Pumping Discomfort

Tanya0203 · August 2013

Hi all - I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions to help with discomfort while pumping.

I've been using the Medela Freestyle pump since I went back to work about a month ago. I pump once in the morning before I leave for work, then 3 more times while at work each day. My output is ok (I usually pump 3 to 4 oz per session), but i'm finding the harsh sensation of the electric pump to be really uncomfortable, and it seems to be getting worse. I've tried all different size breastshields as well as the pumping pals shields, and none of them made a difference. I've also tried to change the strength of the suction, but that doesn't seem to be it either. And if I turn the suction down too much, it takes forever and I don't get much milk. I also started using olive oil on the flanges to reduce friction. Despite trying all this, I am still finding pumping to be really uncomfortable.

On the other hand, when I use a manual pump, it feels totally comfortable and I can usually get more milk faster. However, it's just not feasible to use a manual pump 4x/day for me.

Has anyone else experienced this? Found anything that helped? I am starting to dread pumping more and more, and it's affecting letdown and output.

Anyone have any tips or suggestions? Is it possible that there could be somethign wrong with my pump? Or that I would find a different double electric pump to be more comfortable? Or do I just need to accept it and deal with the discomfort?

24ladybug · August 2013

I'm not sure if this would help but I really like my ameda pump. It has dials for the speed and suction. So they can be greatly adjusted. I can have the suction up but the speed down low which give less rubbing.

MrsBigTime · August 2013

Your nipples are probably still adjusting to the frequency of the pump. My work has a Symphony we can use and I found that it is much more comfortable (the suction is more gentle somehow), but I don't notice a difference in the amount I pump. I prefer to use the Symphony, but if I do use my Freestyle I try to change up the flange size every so often, and about half the time I only pump one side at a time.

cgregory81 · August 2013

I use the Freestyle and have been back at work for 3 months. I have the same issue. The only thing that helps is distraction. I read this board and it seems to help for the most part. If I think about the pumping, it hurts more and I pump fewer ounces.