Pumping.....owwwwwwwwwwuch!!!!!

mamasmurf12

So, I've pumped twice before on a cheapo single pump and didn't get much...but it was enough to leave DD for a few hours w/ her Daddy. I finally got to try the Medela double pump tonight and, I have to say, it HURT! I did it for almost 15 minutes, only got 1.5 oz of milk (if that), and now I'm trying to let my nipples recover. Maybe I turned up the setting too high? My nipples look all huge and wonky (for lack of a better word) right now. I hope DD doesn't wake up for at least a few hours to eat...my boobs can't take it! :-( This one session worries me, I go back to work (plan on quitting after a couple of weeks) in 3 weeks and really don't want to have to use formula.

This also makes me wonder if maybe this (low supply) is why I can still barely get my 6 wk old to go 2 hrs w/o being hungry while she's awake (she'll go for quite awhile when she's asleep though, which is the only time I can move freely about the house, lol!).

Cheebe

Do you have the correct sized, I'll call them cups, to put on your breasts?  If they are too small or too big this could make things more miserable.  I only turn my pump up half way and it does the job nicely.  I had to get the smallest sized cups b/c my nipples are the same size they were before PG.  You can also just pump one side so you could feed on the other, just for the future. 

I don't know about your supply but GL!

emriley84

Turn the pump on the lowest setting, if you get milk, leave it there. I never turn my suction up past the minimum and it works for me, maybe you can get by with less suction.

aljon

emriley84:

Turn the pump on the lowest setting, if you get milk, leave it there. I never turn my suction up past the minimum and it works for me, maybe you can get by with less suction.

This!  I pump on the minimum suction and get a decent amount of milk.  The strength of the suction is supposed to mimic your child's suckle.  A higher level doesn't necessarily mean more milk. 

Also, just because you don't pump a lot doesn't mean you have a low supply.  Your body doesn't respond the same to a pump as it would to your baby.  Plus the baby is much better at removing milk.  Give it time and relax and you might be able to get more. 

I can pump 5+ oz in one pump session and DD usually only goes 2 hrs between feedings, 3 at night.  Breastmilk digests quickly.

Carilyn

I agree with PPs.  Make sure the shield part is the right size.  Pump on the lowest suction possible.  It is kind of uncomfortable and makes my nipples a little sore-ish, but it should not hurt! 

If you're pumping on top of nusing not in place of a nursing session, 1.5oz isn't a low amount.  Also, some people don't respond well to the pump (me included).  Your baby does a MUCH better job getting milk out than the pump!  It does not mean you have a low supply!  My baby will often eat every two hours during the day, and did last night even, and she is 8 weeks. 

LadyDelilah

1.) make sure that your shields are the correct size

2.) LANOLIN it helps lubricate when you pump

and 3.) everytime I pump I would get an ice cube and make my nips really erect and it worked every time. Try fennugreek and see if your supply increases also make sure youre drinking a ton of water that totally affected my supply

Murdock12

emriley84:

Turn the pump on the lowest setting, if you get milk, leave it there. I never turn my suction up past the minimum and it works for me, maybe you can get by with less suction.

This. Everyone talks about how less efficient pumps are so I jacked up the power and was sore. My LC said it's a common mistake and they would prefer ppl to use lower settings.

Mt2G1012

Ditto all PP.  I had to get the 21mm (smallest size) shields.  My nipples were hurting SO bad and turning purple and then getting bruises on them.  I thought I just had to get used to the pump so continued for a week before I looked in to it.  You can cause MAJOR damage to your breasts if you don't have the right size shield.  Also, the soft shields fit me fine as well.  They are a little more expensive but much more comfortable.  You can get the 21mm shield on Amazon, no where else I looked has them.  If your nipples are rubbing on the shields because they are too big, then you need to get larger shields.  Also, ditto on the absolute lowest setting is good enough for me.