Use gentle pressure backward to soften a 1-2-inch area of the areola surrounding the base of the nipple. This will temporarily move the interstitial fluid into the lymphatic system and away from the breast tissue.
Patient Resources and Handouts
- Texas WIC Printable Handout: Hand Expression (English PDF)
- Texas WIC Printable Handout: Hand Expression (Spanish PDF)
- Texas WIC Virtual Activity: Hand Expression and Reverse Pressure Softening