Basic Lymphatic Massage for Breast Engorgement

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory and immune systems. It is made up of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic or lymphoid organs, and lymphoid tissues. The vessels carry a clear fluid called lymph that helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. This waste is filtered out of the body through your perspiration, bowel movement, urine and even your breath. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymph system is not a closed system and lymph fluid can freely flow through your cells and vessels. A lymph node is an organized collection of lymphoid tissue, through which the lymph passes on its way back to the blood. Lymph nodes are located at intervals along the lymphatic system. There are lymph nodes located in the armpit and above and below the collar bone. These lymph nodes can help with proper drainage of the breast. Breast tissue extends to the armpit, so you may notice a swollen lymph node as a result of engorgement or an infection, like mastitis. When breast engorgement occurs, the entire breast, nipple, and areola (pigmented region surrounding the nipple) swell and usually cause discomfort or pain. The baby may suck from the nipples but may not receive much milk. However, baby's sucking will cause the breasts to produce more milk, further overfilling the milk glands and increasing engorgement. Your breasts may then become swollen (engorged) with milk.
Lymphatic massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. While it is called massage, it is actually a pressure applied in a pumping movement that jump starts the flow of lymph in specific areas of the body. It is especially helpful for moving excess fluid and swelling off the breast during engorgement, swelling associated with a plugged duct, or mastitis. It can also be very helpful if you’re struggling with engorgement and blockages in the breast due to having a history of breast implants to help move fluid around the implant. This is a basic introduction to lymphatic drainage massage which you can do at home. There are also trained health care professionals who use lymphatic drainage massage on the entire body or a focused area to further reduce swelling in your body.
For the breast, you’re going to use a pumping action using some light pressure to move and then release the breast gently so it returns to its original position. Each move counts as one pump. Start with your hand at the base of your armpit. Gently pump inward and upward deeply into your armpit 10-20 times. It may feel tender, especially if you can feel that the lymph nodes are swollen. Next, hold your breast with both hands and lift the entire breast back and up into the armpit, as if you're’ trying to drain the breast back into the armpit. Pump the breast in this position 10 times. You may already start to feel movement inside your body or changes in the fullness of your breast. These first two movements help drain the lymph into the nodes of the armpit. The next step focuses on moving fluid from the upper, inner quadrant of the breast into the lymph nodes above and below the collarbone. Using the hand on the same side as the affected breast, gently hold the breast up for support. Using the opposite hand, place the palm of your hand on the breast and gently pump up toward your collarbone. Pump 10 times. For the last step, take the breast in both hands and pump directly inward toward the chest wall. Do this 5-10 times. The lymphatic system has a one way valve, so you cannot pump it in the wrong direction by mistake. When working with breast tissue, focus on creating movement of the fluid in your body. You can do this several times a day. If your symptoms get worse or do not resolve in 24-48 hours, please schedule an appointment with a qualified health care provider such as an IBCLC, your primary care provider, a breast specialist, or acupunturist. If you have a fever of 100 degrees or greater for 24 hours you will need to see a physician immediately for antibiotics as mastitis that is left untreated for too long can have very severe consequences.
#mastitistreatment #massagetherapy #lymphaticdrainage #lymphatic #lymphaticdrainagemassage

[@JANA_KEMPER]

i just stopped breastfeeding and have been experiencing engorgement and LOTS of pain. this brought me almost immediate relief, and i felt 100% better the very next day. THANK YOU 😭😭

[@monag8183]

I’m a breast cancer survivor. I’ve had physical therapy and lymphatic manual drain massage. It is a temporary fix. I was engorged and sore. I stumbled on this video. I just followed her directions and got instant relief.

[@heidiandulan5323]

Same here omg.

[@michelleo2969]

From a new mom I just want to say thank you for posting this. You have saved me from so much pain. I’ve talked to several lactation consultants and they told me all of that swelling was milk… don’t worry I didn’t believe them. I’m glad I found your video. Thanks again!

[@KrystalTeo]

This is a miracle! My LC had recommended lymphatic massage to help with engorgement, and this video gave me the help I needed to understand that. Thank you!

[@sarahfernandes1621]

I have been in so much pain and tried everything and nothing helped. This was insane it was instant relief! Thank you so much!

[@PrettyVacantsWay]

I'm so grateful for this video, why couldn't no one from the hospital tell me this?! Thank you!!!❤

[@bethi1000]

Using this technique to help with swelling from mastitis. Thanks for the education, and pain relief!

[@Diadiadem-t2d]

Engorgement is so painful, thank you for providing this information!!

[@maryamt2782]

This helped so much. Thanks 😢

[@abbyfarsonpratt8842]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you so much. Just got mastitis again and this helped instantly relieve pain.

[@musiqlover88_21]

Very helpful , thanks so much

[@sweet-teia167]

Thank you so much! This technique really helps!

[@DistortedLinds]

How often can I do this? Only before baby latches or? I’m getting desperate and in tears.

[@karenhobaugh4107]

New mom here! This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@andismithlmt738]

How many times can you do this in a day?

[@lalactation]

There is no limit if done gently.

[@zoefried4832]

If you’re also using cabbage leaves to reduce supply, would you do this before or after? Weaning now. Thanks!!

[@lalactation]

After!!

[@patrisiapa]

I had done It multiple times yesterday And today I woke up with a Swollen And painful Limf node in the chest. Is it ok to continue with this massage?

[@danielapalomo7164]

Hi! If I’m weaning, how many times can I do this per day? And do I have to pump after doing this or can I just use it for relief?

[@louis_diaz]

Will I get my supply return to what it was before I developed mastitis? Currently in the thick of it and I’m worried that my supply has taken a hit because of all the things I did initially wrong to treat it prior to learning about the new protocol.

[@lalactation]

It should rebound once the inflammation has decreased. Once the infection has cleared, let baby feed as long and often as baby wants

[@eirinizom]

Hello- I just started antibiotics for mastitis. How many times a day should I do this massage to help with resolving the matter? (My little one is 12 months old)

[@Zyphra22]

Thank you thank you!

[@dreamtombs]

If I have swelling from plugged duct in the lower inner quadrant, should I pump that area towards the collarbone or the armpit? Thank you.

[@lalactation]

Down toward the abdomen!! Are you wearing an underwire at all? Sleeping on that breast? I’d find the reason for the plug to prevent it from happening again

[@dreamtombs]

@@lalactation Thank you so much for replying. No underwire or sleeping on the breast... I think I may have inflammation for excessive hard massaging, though! Trying to be easy on them. :)

[@lalactation]

Be gentle on the girls!!!! More is not better.

[@megan2623]

Can I do this at 29 weeks pregnant?

[@lalactation]

Yes

[@mothernaturegoose3404]

yay thankyou

[@tRipPinRolLz]

How long does the engorgement phase when transitioning from colostrum to milk last?

[@lalactation]

It’s usually quick. A few days

[@lalactation]

But the fullness in the breast that many people feel (that softens as baby feeds) can last for multiple weeks

[@DistortedLinds]

Seems so counterintuitive but I guess lymphatic system isn’t the same as milk being clogged right?

[@lalactation]

The breast has lymph tissue in it and drains directly into several different lymph node. Plugged ducts and mastitis are associated with inflammation in the breast. Doing lymphatic drainage massage can help move this swelling of the breast and reduce the plug

[@bethanyharris1368]

If you're trying to dry up breast milk can this help with engorgement?

[@lalactation]

This can be used for many purposes: relieve engorgment, get rid of a plugged duct, increase or decrease supply

[@meganeverett8498]

Should I be expressing milk after this?

[@lalactation]

You can!!

[@tanyademchenko7319]

Thank you ❤