Why Do My Breasts Hurt While Pumping?

If you're breastfeeding or using a pump, you might be wondering why your breasts sometimes hurt during or after pumping. This discomfort can be surprising, frustrating, and can make the experience of providing milk for your baby more challenging. Let’s dive into some of the most common reasons behind breast pain while pumping, and how you can address the issue to make the process more comfortable and effective.

Breast Pumping: It Shouldn't Hurt

The idea that breast pumping shouldn’t hurt is important to remember. Pain is your body's way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. While some tenderness might be common, especially in the early days of breastfeeding or pumping, significant pain or discomfort is often a sign that adjustments need to be made. Before we look at the causes and solutions, it’s crucial to understand that pain should never be ignored.
But why, exactly, do so many women experience pain during or after pumping?

Main Causes of Breast Pain While Pumping

1. Incorrect Flange Size

One of the most common reasons for pain during pumping is using the wrong flange size. The flange is the part of the breast pump that fits over your nipple and areola. If the flange is too small or too large, it can cause unnecessary pain.

• Too small: A flange that's too small can pinch the nipple, leading to soreness, blistering, or even damage. This can result in sharp, shooting pain during pumping.
• Too large: On the other hand, a flange that's too large may not provide the right amount of suction, leading to discomfort as the breast tissue is pulled too much into the tunnel of the flange.

The key here is finding the right fit for your nipple. Ideally, your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without rubbing against the sides but not so much that a lot of the areola is being pulled in.

2. Suction Levels Too High

Another cause of pain can be setting the suction level too high on your breast pump. Many people believe that using a higher suction level will extract more milk, but this is not necessarily true. High suction can lead to unnecessary pain and trauma to the breast tissue.
It's important to start at a low suction level and gradually increase it until you find a comfortable and effective setting. Most breast pumps allow you to control both the suction and speed settings, so experiment with these to find what feels right for you. Remember: more suction doesn’t always mean more milk—it might just mean more discomfort.

3. Engorgement or Clogged Ducts

Breast engorgement occurs when your breasts become overly full with milk, leading to tightness, swelling, and often pain. Pumping while your breasts are engorged can be uncomfortable, as the pressure from the pump might exacerbate the issue.
Similarly, clogged ducts can cause tenderness and pain, especially if you try to pump before the clog has been resolved. These clogs occur when milk is not properly drained from the breast, leading to a buildup in a specific area. The lump from the clog may feel firm and tender to the touch.

Solutions to this include massaging the breast before pumping to help release the clog and applying warm compresses to encourage milk flow. Pumping frequently can help prevent engorgement, but if you already feel full or clogged, taking extra steps to relieve the buildup will help reduce pain.

4. Nipple Trauma or Cracks

If you already have sore, cracked, or damaged nipples, pumping can exacerbate the pain. This is particularly common in the early weeks of breastfeeding when your body is still adjusting to nursing or pumping.
Nipple trauma can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor latch (for those breastfeeding) or incorrect flange fit while pumping. If you have any open sores or cracks, the vacuum created by the pump can be very painful. In these cases, it’s essential to allow your nipples to heal and to adjust your pumping routine to be more gentle on your body.

5. Thrush or Infections

Sometimes, breast or nipple pain during pumping can be a result of an infection. One common culprit is thrush, a yeast infection that can develop in your nipples and cause pain, itching, and a burning sensation.
Thrush can be passed between mother and baby, so if you notice signs of thrush in your baby (like white patches in their mouth or on their tongue), it's essential to treat both of you. Another possibility is mastitis, a painful infection of the breast tissue that can cause swelling, redness, and flu-like symptoms.
In both cases, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Alleviate Pain While Pumping

If you're experiencing pain while pumping, there are several steps you can take to alleviate it. Here are some tried and tested methods:

1. Check Your Flange Size

This is the most straightforward solution, and it's often the cause of discomfort. Most breast pump manufacturers provide sizing guides to help you find the right flange fit. You can also consult a lactation consultant for assistance in finding the correct size.

2. Adjust the Suction Level

Make sure that you’re not setting your pump to a suction level that is too high. Start low and slowly increase the suction to a comfortable level that’s still effective.

3. Massage and Compress

If you suspect clogged ducts or engorgement are causing pain, gentle breast massage before and during pumping can help relieve the discomfort. Warm compresses can also improve milk flow and reduce the pain associated with engorgement or clogged ducts.

4. Lubricate Your Nipples

A small amount of nipple cream or coconut oil can act as a lubricant, making pumping more comfortable and reducing friction. Be sure to use a nipple-safe, unscented product.

5. Take Breaks and Pump More Frequently

If your breasts are too full or engorged, pumping more frequently but for shorter periods can help reduce the pressure and pain. Similarly, taking breaks during a pumping session can allow your breasts to recover from the suction.

Preventing Pain While Pumping

Preventing pain is just as important as treating it. Here are some tips to help keep your pumping experience pain-free:

• Stay on a regular schedule to avoid engorgement.
• Use the right flange size and adjust suction levels to avoid trauma.
• Take care of your nipples by moisturizing and allowing them to air out when possible.
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished, as dehydration can affect milk production and cause discomfort.

When to Seek Help

While some discomfort may be manageable, it's important to seek professional help if:

• You experience significant pain that doesn’t improve with adjustments.
• You have signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, fever, or chills.
• Your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
• You have persistent clogged ducts that won’t clear.

In these cases, consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide relief and ensure that there are no underlying issues that need medical attention.

2222:Breast pain while pumping can be a frustrating experience, but it is often preventable or manageable with the right approach. Identifying the cause of your discomfort, whether it’s flange size, suction level, or an underlying condition, is the first step toward a more comfortable and productive pumping experience.