Why Is My Breast Pump Hurting? 6 Fitting & Suction Mistakes to Fix Today

Breast pumping should never be a matter of “pushing through.” If your breast pump is causing pain, discomfort, pinching, pulling, or swelling, you may have your flange fit or positioning, your pump setting, or your pumping technique wrong. A bad fit of a flange or too much suction may cause nipple irritation and trauma.

The good news? Sometimes it is possible to make small changes to make pumping more comfortable! These are some common fitting and suction errors to look for today.

1. Using the Wrong Flange Size

The most frequent cause of painful pumping is a flange that is not the correct size. The flange is the breast shield that covers your nipple and areola.

If it's too large, it can stretch out the areola too much, and if it's too small, it can rub against the tunnel. In both cases, it can cause discomfort, swelling, or poor milk removal.

Measuring the nipple's diameter at the base, not the areola, will give you the correct size for your nipple. Even your optimal flange size can change during your breastfeeding or pumping journey, so it is important to check periodically.

Quick check: Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without rubbing, pinching, or undue areola pulled in when pumping.

2. Setting the Suction Too High

The higher the suction does not necessarily mean more milk. When you're trying to get your breast pump to produce more milk, it can be tempting to set it to the highest level. But the nipples can get damaged and painful if you vacuum too much.

Begin at a comfortable level and slowly increase the suction level if it is still comfortable. The purpose of milking is to remove milk and not maximum suction.

If sharp pain, throbbing, swelling, or increased soreness is sensed as the vacuum increases, decrease the vacuum.

Keep in mind that a comfortable setting on the pump is much more important than the highest setting.

3. Not Centering Your Nipple Properly

Even if the flange size is correct, it can be uncomfortable to pump if it is not positioned correctly.

Prior to turning on your pump, check that your nipple is properly aligned in the nipple tunnel of your flange. When positioned too far off-center, it can hit the tunnel wall during sucking, causing the nipple to rub again and again. Before each session check your alignment. This advice is particularly true for pumps that are worn, as they can move around while you're on the go.

Practice this: Place the flange softly against your breast, center the nipple, and start with a comfortable stimulation setting.

4. Pressing the Flange Too Firmly Against Your Breast

You would think that the stronger the seal, the more the flange will stick. However, excessive pressure can lead to discomfort and hinder milk flow.

The flange should seal well but not be pushed into the breast so hard as to be painful. Re-position the pump if there is an uncomfortable pressure around the areola or the breast feels compressed.

If a pump is to be used, ensure that it fits snugly but not too tightly against your breast. Good positioning will make pumping more comfortable and efficient.

5. Ignoring Your Body’s Warning Signs

Pain is a message, not something to endure. Keep an eye on the following:

• Persistent nipple soreness

• Cracking or bleeding

• Noticeable swelling following pumping.

• Nipple or areola discoloration

• Bruising

• Burning, or sharp pain

• Excessive tugging

• After Session Pain

If the nipple changes color or becomes pale after pumping, or if it hurts even after adjusting the flange and suction, then it is worth talking to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. Sometimes breast pain and/or nipple pain is a sign of something other than pump settings.

6. Pumping for Too Long or Refusing to Adjust Your Technique

The issue may not always be the pump, but rather the length of time and frequency of use.

Don't push through a session if it is painful, as this does not necessarily signal that you need to give that much milk. If you continue pumping when it hurts, the pain can be even worse!

Refer to instructions for the pump and take a comfortable cycle and suction level. If your breast pump is still uncomfortable even after checking flange size, alignment, and suction, you might need a different style flange or a different breast pump.

What Should Comfortable Pumping Feel Like?

The gentle hand action of a breast pump should feel like rhythmic pulling or tugging, not sharp or painful suction. The nipple should slide easily through the tunnel, and too much areola should not be drawn into the tunnel.

Your nipples should not be cracked, bleeding, extremely swollen, or bruised after pumping. If they are, then reconsider your pump setup, not just put up with it or adjust the pump to make them more comfortable.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Seek medical attention if pain is intense or long-lasting or if there is a lot of redness, swelling, fever, bleeding, or other worrisome signs. A lactation consultant may also assess flange size and fit, position, suction, and your entire pumping technique.

Your comfort matters. Finding the right setup can make pumping easier, more efficient, and much less stressful.

Make Every Pumping Session More Comfortable

Using the right breast pump configuration can make a real impact. First, look at the flange size, line up the nipple, reduce any discomfort in the suction, and ensure that the pump is not applying too much pressure to the breast.

Looking for a convenient and dependable pumping option to help you with your breastfeeding experience? Find the solutions that can make breastfeeding easier and more convenient at Promom.