Breastfeeding Troubleshooting: Engorgement & Mastitis
Engorgement (continued)
Areolar Softening Massage
American nurse and lactation consultant Jean Cotterman developed a technique that helps soften the areola and stimulate milk flow. It's called
Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS)—and it might just become your new best friend.
“The best time to perform RPS is right before latching. Gentle, steady pressure is applied for 60 seconds—or more if needed—focusing on the edge of the areola, where it meets the base of the nipple.
If your nails are short, you can use 6 to 8 fingers, curled so the nails gently touch the nipple’s edge.
If the areola is very firm, you may need to hold the pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.”
Mastitis (also known as Breast Infection)
How do I know if I have mastitis?
A red, painful area on the breast (usually spreading from the areola into one quadrant)?
Flu-like symptoms (fever over 102°F / 39°C, chills, fatigue, body aches)?
Yep, sounds like mastitis.
It’s often triggered by unresolved engorgement, but can also stem from cracked nipples, which let bacteria sneak in.
What to do if you have mastitis?
The golden rule? See your doctor without delay to start the right treatment—whether it’s anti-inflammatory meds or antibiotics.
In the meantime, keep draining the breast as much as possible.
Good to know: Unless your doctor says otherwise, your milk is perfectly safe for baby—even from the infected breast.
In fact, continued nursing is encouraged to speed up recovery.
Too painful to latch? Use a breast pump instead.
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