Can Pumping Damage Your Nipples?

Can Pumping Damage Your Nipples?

Just like breastfeeding, breast pumping can be an unpleasant experience when not done correctly.

It is an art that you have to learn how to execute.

Breast pumping, like breastfeeding, should not be a painful process.

For some people, it is easy to do while for some it is a learning process.

Just like any other skill, it gets easier with time and a little patience and learning will get you to the desired end.

And since the breast pumps are machines, you have to ensure that you are using it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Failure to follow the instructions may lead to malfunctions of the same.

Unfortunately for some mothers, breast pumping results in very sore nipples at the end of the process.

It is normal for mothers to feel a little bit of pain for less than 30 seconds at the beginning of the pumping session.

This is because of the flexing of the milk ducts as they start producing milk.

Some mothers might not feel pain but a sort of tingling sensation as the milk is released.

However, when the pain goes longer than two minutes into the start of the pumping process or it goes on after the session, it may be a cause of concern and need for attention.

The pain sensations may vary but it should concern you if you get sudden, sharp and stabbing pains, blisters and bruising, stinging, and in some cases, severe redness of the breast.

The onset of pain is counterproductive because it interferes with the milk flow thus frustrating all your good efforts of pumping milk for your baby.

At this point, it may be necessary to seek help from a lactation expert so that the problem can be sorted out.

Causes of nipple pain or trauma

For most mothers, nipple pain or nipple trauma can be attributed to poorly fitting funnels (flanges) and the incorrect use of the pumps.

If you use the breast pump incorrectly or have an ill-fitting funnel, you are most likely to cause breast or nipple trauma.

1. Ill-fitting funnels

The funnel (flange) is the part of the breast pump that rests on your breast and forms the suction that is needed to draw milk from your breasts.

It is made to imitate your baby’s mouth during the process of breastfeeding.

The correct size of the funnel should be such that the areola comfortably sits on it with enough room around it as it extends into the tunnel.

A small funnel sits on the nipple alone which causes too much friction that can as a result cause blistering and sharp pains to be experienced in the breast.

The nipple in this case also lacks the mobility it requires to properly stimulate the reflex needed to let down milk.

A larger funnel will compress the surrounding tissue thus blocking the release of milk.

It may also cause some bruising to the breast tissue.

You will know that you need to change your funnel if your nipple rubs on the sides of the funnel when pumping.

A large amount of your areola is pulled into the tunnel of your funnel while suctioning, you notice some unusual redness on your breast tissue after pumping and most importantly if your breast is still full of unexpressed milk after a complete pumping session. 

2. Incorrect use of the breast pump

Sometimes, it might be tempting to crank up the pumping speed of the breast pump.

This is either in an attempt to finish the pumping session faster or to produce more milk.

This could be at the advice of another person or from reading.

However, it is important to note that nipple elasticity and sensitivity vary from person to person.

It is important to set a speed that is comfortable for you.

When using a hand pump, it can be difficult to know when you are using too much suction on the breast or not.

Excessive breast pumping can result in some problems like nipple trauma, engorged breasts, clogged breasts, and in some cases mastitis.

Swollen breasts and sore nipples can be a source of extreme pain in the pumping experience.

You need to remember to use the machine at a pumping level that feels comfortable for you.

It is not advisable to have the highest setting since you might not be able to contain it.

Your highest setting must be one in which you can be able to use the pump and still be comfortable.

Your comfort helps in stimulating the milk flow thus assuring you of completely draining of the breast after each pumping session.

It is important to note that each breast pumping session lasts for about 15-20 minutes for you to have completely drained the milk from your breast.

Nipple care during pumping

The secret to a pleasant breast pumping experience is to ensure your funnel is the correct size and that you use the pump at a suction level that is just comfortable for the pumping session.

If the breast pain, nipple bruises, and sore nipples persist while breast pumping, you will need to seek help in how to use the pump correctly to improve your pumping experience.

A lactation consultant can help to advise you on how to properly use the pump to get proper results.

For nipple bruising and cracks, applying some breastmilk to it after the pumping is known to work wonders in healing the bruises.

You can also apply some nipple cream to it after the pumping session to soothe it.

Engorged breasts and clogged ducts can be relieved by further pumping while massaging the breasts.

You can identify a clogged duct by having a swollen and hard mass after the pumping session.

This can be easily cleared by further expressing the milk while massaging that spot.

While engorged breasts and clogged ducts can be sorted out by the pumping process, it is important to seek medical attention for mastitis which is an infection.