is called lymphoedema. For breastfeeding moms, the swelling in your breasts will limit your range of motion. Your breasts will also be heavier, and you may feel pain or a dull ache. In some cases, wart-like growths can develop on the skin.
Poor lymphatic drainage also means your immune system is not functioning properly. You may feel weak. You will be more vulnerable to colds, flu, sinus infections, and digestive problems. This weakness can make you feel constantly tired.
Other Tips and Methods to Prevent Breast Engorgement
A lymphatic drainage massage helps reduce engorgement. However, it is not the only way. Unfortunately, breastfeeding moms can't fully prevent breast engorgement. It happens naturally as your breast becomes full of milk. But with these practices, you can make it manageable and reduce engorgement.
Breastfeed Regularly or Use Breast Pumps
Too much milk supply causes breast engorgement. Therefore, it is important to regulate it. In the first few months of your baby, we recommend breastfeeding them 8 - 12 times in 24 hours. Establishing a consistent schedule is also recommended. In times when you can't breastfeed, you can use a breast pump instead.
We recommend the Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump | M9. It features a 3rd-gen pump motor, which offers powerful suction that increases the milk output. Furthermore, you can customize it with the Momcozy app to adjust the mode and intensity. The long-lasting battery lets you enjoy up to 5 pumps on each charge.
Let Your Baby Decide When to Stop
Do not set a time limit for your baby's feeding time. Let them feed and decide when to stop. Once they unlatch from one breast, offer the other. Again, wait for them to unlatch. By doing so, you can "train" your body to know how much milk to produce. It's also good for the baby because it ensures that they are being well-fed.
Use a Massager
To promote a good breast milk flow, you can give your breasts a gentle massage. You can do that before or while breastfeeding.
If you choose to do it before, you can use the Warming and Vibrating Lactation Massager. It can help unblock milk ducts and encourage better let-downs. Furthermore, it offers 2 modes of warming and massaging, with each mode having 6 different intensity levels.
FAQs
1. What Does Lymphatic Drainage Do?
Lymphatic drainage helps lymph fluid reach lymph nodes, which can filter and remove the toxins they contain. It helps reduce swelling, and in breastfeeding mothers, it helps reduce engorgement and prevent mastitis.
2. Do You Lose Weight with Lymphatic Drainage?
Yes, lymphatic drainage can help you lose weight. By promoting a healthy lymph flow, it helps eliminate the excess fluids in your body. Furthermore, it helps remove swelling in areas infected with lymphoedema. As a result, it causes some weight loss.
3. Where does the fluid go after a lymphatic massage?
It goes to your urine. Your kidney's function is to eliminate toxins and excess water from your body. Therefore, after a lymphatic massage, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently. You may also see changes in your stool or sweat.
You may also see changes in your stool or sweat.
Conclusion
A lymphatic drainage massage helps breastfeeding moms overcome some of the most common challenges in breastfeeding. That includes reducing engorgement, preventing mastitis, and unclogging milk ducts.
By helping your systems remove toxins from your body, you are boosting your health. And if you are healthy, you can really take good care of your baby. As such, you can say that lymphatic drainage helps ensure a successful breastfeeding journey.
