Breastfeeding + Lymphatic Drainage

As a first time mom, the discomfort (and honestly shock) of my milk coming in and regulating over the first few days was an experience that I was not at all prepared for. In fact, this time period was so challenging at times that it almost lead me to stop breastfeeding all together. I had such a desire to continue to breastfeed my son that I pushed through, and now that I am in a much easier place with feeding (pumping, supplementing formula, and some breastfeeding because that is what’s been best for my son!) I found myself asking;

“Is there anything that could have been done to make the early days of breastfeeding easier on me?”

Thankfully, the answer is yes. Research has shows that lymphatic drainage is more effective than other interventions in reducing pain and engorgement and even helps boost milk supply! Additionally, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36 The Mastitis Spectrum (revised 2022) states, “Deep massage causes increased inflammation, tissue edema, and microvascular injury. Avoid electric toothbrushes and other commercial vibrating or massaging devices. A systematic review concluded that although breast massage may reduce pain, it should not be recommended as standard of care because it requires extensive training to master atraumatic approach. The most successful technique approximates manual lymphatic drainage with light sweeping of the skin rather than deep tissue massage.”

This protocol also states:

“Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce edema and inflammation and provide symptomatic relief, and acetaminophen/paracetamol can provide analgesia. For example, ice can be applied every hour or more frequently if desired. Ibuprofen can be dosed 800mg every 8 hours and acetaminophen/paracetamol 1,000mg every 8 hours in the acute setting.

Although heat will vasodilate and may worsen symptoms, it also may provide comfort for some patients. The use of warm showers and antipyretics did not improve mastitis outcomes in a randomized controlled trial.

Sunflower or soy lecithin 5–10g daily by mouth may be taken to reduce inflammation in ducts and emulsify milk.”

I find it best to treat moms that plan to breastfeed between days 3-5 postpartum for their first session. I can share from experience that this is the most intense time and I would have done anything for some support and relief! Because postpartum is such a busy, emotional, wild time; I recommend booking a postpartum session BEFORE going into labor because, honestly, the first thing to go out the window is mom’s self care.

Now, I also know from experience that babies enter the world when they want to. I have set up my practice to be flexible. Have me added to your partner or family member’s contact list when it’s baby time and I will coordinate to get a session booked in your home within that 3-5 day window.

Resources:

Doğan H, Eroğlu S, Akbayrak T. Comparison of the Effect of Kinesio Taping and Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Breast Engorgement in Postpartum Women: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Jan;16(1):82-92. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2020.0115. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 33030349.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022, by Mitchell, et al. Breastfeed Med 2022;17(5):360-376; doi: 10.1089/bfm.2022.29207.kbm