Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Fertility Journeys

I’m excited to announce that I’ve recently earned my certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), a gentle and specialized technique that supports the lymphatic system, reduces swelling, and promotes overall wellness. I now offer MLD sessions tailored for pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and therapeutic support for those navigating TTC or fertility treatments.

---

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

The lymphatic system is a crucial but often overlooked part of your body’s circulatory and immune networks. Unlike blood, lymph fluid does not have a pump; it relies on muscle movement, breathing, and gentle tissue pressure to move through the body. When lymph flow is sluggish, it can contribute to swelling, inflammation, and slow tissue recovery.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic, and precise movements to stimulate lymph flow, encouraging your body to naturally remove excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. For people experiencing hormonal changes, fluid retention, or tissue remodeling, such as during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and fertility treatments, MLD can make a big difference.

---

Prenatal Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Supporting a Changing Body

Pregnancy naturally changes the body’s fluid balance, circulation, and immune demands. Swelling (edema), tingling in hands or feet, and discomfort in the legs and pelvis are common. Prenatal MLD offers targeted benefits:

* Reduces fluid retention and swelling: Gentle lymphatic stimulation helps your body redistribute fluid that naturally pools in your extremities.

* Relieves discomfort: Tingling, numbness, heaviness, are all signals of swelling. MLD reduces this discomfort.

* Supports labor preparation: By improving circulation and promoting relaxation, MLD can help your body approach labor in a more balanced, comfortable state.

Prenatal MLD can be combined with a prenatal massage approach that addresses tension in the back, neck, and pelvis, offering a holistic session for both comfort and functional support.

Postpartum Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Healing and Restoring Balance

After birth, your body undergoes rapid hormonal shifts, tissue remodeling, and, in some cases, healing from tears* or surgical incisions. Postpartum MLD helps:

*Reduce swelling and support fluid balance: Especially helpful in the first few weeks postpartum, MLD assists the body in clearing retained fluids and easing postpartum edema.

* Support scar healing: Gentle lymphatic work encourages tissue recovery, reduces adhesions, and improves circulation, allowing scars to heal more efficiently with less pain.

* Promote comfort during breastfeeding: MLD can help with blocked ducts or mastitis*, supporting milk flow and reducing discomfort.

*Enhance overall recovery: By facilitating fluid balance and reducing inflammation, MLD complements other postpartum self-care practices, including gentle movement and hydration.

*Important note: MLD has been proven over and over to be effective with a full body approach. In these sessions, your perineal area nor your breast tissue will not ever be touched, but by improving lymph flow throughout the body, these areas can experience accelerated healing.

---

Therapeutic Manual Lymphatic Drainage for TTC/Fertility Support

Trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatments can be physically and emotionally demanding. MLD supports your reproductive health by:

* Reducing inflammation and stress: Gentle stimulation of lymph flow can ease systemic stress and encourage optimal hormone function.

* Supporting hormonal balance: Improved lymph circulation supports endocrine function and overall reproductive health.

* Enhancing recovery from procedures: Post-IVF or other assisted reproductive treatments, MLD can reduce swelling, support tissue healing, and improve comfort.

* Promoting immune and lymphatic health: A well-functioning lymphatic system helps regulate immune responses, which is important in fertility and early pregnancy.

By combining MLD with a targeted therapeutic massage, sessions can also relieve muscular tension, promote relaxation, and help the body function more efficiently during this delicate phase.

MLD is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that supports the body’s natural processes during times of significant change. Whether you’re preparing for labor, recovering postpartum, or supporting your fertility journey, MLD can help you feel lighter, more balanced, and cared for.

To learn more or book a session, visit my Rates & Services page.

---