Betsy writes:

<. Do you have a hand-out for moms that explains how to do the hand
expression? >

No, Betsy, not on hand-expression. I don't want to spend any effort
trying to re-invent the wheel. I am very happy using the LLL handout of
the Marmet method, and I have heard that there are others available that
do a good job.

What I do have is a 2-sided handout that was printed in the 2004 ILCA
syllabus on the "What, When, Why, Where and How of Reverse Pressure
Softening". Some may think that the first side is more than some
postpartum moms want to read, but I believe the illustrated "How to" side
is plenty simple for postpartum mothers. The diagrams help even those who
don't read English or who have physical disabilities.

(Verbal explanation plus using the sheet for visual teaching provides a
good basis for a demonstration or supervised practice, which then adds
the mom's kinesthetic sense into the learning process.) Many have told me
they find RPS a valuable skill to provide the mother in the hospital to
help her cope with further swelling at home.

However, I think the first side is also valuable for prenatal moms'
(and/or for significant others and HCP's!), explaining the importance of
a soft areola, the potential causes of areolar swelling/firmness, how to
test for it and how to avoid common practices that could make areolar
swelling and tissue resistance worse.

A new illustration has been drawn for the straight finger method for use
when the mom's fingernails are too long to use curved fingers. Jan Barger
was the one who originally asked me to write about RPS for publication
for Lactation Education Consultants.

Jan  [log in to unmask]  or I can provide anyone with more information about
obtaining a master copy for use for non-commercial purposes. Neither of
us profits from this in any way (except psychologically, in spreading the
skill to more HCP's and parents.) All we ask is that it be retained with
its original wording, and credited for authorship and diagrams. The more
people who spread the word around the maternal-child health community all
over the world, the happier we will be!

Jean
************
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA



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