Nerves may have been severed on that side??? Therefore, not capable of sending the neurological half of the MER stimulus, therefore, does not stimulate the hormonal (oxytocin) half???

Reverse Pressure Softening, IME, always produces an MER within 60-90 seconds or less (when done on the areola without surgical severing) One MER nerve stimulus is all that is needed to stimulate the oxytocin release, which will reach both breasts, so that MER will then happen on both sides simultaneously. 


She can do RPS on the breast she finds the stimulus is successful in signaling MER. Then after 1- 2 minutes, MER will occur on both sides, and the baby will not be able to tell the difference (unless perhaps she has acclimated the baby to one certain position on that breast, so might have to "fool" him re: best, most familiar position!) So she can now begin feedings more often on the side she is concerned about, when his appetite is most keen, to help rebuild supply. 

For that matter, she can use it before and several times during pumping, in case she wants to add more frequent pumping on the side that she is concerned is decreasing in supply.

www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/rev_pressure_soft_cotterman/


(No one has proved this by formal research. But anyone can test it by observing a lactating mother for 1-2 minutes after RPS is held steadily for 30 seconds or so. Though perhaps most often thought of as useful to help soften the areola for easier latching during engorgement, RPS works at any stage during lactation to trigger MER , no matter how old the baby. Wonderful when a mother of a baby any age is under stress of any kind, and trying to get the best results from pumping. Repeating RPS every 5-7 minutes during pumping, combined with intermittent breast compression/massage often gets more out in 15 minutes than in 15 minutes of straight pumping.)



K. Jean Cotterman RNC-E, IBCLC
WIC Volunteer LC      Dayton OH

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