Reverse Pressure Softening - A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Breast engorgement is a really common breastfeeding issue.

It often happens within the first week postpartum as your milk “comes in” and transitions from colostrum to mature milk.  Engorgement may also happen as fluid shifts in your body after labor and delivery or if you go too long between feedings.

Engorgement is NOT fun — it feels like your breasts have filled up like balloons!  Your breasts feel full, firm, and tender to touch. 

Because of all the excess fluid around the nipple, being engorged makes it more difficult for your baby to latch and for you to pump.

An easy technique called Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS) helps by removing the fluid around the nipple area so your baby can latch better.

 
Reverse Pressure Softening
 

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Reverse pressure softening was discovered by lactation consultant Jean Cotterman when she discovered that softening the areola (the dark part of your breast surrounding your nipple) helped baby latch and increased milk transfer when engorged.

Reverse Pressure Softening works by using your hands to move the fluid in your breasts backward, molding the shape of your breast and helping your nipple protrude to make latching and pumping easier.

Note: RPS only softens the breasts for about 5-10 minutes before the fluid returns so it’s important to latch or pump right away before they become firm again.

 

Reverse Pressure Softening Benefits

  • Relieves some of the pressure from engorgement

  • Helps your baby latch more deeply 

  • Makes pumping easier while engorged

  • Increase milk transfer

  • Reduces the risk of nipple trauma

  • Helps trigger initial letdown



How to do reverse pressure softening

Reverse Pressure Softening

  1. Press your fingertips around the base of your nipple (any finger combination may be used)

  2. Firmly but gently, apply steady pressure

  3. After 30 seconds or so, drag your fingers away from your nipple, continuing to apply pressure.

  4. Continue the same process alternating positions around your nipple

  5. Repeat until your areola has softened

  6. Latch your baby or express milk right away



Reverse Pressure Softening Tips

  • Don’t apply pressure too firmly to cause pain

  • Latching works best if you do it within a minute of completing RPS

  • The more engorged you are, the more time that it may take 

  • If Reverse Pressure Softening doesn’t soften your breasts enough you can hand express some breast milk

  • Perform RPS before each feeding session until you no longer experience engorgement

  • For severe engorgement, lay flat on your back

Afterwards, to make sure you get all the milk out while breastfeeding, use THIS handy little tool to ensure proper milk flow and ease engorgement.


Reverse Pressure Softening Video:

 

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Breastfeeding, Common ConcernsStacey Stewart