Nikki,
       Of course it depends on the relative toughness of the skin over the milk pore, but some of my clients are happy to try softening the skin over the bleb by applying a warm moist cloth.  Sometimes, I suspect, the reassurance of doing this may be more effective than any actual softening.  Nikki, your suggestion looks worth trying.
      I also suggest that a) "the hand which holds the sterilized needle should be attached to the same nervous system as would feel any pain", i.e. if they do it themselves they are in control; and b) that they try more of a "lifting" action, at the edge of the bleb, rather than a piercing action.  Invariably the mother is wary about doing this - but after doing so, is amazed at how simple and non-scary it was.
                                    Virginia.
                                    Virginia Thorley
                                    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
PS.  I'm going NO MAIL for a couple of months, and today will be my last day on Lactnet for a while.  I've enjoyed the warmth and sharing, and the genuine nice-ness of the messages, which reflect well on the individual colleagues participating in the forum.  I hope to find the same sharing and caring when I come back on this listserve later in the year.
                                                       Virginia

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