I just finished my level 2 course in Lymphatic Drainage (the Chikly Method)
where I learned alot about engorgement and its lymphatic component and the
Lymphatic Breast Care Protocol. Based on what I learned from Dr. Chikly, we
may need to be rethinking what we are doing about engorgement. I asked him
specifically why just the areolae would swell in certain circumstances. His
reply was that perhaps the capillaries in that area have been compressed
preventing the lymph to drain adequately causing a localized edema. he was
reluctant to call it a lymphedema but wanted to put more thought into it. He
suggested that when a woman is in this situation that manual lymph drainage be
done as soon as possible to restore optimal function of the capillaries (lymph
capillaries) thereby preventing worse problems. he also suggested that
diuresis will only take care of one aspect of the problem. The important thing
is to get the protein out of the extracellular space so that it doesn't draw
the fluid (oncotic pressure) and to reduce compression on the capillaries by
getting and keeping the lymph and the milk moving. Increasing or decreasing
protein in the diet will not have an effect. He has developed a three day
course specifically for IBCLCs and will be teaching them how to do the
Lymphatic Breast Care Protocol. It looks like the first site will be in
Columbus, back to back with the level 3 course in late june. Date to be
announced. I encourage everyone to take it because the technique is excellent
for dealing with many of the breast problems we see. By the way, Dr. Bruno
Chikly is considered one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject
and is a terrific teacher. He is extremely supportive of breastfeeding and is
a very loving and caring physician. I hope we can get him to come and speak at
ILCA!

Alison K. Hazelbaker