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nipple pain after pumping

gmd88gmd88 member
in Breastfeeding
Hi mamas! I pumped for my first time today on one breast only. I played around with the speed and suction to mimic let down etc based on the instructional DVD I received with my pump (ameda purely yours). I wasn't having any pain while pumping. However when I was done, I r moved my breast and found that my nipple was more than doubled in size and purple! It was sensitive to the touch. Now when my baby feeds it hurts. It never hurt before :(

Any advice? Is this normal? Do you think it has to do with flange fit or suction? Do I start with low suction and increase it over time as I adjust to the pump? I'm scared to use it again!

Thanks in advance!
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Re: nipple pain after pumping

  • bfstacybfstacy member
    I'm no expert but sounds like suction was too high. Start on lowest setting and you can increase a little but I wouldn't do much, especially in the beginning of pumping.

    Were your nips rubbing on the sides of the flange? If so you'll need a bigger size.

    Definitely put on some nipple butter! That will help some and I recently just read that it's safe to use olive oil or coconut oil along the inside of the flange to help with any nipple tugging.

    Pumping is different and hard work! It takes some time to get used to but stick with it mama!
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  • RaquelB94RaquelB94 member
    The falange was probably the wrong size (too small most likely) because I had this same problem when I first started pumping. Try going to the next size up. But the nipple doubling in size is normal no matter what.

    Next time you decide to pump, start with the lowest setting for the first 5 minutes then switch to a higher setting for the next 10-15. The hospital grade Medela pump I'm using does this automatically and I love it.

    For the pain right now, use breastmilk to help heal. Let some leak out, rub over the sore area, and air dry. My LC recommends doing this after every pump and even before to help reduce friction.
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  • Jenny33Jenny33 member
    Do your nipples ever turn white?
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  • cMichelle0423cMichelle0423 member
    definitely sounds like you've got the wrong size flange. Personally I haven't had any issues with suction being too high (I've always used the highest). But I know when I was using the wrong size flange, I had issues with pain and swelling in my nipples.
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