Postpartum lymphatic drainage is a gentle, slow massage technique that moves fluid from swollen tissue toward the lymph nodes. Most new parents wait until their doctor or midwife has cleared them, often at the six-week check, and longer after a C-section until the incision has healed. Do not book it, and call your care provider, if swelling comes with leg pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, a severe headache or changes to your vision.
Key Takeaways
- Some swelling after birth is normal. It is your body clearing fluid from pregnancy and usually goes down within a week or so.
- Lymphatic drainage is a light, rhythmic technique, not a deep tissue massage. It is used to help with comfort when swelling lingers.
- Get clearance from your doctor or midwife first, and wait until a C-section incision has fully healed before any work near it.
- Skip it and contact your care provider if you have signs of a blood clot, infection or fever, or swelling with chest pain or trouble breathing.
- At Anchor, body lymphatic drainage is done by our chiropractors and is usually claimed under your chiropractic benefit.
In This Article
Postpartum lymphatic drainage is a gentle, slow massage technique that moves fluid from swollen tissue toward the lymph nodes. Most new parents book it once their doctor or midwife has cleared them, often around the six-week check, and later after a C-section, once the incision has fully healed.
Before you book, it helps to know which swelling is normal, which is a reason to call your care provider instead, and what a session actually involves.
Is Swelling After Birth Normal?
Usually, yes. Cleveland Clinic describes swelling after birth as "typically normal and your body's way of getting rid of fluid you accumulate during pregnancy," and says it "should go down within a week."
For some people it lingers longer, or it is uncomfortable while it lasts: puffy ankles by evening, rings that feel tight, a heavy feeling in the legs. That is when people start looking at lymphatic drainage, mostly for comfort.
When Swelling Is a Reason to Call, Not Book
Some swelling needs a medical check first, not a massage. Cleveland Clinic lists these postpartum warning signs among others:
- pain in your legs or ankles, especially with swelling
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- severe and persistent headaches
- dizziness or changes to your vision
If you notice any of these, contact your doctor, midwife or Health811, or go to emergency if symptoms are severe. Do not book a massage to deal with them.
When to Start Lymphatic Drainage After Having a Baby
There is no single date that suits everyone. Three things decide it:
1. Clearance from your care provider. Ask your doctor or midwife before your first session. Many people raise it at their six-week postpartum visit.
2. How you gave birth. After a C-section, wait until the incision has fully healed before any work on or near your abdomen. Your practitioner can still work on your legs and other areas if your care provider agrees. When the scar itself is ready for attention, C-section scar release therapy is a separate treatment with its own timing.
3. Your health history. Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding lymphatic drainage massage if you have blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, cellulitis or another infection, a fever, heart disease, kidney failure or a recent stroke. Tell your practitioner about any of these, and about high blood pressure during or after pregnancy, before you book.
What a Postpartum Lymphatic Drainage Session Involves
Lymphatic drainage feels very different from a regular massage. The pressure is light and the strokes are slow and rhythmic, working toward the lymph nodes in your neck, armpits and groin.
A first session usually includes:
- A conversation first. Your practitioner asks about your birth, your recovery so far, any medical conditions and what you hope to get from the session.
- Positioning for comfort. Pillows and bolsters support you on your back or side, so you are not lying flat on your stomach if that is uncomfortable.
- Gentle, slow work. Your practitioner usually starts near the lymph nodes and works outward toward the swollen area, then back again.
- Aftercare. Drinking water, a short walk and resting with your feet up are common suggestions after a session.
You stay covered with a sheet throughout, and you can ask questions or stop at any point.
What to Expect From It
It is worth being clear about what lymphatic drainage can and cannot do. The evidence is strongest for lymphedema, a condition where lymph fluid builds up because the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. Cleveland Clinic notes that "if you don't have lymphedema, you may not see meaningful results."
For postpartum swelling that is part of normal recovery, many people book lymphatic drainage because it feels good and gives them an hour of focused care. That is a valid reason. It is not a replacement for your follow-up appointments, and it will not speed up recovery from a medical complication.
If you also have leaking, pelvic heaviness or abdominal separation after birth, those are better handled by pelvic floor physiotherapy and our GROWCO postnatal rehab program, which you can combine with lymphatic drainage under one roof.
How Postpartum Lymphatic Drainage Is Covered at Anchor
At Anchor, body lymphatic drainage is provided by our chiropractors, Dr. Alli and Dr. Chelsea, so it is usually claimed under the chiropractic benefit on your extended health plan. Facial lymphatic drainage is provided by our Registered Massage Therapist, Kaitlin, and is claimed under your massage therapy benefit. Neither is covered by OHIP.
Our guide to lymphatic drainage massage and insurance in Ontario explains the claim in more detail, and the complete guide to lymphatic drainage massage covers how the technique works.
Book Postpartum Lymphatic Drainage in Keswick
Lymphatic drainage at Anchor is available at our clinic at 443 The Queensway South in Keswick, a short drive from Sutton, Jackson's Point and Pefferlaw. Once your care provider has cleared you, book online or contact our front desk with any questions about timing or coverage.
References
- Postpartum: Stages, Symptoms and Recovery Time, Cleveland Clinic
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Cleveland Clinic
Ready When You Are
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No referral needed. Most extended health benefit plans provide coverage, and we direct bill where possible.
