Lurker, here, posting for the first time on here, so please bear with me.
Ok, I am a STM and this time around am committed to EPing for LO. However, I'm doing something majorly wrong because I think I am getting mastitis for the THIRD FREAKING TIME.
Can someone please help me figure out if the shields to my Medela PISA are the problem? How do you know if they fit properly - I've always had a rubbing feeling with the 24mm, so I went up to the 27 mm on the left (side that is sick, again) and then 30 mm on the right (side that has been sick one other time). I realize the LLC at the hospital should be able to help me, but, well, she found out it was my second and pretty told me I was fine. I'm feeling really frustrated and it's been 3 months (LO turned 3 months on Saturday).
I really want to make it a year with the pumping but cannot afford to keep getting sick with work. So, please explain/help/refer me to a good visusal aid for figuring out the proper fit. Everything I read says the aeriola should feel pulling,but no matter the size I use, it seems like the my aeriolas are being pulled in. I'm so freaking confused and getting frustrated.
Thank you for reading and offering any help you can provide. I appreciate your help, ladies.
Re: Help!! :(
Make sure you are pumping at pretty regular intervals so your body knows what to anticipate. Moist heat and massage really help too. Good luck!
I also suggest finding an LC that will help you. As far as the mastitis, I would try a warm towel on it while pumping and massaging that tends to help me.
Before a pumping session try to put a heating pad or again a warm towel on it to loosen up the milk.
I use the standard size (24mm) I think and it's just enough that my nipple gets pulled into the flange but doesn't touch the sides so that there isn't rubbing. I would just make sure that you are not having any pain in your nipple but that it is getting pulled enough so that it fits inside. Does that make sense?
I am feeling a bit better today warm, moist compresses and Advil helped immensely. I do not feel a large hard area anymore and I am starting to get a bit more from pumping.
I wish I could just nurse pumping blows!