Pumping help!!!!

sweet*18

I just started back to work last week and I'm pumping 3x a day. When I was on leave I only pumped occasionally.

Yesterday I must've done something wrong because now my areola around my right nipple is cracked and bleeding. It is super painful to pump and nurse. I'm literally crying while pumping. The pump is on the lowest suction now.

I used large flanges yesterday but am using medium ones today. I feel like the large are too big and the medium is too small. Please someone help me. How do I get the crack/cut to heal and fast?

TIA

babymama619

You can search magic nipple cream and that should help. Basically 1/3 neosporin, 1/3 lotrimin, and 1/3 something else I forget now. Easy and cheap and said to work miracles for healing. Earlier I recommended the ameda video in flange size and Simone else found it useful. I used it to help determine my medela size and it was very clear. I sometimes have mine crack if they are dry. Try putting lanolin on them after they are healed.

htk1113

I agree with babymama619.  I just used neosporin.  Also, try lubing your flanges or nipples a bit before you pump.  I use a little coconut oil on my nipples before I pump to help things glide better.

Pankers

Also, make sure you don't have the suction on too high. I had to turn mine down as I was hurting myself.