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Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Prenatal and Postnatal Care

Gentle Support for the Body Before and After Birth

Pregnancy and postpartum recovery bring remarkable changes to the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) at Frisco Massage Therapy offers safe, gentle, and effective support for expecting and new mothers.

This specialized technique helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote relaxation during pregnancy. After delivery, it assists the body in returning to balance, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery.

Every session is guided by trained therapists who understand prenatal and postnatal anatomy. Whether you are navigating pregnancy discomfort or healing after birth, MLD provides comfort, calm, and natural support for your body’s unique journey.

New Clients Welcome

Whether you are expecting or recently delivered, lymphatic drainage can help relieve swelling and support your body’s natural recovery. We take time to learn about your pregnancy or postpartum stage and customize your session for safety and comfort.

✨ Enjoy $20 off your first prenatal or postpartum lymphatic session as a new client special. ✨

New and expecting mothers often say they feel lighter, less puffy, and more comfortable even after one visit.

Understanding the Lymphatic System in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body produces up to 50 percent more blood and fluid to support both mother and baby. This natural increase can strain the lymphatic system, leading to swelling in the legs, feet, hands, and face.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps maintain fluid balance by encouraging gentle movement of lymph — the body’s natural waste and immune fluid. By promoting better circulation and drainage, MLD reduces swelling and helps the body adapt more comfortably to physical changes.

After delivery, the lymphatic system continues to work hard as the body rebalances hormones, fluid levels, and circulation. MLD assists in this transition by supporting recovery and reducing postnatal inflammation.

Benefits of Prenatal Lymphatic Drainage

Prenatal MLD provides a gentle, noninvasive way to relieve many of the most common discomforts of pregnancy.

Physical Benefits:

  • Reduces swelling in legs, ankles, and feet

  • Eases tension in hips, back, and shoulders

  • Improves circulation for mother and baby

  • Supports joint mobility and flexibility

  • Helps manage water retention and puffiness

Emotional Benefits:

  • Encourages relaxation and reduces stress

  • Promotes deeper sleep

  • Supports emotional balance and a sense of calm

Because MLD also helps regulate the nervous system, many expecting mothers find that sessions improve not only physical comfort but also emotional well-being.

Benefits of Postnatal Lymphatic Drainage

After childbirth, MLD helps the body recover by reducing inflammation, encourage gentle fluid movement, and supporting tissue repair.

Postnatal MLD helps to:

  • Decrease swelling and fluid retention after delivery

  • Support hormone balance and immune recovery

  • Ease muscle tension and fatigue from nursing or carrying the baby

  • Reduce tenderness from C-section or natural birth

  • Promote lymphatic circulation and tissue healing

By calming the nervous system and improving circulation, MLD assists with postpartum recovery in a safe, nurturing way.

Safe and Specialized Care

Frisco Massage Therapy takes great care to ensure all prenatal and postnatal sessions are safe, supportive, and customized for each client.

Proper Positioning

Expecting clients are comfortably positioned on their side with soft bolsters and pillows to support the belly and hips. This positioning keeps circulation open and prevents pressure on the abdomen.

Gentle Technique

Pressure during MLD is very light and rhythmic. The goal is to move lymph fluid without compressing tissues or muscles.

Open Communication

Therapists maintain ongoing communication throughout the session to ensure comfort and relaxation. Clients are encouraged to share any sensitivities or changes in how they feel.

Each session is adjusted for trimester, comfort level, and health history.

MLD for Common Pregnancy Concerns

Swelling (Edema)

Swelling is one of the most common pregnancy discomforts. MLD helps reduce fluid buildup, especially in the feet, ankles, hands, and face.

Back and Hip Pain

Gentle lymphatic work helps ease tension in muscles affected by posture changes, making it easier to move and rest comfortably.

Carpal Tunnel and Hand Discomfort

By improving circulation and reducing fluid retention in the wrists, MLD can help ease pressure and numbness caused by swelling.

Fatigue and Sleeplessness

MLD’s calming effect on the nervous system helps promote rest, deeper breathing, and improved sleep quality.

Each session is designed to meet the unique needs of pregnancy at every stage.

Postnatal Recovery and Healing

After delivery, the body begins to restore balance. Hormone changes, fluid shifts, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn can create fatigue and swelling.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage supports this recovery phase by:

  • Encouraging drainage of retained fluids

  • Reducing swelling around the abdomen, breasts, and legs

  • Supporting tissue healing after a C-section or episiotomy

  • Assisting with postpartum detoxification

  • Promoting relaxation to support rest and emotional recovery

Many clients find MLD especially beneficial after C-section or natural delivery to reduce inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness.

MLD After C-Section or Abdominal Surgery

For clients recovering from C-section, MLD offers gentle, noninvasive support to aid healing and reduce discomfort.

Benefits include:

  • Decreased swelling and bruising around the incision

  • Reduced pain and tightness in abdominal tissue

  • Improved scar tissue mobility (as healing progresses)

  • Enhanced circulation and oxygen delivery for faster recovery

Sessions are customized to healing stage and performed only after medical clearance. The therapist avoids direct pressure on the incision site until fully healed.

Techniques Used in Prenatal and Postnatal MLD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic movements to guide lymph flow toward drainage points throughout the body. Techniques may include:

  • Gentle stationary circles and wave-like motions

  • Pumping strokes along the limbs

  • Diaphragmatic breathing support to enhance lymph movement

  • Soothing neck and facial drainage for sinus relief and puffiness

The touch is intentionally light, calming, and repetitive — allowing the body to relax and release fluid naturally.

Integrating MLD with Other Services

Prenatal and Postnatal MLD pairs beautifully with other gentle therapies at Frisco Massage Therapy:

  • Prenatal Massage: For deeper muscular relaxation and alignment support

  • Craniosacral Therapy: For nervous system balance and emotional calm

  • Therapeutic Massage: For postpartum recovery and tension relief

These integrated services create a holistic care plan that supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being before and after birth.

Client Stories

Many mothers describe MLD as the care that helped them truly enjoy their pregnancy and recover comfortably afterward.

A client in her third trimester experienced daily swelling in her feet and ankles. After incorporating MLD, she noticed reduced discomfort and more energy throughout the day.

Another client recovering from a C-section reported that MLD eased tightness around her incision and helped her return to movement sooner.

Several new mothers have shared that MLD provided the first hour of deep relaxation they had experienced since giving birth, allowing their body and mind to rest and reset.

Each story reflects how gentle lymphatic work can make a profound difference during this transformative time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MLD safe during pregnancy?

Yes. When performed by trained professionals, MLD is safe and beneficial during all stages of pregnancy. Sessions are adjusted for trimester and comfort level.

When can I begin postnatal MLD after birth?

Clients may begin once they feel comfortable or after receiving clearance from their healthcare provider.

Can MLD help with postpartum swelling or fluid retention?

Yes. It is one of the most effective natural ways to reduce swelling and support circulation during recovery.

Does MLD help with breastfeeding discomfort?

Gentle lymphatic work around the chest and upper body may help relieve mild swelling and support comfort. Always discuss with your provider before scheduling.

How often should I schedule sessions?

Frequency varies depending on symptoms. Many clients benefit from weekly sessions during late pregnancy or early postpartum recovery, then move to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance.

Comfort, Safety, and Care

Frisco Massage Therapy provides a quiet, nurturing environment where clients can relax fully and focus on healing. Soft lighting, comfortable positioning, and open communication ensure that every session is restorative and safe.

Therapists are experienced in prenatal and postnatal care and are committed to supporting each client through every stage of the journey — with skill, compassion, and respect.

Who Benefits Most

Prenatal and Postnatal Manual Lymphatic Drainage is ideal for:

  • Expecting clients experiencing swelling or discomfort

  • Clients recovering from C-section or natural birth

  • Mothers adjusting to hormonal or circulation changes

  • Clients needing gentle relaxation and stress relief

  • Those looking for natural, noninvasive support for recovery

Take the Next Step Toward Balance and Recovery

Pregnancy and postpartum are times of great change and growth. Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Frisco Massage Therapy provides a gentle, effective way to support your body as it adapts, heals, and restores balance.

✨ New Client Special: $20 Off Your First Session ✨

Frisco Massage Therapy is honored to care for mothers throughout their journey. Each session combines expert technique with compassionate understanding to help clients feel lighter, calmer, and more at ease — before and after birth.

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