Pumping and sore nipples

[brisco]

I don't quite know why, but my nipples are really sore. I'm pretty sure it's unrelated to pumping itself and is more a hormonal thing, but it's making pumping very very painful. They've been bad for nearly a week now. I have PCOS and get random hormonal fluctuations from that. It feels like they did in early pregnancy, but tests have been negative.

Any advice on pumping with really sore nipples? Anything I can do to make it easier?

I'm only getting about 8 oz a day for my near 11 month old, so it's hard to stay really motivated with the pain.

[*caitlinsmom*]

:

having the same problem and I want to see what other folks have to say.

[ExuberantDaffodil]

Is there a chance that you have your pump setting on too high? I remember when I was pumping, I was so zealous to get good output that I put the pump on strong, fast settings, thinking pumping would be quicker and more efficient. The opposite was true. Maybe you could try putting the pump on the lowest, slowest setting and see if that helps with the nipple pain. Breast compressions during pumping will help the output.

Other than pump settings, I would try to focus on healing your nipples. If you are positive you don't have thrush, a little lansinoh lanolin went a long way with me, as well as Soothies. Lots of air time may help to.



Good luck!

[brisco]

Thanks, but I've tried all of those. I seriously think it's probably a hormonal issue, not a damage to the skin issue, if that makes sense. I've tried the lowest suction I can, and all different speeds too. I've been doing the lansinoh thing and air drying whenever possible.

[*caitlinsmom*]

I think I am having the begining of cracked nipples. Ouch! I actually pumped some blood this morning..... I'll be stopping off to buy some lansinoh lanolin this afternoon.

[Mom2Natalya]

Are you using the right size horns?
The only other thing I can recommend is changing pumps. I was having severe pain when I was using a PIS and when I switched to the Avent Isis IQ Duo, no more pain, literally overnight. For me, it was b/c the Avent more closely simulates the baby's natural sucking patterns.

GOod luck!!

[brisco]

It's all been fine for months, so I'm pretty sure its not the pump.

I've got 2 Avent Isis IQ Unos. I really prefer them. I had one before DS refused to nurse anymore then after I found the Medela Symphony I rented actually got me less milk than single pumping with the Avent I bought a 2nd Uno and I double pump that way now. I really like them.

[melbb]

Do you lubricate your nipples for pumping? Olive oil works great. Pumping shouldn't be painful. Uncomfortable, yes, but painful, no. I get sore nipples from time to time and it is usually thrush. You can get it from just pumping.

[*caitlinsmom*]

I have thrush. That was my problem the whole time, apparently. figured it out on tuesday night when I noticed that DD had the white stuff in her mouth and then I put it all together. Got us both to the Doc and got meds. OP, you really might want to check for thrush.

[*caitlinsmom*]

ExhuberantDaffodil,
thanks for the hints about pumping.... I've been in agony these past few days pumping and nursing too (especially on the right side). I turned down the speed and the suction... I was uncomfortable, but it was bearable.

Now if I can just get rid of the thrush!

[brisco]

Well, I'm thinking it's totally unrelated to the pump. I had a very faint +ve pregnancy test today. They were really, really sore when I was pregnant with DS too.