When to receive lymphatic drainage support:
Body preparation (ie not actively trying to conceive)
- The timing isn’t as crucial and can be distributed through the menstrual cycle
- Recommended 2-4 times per month for 3 months
Trying to conceive
- Recommended 1-2 massages in the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle (between day 1-14)
- Lymphatic drainage is contraindicated in luteal phase (day 14-menses) in the case that you are pregnant. The luteal phase of your menstrual cycle occurs right after ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg). It lasts about 14 days and ends when you get your menstrual period.
IUI & IVF support
- Recommended 1 massage for 2 sequential weeks in the follicular stage.
Pregnancy
- It is important to consult with your doctor before getting a treatment and be over 12 weeks into your pregnancy.
- This type of manual lymphatic support is more clinically indicated into the 3rd trimester as the pressure becomes increasingly more difficult to drain the lymph and physical symptoms such as swollen ankles, varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear.
Post Vaginal Delivery
- You may receive this type of gentle treatment anytime after delivery vaginally at the frequency of personal preference. I recommend 6 weeks from delivery.
Post C-Section Delivery
- You may receive this treatment anytime 6 weeks and on in your c-section birth recovery.
How Lymphatic Drainage can be helpful during pregnancy: Fluid retention in pregnancy can cause swollen legs, ankles, feet, face, and hands. Edema or fluid retention can cause the skin to feel tight and the joints to feel stiff, as well as putting pressure on nerves contributing to pain and possibly difficulty sleeping. By gently moving the lymphatic fluid, this gentle treatment can ease swelling, fluid retention and discomfort, improve circulation, support the immune system as well as promote relaxation and calm; each very beneficial in your health during pregnancy.
How Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is helpful Post Partum & with C-section recovery: Lymphatic drainage is often recommended by healthcare providers pre- and post-surgery (including cesarean recovery) to help alleviate swelling, pain, scar treatment, and to support surgical recovery.
Most common Q&A for lymphatic treatment:
Should I be worried about the detoxification of the lymph into my breast milk if I am breastfeeding?
- No, this is not contraindicated and safe to receive while breastfeeding
How long after a misscarriage may I receive a lymphatic drainage massage
- Six weeks it is considered a safe time to proceed with supporting your body with a lymphatic treatment.