Pumping should not hurt, but if it is there are some adjustments that you should make in order to make yourself more comfortable. Here are six common reasons I have personally experienced that have made pumping painful and the ways that I have solved the problem:
1. Incorrect Alignment
Make sure your nipples are centered as perfectly as possible in the flanges. If one or both nipples are even just a little off, it can hurt as well as impact the efficiency of the the pump when it comes to drawing out your milk.
2. Wrong Flange Size
I was shocked when the flanges that came with the pump were too small for me. I am by no means a big-breasted woman, but I had to move up to a size large (27mm) with my Medela pump. Make sure your nipple is moving freely in the tube, your areola is not being sucked through the tube along with your nipple, and your nipples remain pain-free. Flanges that are either too large or too small can impact how much milk is pumped, so make sure you are using the right size for optimal pumping use. When in doubt, ask your lactation consultant her opinion on whether you need a smaller or larger size.
3. High Suction
The higher the suction does not mean the more milk the pump with draw. Do not turn the nob to the highest suction if you find it uncomfortable. I have always started out on the lowest suction and moved it up to medium after a minute or two. Only go as high as you feel comfortable.
4. Cuts
Check too see if your nipple has any cuts. Cuts can be difficult to heal, but try applying some breastmilk on a cut after pumping. Persistent cuts may require a prescription ointment to heal.
5. Thrush
If you are experiencing shooting pains before and after pumping, nipple sensitivity, itchiness, redness, and/or develop a rash or cuts that won’t heal you may have a yeast infection called thrush. If you are breastfeeding you may notice that your baby develops a white, patchy tongue, cries while feeding, and/or develops a diaper rash. Thrush usually requires a doctor’s appointment to seek the appropriate treatment. Examples of treatments include antifungal medicine, all purpose nipple ointment, and Gentian Violet.
6. Mastitis
The first sign I was coming down with mastitis was unusual sudden pain while pumping. It won’t take much longer after the initial pain to realize you have mastitis. You may soon develop a high fever, red inflamed skin on the breast, chills, aches, and other flu-like symptoms. If you suspect you have mastitis you need to go the doctor ASAP. Mastitis is an infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
These are just some of the common reasons why you may be experiencing pain while pumping. If none of the above seems to be the culprit, talk with your lactation consultant or doctor and do some further investigation to see what the issue may be.
