I just used my breast pump for the first time and now my nipples hurt?

Question

My daughter is 3 weeks old and latches on fine, my nipples never hurt. I just started pumping (using Medela electric pump) and my nipples are very sore. I have it on maximum. Could it be because I have the pump on too high?

Answer 1

I breastfed my 3 kids.  I hated using the pump.  It always made my nipples hurt.  I don't think I ever did the pump on high though.  You need to turn it down to half way on the pump and the suck or whatever the k***s are.  That is the best pump.  Also make sure you are relaxing when you pump.  It isn't supposed to hurt or it will make it worse and you won't get as much milk.

Answer 2

I had the same problem when I pumped with my first.  I think it's because the pump is so different suction wise than baby.  Try using it on a lower setting for a couple days until your body gets used to the different feeling, and then increase it.

Also using lanolin cream on your nipples will help with the chapped/soreness.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Start it slowly and put the cream before you pump is gonna help ,

If you feel good with breast feeding don't use a breast pump  

Answer 4

My feeling is yes, maximum is too high. I also have a Medela (Pump in Style). I've turned it up to maximum a few times thinking it would be faster (it's not) and my nipples hurt after as well.

Start on the lowest setting and only increase if you are not getting a good flow. Keep in mind your daughter is only three weeks and it takes a month to get a good milk supply in so you might not see a good flow for another weeks or so.

Congratulations!

Answer 5

i think it's because its trying a lot harder than the baby does,, , the same thing happened with me... they have some kind of cream that helps with that if i remember it ill let you know.. good luck!! also.. try using a lower suction it may be too high

Answer 6

I thi k it probably is because you just started to use the pump. It will get better. Your nipples are just not used to that type of suction, which is different that breastfeeding a baby. You may need to adjust the suction to low or medium in order to get used to before moving it to maximum again.

Also, the chapped feelign is because of nursing and pumping. Be sure your b*****s are clean and dry before you put then away. Giving them so air each day also helped with me. There is also a very good lanolin cream to use, I can not remember the brand name, but it started with an "L".

Just wanted to add that if you are breastfeeding on one side each feeding...do you completly pump the other breast? All three of my kids breastfeed on each breast during each feeding. I woudl completely pump both b*****s afterwards and could get quite a bit of milk. I froze it in breastmilk bags. As soon as that was done...I'd start drinking tons of water to replenish my milk loss.

Answer 7

start out on the lowest setting possible and then work your way up to the higher setting as you become comfertable. your nipples will adjust to the pumping mine did. try using lanolin too.