I received a couple of questions about a comment I made about
suggesting pumping moms use Reverse Pressure Softening when they are
back to work. I just wanted to clarify what I suggest to moms and some
of the feedback I've gotten.

Many times when moms are working they are pressed for time.
Exclusively pumping moms get panicked that they can't keep up and
pumping turns into a stressful time. Sometimes it's emotional upsets
they are experiencing. Getting their body to relax and let go of the
milk on command can be difficult and sometimes the letdown just
doesn't happen even when mom feels very full.

I suggest they do RPS for at least a minute, relax, do some deep
breathing at the same time. I also suggest they do it again every 5
minutes. They tell me it works. Even on an empty breast.

I like that it puts moms in control of something in her life.

Couldn't recall how I came up with this advice, all the RPS handouts
talk about using it during engorgement. So I got in touch with Jean
Kotterman. She sent some copies of her handouts (which I give out to
every mother that has a class with me.) I found in the description...

"Conversely, pumping may attract edema into the flange area,
especially at maximum vacuum settings. Areolar tissue may then appear
“thickened”, seeming to “bury” the subareolar ducts. Then, neither
infant tongue action, fingertip expression nor the pump itself removes
milk very successfully."

As well as....

"Benefits of RPS include:

-Steady stimulation of nerves under the areola automatically triggers
the milk ejection reflex, propelling milk forward in the breast,
nearly always within 1-2 minutes or less."

http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/rev_pressure_soft_cotterman/

Somewhere along the line I started using this suggestion on a regular
basis for moms that are concerned with their supply or having
difficulty having a letdown.

Another tool from our toolbox being used "off label."

Allison Laverty Montag BA, IBCLC, RLC
Wisconsin, USA
-- 
"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we often might win,
by fearing to attempt."
William Shakespeare
Measure for Measure

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