Pumping with cracked nipples

[belltree]

I need to start pumping at work, but nipples are still cracked. Do you think the suction of the pump will hurt my nipples further? I am a bit afraid of it, because every time I pumped my nipples swell to the diameter of the funnel. I have tried different, larger funnel sizes, but they just swell even more.

Will I be able to pump or will I destroy my nipples?

[EmilyG]

In my experience the pump has less suction than my baby, and so it never seemed to hurt quite as bad as just nursing. As long as your flanges fit and your nipple isn't rubbing on the side wall, I think you should be okay.
How old is your little guy? I'd think the cracking should be getting better, is his latch okay?

[belltree]

I guess, I just have to try it out slowly. I am just afraid of hurting my nipples again or making it worse.

The nipples fit at the beginning well into the pump, but during the pumping they blow up and then start rubbing on the sides.

My little one is now 7 weeks. We had a terrible start, but his latch is better and so finally things are healing. But the cracks were so big and deep, that it will take at least 1-2 weeks longer I'd guess, before they are healed.