https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 28 May 2026 06:10:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909740 Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:24:20 +0000 foodiebee 2909740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Awesome! I may have to give them a try too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909702 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 22:37:50 +0000 karenbme 2909702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Glad to hear the pumping pals helped! 😃 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909696 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:32:34 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: thank you!! I’m so thankful, you have no idea. I can’t believe the difference they make. Worth every penny! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909695 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:26:06 +0000 ElbieKay 2909695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: yay!!!! They are the only way I could pump! I’m glad it helped 😎 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909694 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:24:16 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@foodiebee: @karenbme: my pump is the freestyle, so I can actually attach it to my waist and walk around. I also have a pumping bra, so the two combined allow me to be mobile. My biggest issue has been the pain, but thanks to @ElbieKay: suggestion of pumpin’ pals, I think my problem might be solved! I got mine in and just had my first pump with them! They are amazing. They are super comfortable and I got the same amount I’ve been yielding in half the time!!! I highly recommend them to all of you pumping mommas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909653 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:23:42 +0000 karenbme 2909653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Yay! Glad to hear I could help a little bit. </p> <p>With respect to time and being available, I've found the Freemie cups + my Spectra S1 (carabinered onto the belt that I use to take my dog running when I need to be TRULY hands free) work pretty well. The freemie pump is a viable alternative, but it's a little noisy and mine needs to charge after every session (one pump at a relatively high suction for 20-30 minutes uses ~60% of the battery), so I tend to use the Spectra more. Holding the baby is a little awkward, but works and playing with her on the floor is easy. I imagine you could get snacks, etc. for a 3yo with them, too. </p> <p>I bought an Elvie, but only used it 3 times before giving up. The suction was definitely gentler, but I got less milk and I had issues with milk backing up and leaking out into my bra at the beginning of a let down. The other issue I found was that when I played with my daughter on the floor the milk would slosh forward and the automatic shut off would kick in even if there was only an ounce or two of milk in the cups. Overall my Elvie was a total waste of money. :sad: I do have a friend who loves hers, though, so my experience might not be typical. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909651 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:57:44 +0000 foodiebee 2909651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: I know they're expensive, but would something like the Elvie or Willow pump help, because you'd be portable at least? I've heard that they don't have as good a suction, so that might not be beneficial right now with the clogs, but just a thought. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909646 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 10:40:56 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: omg! I have these! My mom brain just totally forgot they were in the freezer 🤦🏼‍♀️ I warmed them up this morning and used them when I pumped and they definitely helped with getting the clogs out! Thank you! </p> <p>@foodiebee: time has not been on my side since having the twins. Either they are screaming for a bottle (that I’m trying to pump) or my 3 year old is begging for me to feed or play with him... I need to work something out where I can drain them. Thanks for the supplement suggestion. I’m going to order some and hope it helps my supply. </p> <p>All you ladies are amazing and your wealth of knowledge, experience, and tips has helped me so much! Thank you 😘 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909641 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 09:15:35 +0000 foodiebee 2909641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Also, if my clogs were preventing things from draining well, I might have to stop pumping and hand express using a Hakaa to get the clog out before I could continue to pump. Once the clog was out, I really concentrated on pumping until empty to try to prevent more clogs. I'm not talented at the Hakaa, but I still tried to use it while working clogs out, because I couldn't bear to lose that milk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909640 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 09:12:55 +0000 foodiebee 2909640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Yes, I had an awful time with clogs, especially at the beginning. I had to really focus on taking all the time I needed to drain both sides thoroughly. My first morning pump was always very long—an hour! But it was necessary and I worked with DH to make sure I had the time to devote to it that I needed. </p> <p>I also used Legendairy Milk's Liquid Gold supplement. This turned out to be a big game changer for me. I found that things seemed to flow better for me (so, drained better), and I got a bump in my supply. I highly recommend it. </p> <p>I found that the sore/pain came and went. If I was feeling under the weather/rundown/etc., it seemed to be more uncomfortable. When I felt better, things were more comfortable. During peak winter in Nov and Dec, when we were sick all the time, it was a real struggle to be comfortable while pumping. I started slow, built to more suction over the course of the pumping session, and just worked through it until things finally improved. I hope you start getting relief soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909638 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 08:45:17 +0000 karenbme 2909638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Good luck with the pumping pals! I'm curious to hear how they work for you. One other thing I can recommend, both for clogs and increasing output, are the lanisoh gel heat pads. You stick them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and then put them in your bra outside the flanges. I don't get a lot of clogs, but when I do pumping with the heat pads helps a lot.</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-TheraPearl-Therapy-Breastfeeding-Essentials/dp/B01J61VL9W/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-bGFuc2lub2ggdGhlcmFwZWFybA%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&#038;cv_ct_cx=lansinoh+therapearl&#038;keywords=lansinoh+therapearl&#038;pd_rd_i=B01J61VL9W&#038;pd_rd_r=5b26b98a-42b2-44f6-9cb4-962ad68c3179&#038;pd_rd_w=z9b6O&#038;pd_rd_wg=5Lomn&#038;pf_rd_p=de19e82a-2d83-4ae8-9f5c-212586b8b9a0&#038;pf_rd_r=N22BJD441EBHYQS85TFW&#038;psc=1&#038;qid=1580910066&#038;sr=1-1-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-TheraPearl-Therapy-Breastfeeding-Essentials/dp/B01J61VL9W/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-bGFuc2lub2ggdGhlcmFwZWFybA%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&#038;cv_ct_cx=lansinoh+therapearl&#038;keywords=lansinoh+therapearl&#038;pd_rd_i=B01J61VL9W&#038;pd_rd_r=5b26b98a-42b2-44f6-9cb4-962ad68c3179&#038;pd_rd_w=z9b6O&#038;pd_rd_wg=5Lomn&#038;pf_rd_p=de19e82a-2d83-4ae8-9f5c-212586b8b9a0&#038;pf_rd_r=N22BJD441EBHYQS85TFW&#038;psc=1&#038;qid=1580910066&#038;sr=1-1-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909633 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 03:33:41 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@foodiebee: starting at a low setting has been helping some. Thanks for the tip. I feel like I’m constantly massaging to try to get clogged ducts out. I seem to always have them. Do you have this issue? </p> <p>@meadow: thanks for the encouragement! I hope to get enough to be a few days ahead, but don’t expect to ever have a crazy stash either! </p> <p>@karenbme: thank you! I can’t seem to get passed level 3 on mine without pain... I start at 2 and move up to 3, but there is no way I could handle level 4. Maybe I can go higher with the pumpin’ pal cups. Still waiting for them to arrive! </p> <p>@MaryM: love the name bamboobies! I’m going to order some. Same with my son! He BF in the hospital and his shallow latch made mine bleed too. That healed fairly quickly after I stopped letting him latch, but the bruising has lasted. Thanks for your experience and advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909611 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:44:53 +0000 MaryM 2909611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bamboobies pumping lubricant is amazing. It's a blend of oils and made pumping night and day for me. </p> <p>My son had a horrible latch and I came home from the hospital with bleeding nipples. APNO was healing, but did nothing to make pumping easier. </p> <p>The lubricant comes in a tube like lip balm (like old school blistex) so it's easy to put on a generous amount, and it really helps. Target carries some of their products. I'm not sure if I got it there or off amazon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909585 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 11:06:08 +0000 karenbme 2909585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: I totally get it about changing pumps, just wanted to throw it out there. Otherwise, I second what @foodiebee: said. Start low and move up with with time if you can. I usually start at a 4, but am up to 10 or 11 by the end. I find it's the only way I get a second let down. And definitely yes to breast compressions to get more with each let down. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909542 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:54:01 +0000 meadow 2909542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: I think 500 bags is incredible too....</p> <p>Know though....my kids were exclusive BM once we got their latch figured out (less than 2 mo old) through 1st year.....I pumped enough to keep up but never had a crazy stash.....you can do this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909489 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:43:43 +0000 foodiebee 2909489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: I EP for my son, and I've found that there are times when it can be more painful than others. During those times, I start at a low setting and very gradually work myself up. I also found that, for me, massaging (really more like what I picture you do when you milk a cow! Squeezing...) is KEY. I get a lot more milk when I do that the entire time I pump. I'm an under-producer and pump every day for what I give the next day (never been able to make enough for a freezer stash), so I do anything I can to get more in the time I have to pump. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909484 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:02:01 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: you are incredible! I can’t believe you were able to freeze 500 bags! I have only been able to freeze 8 so far, but I guess I had to start somewhere 🤷🏼‍♀️</p> <p>You give me so much hope that this will work for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909483 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:01:00 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: @jhd: thanks for the advice! I didn’t even think of having a LC come to the house! I’m going to give mine a call today! </p> <p>@karenbme: the lower settings are helping, but I’m getting less milk and it’s taking much longer to get what I need to feed both babies :sad: I ordered the pumpin pals that @ElbieKay: suggested, so I’m hoping they help. I’ve heard great things about the spectra, but I’m hoping to avoid buying another pump.</p> <p>Thank you all so much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909430 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:28:11 +0000 karenbme 2909430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: Are the lower settings helping? I don’t have a lot of advice as I’m just a few weeks ahead of you. But, when I was using the Medela pump at the hospital while DD was in the NICU it caused me so much pain even at a low setting. I have a Spectra at home and the way it vibrates as it sucks made such a big difference for me. I still remember the first time I used it, that’s how much better it was for me. I’ve been pumping for 14 weeks and EPing for 6 and feel like I could do it indefinitely as long as I stick with the Spectra. I know trying a different pump is not a cheap solution, but if nothing else works it’s something to consider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909398 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 18:26:21 +0000 jhd 2909398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: yes or as @meadow: suggested see if you can get an LC to make a home visit! I can't imagine trying to get out of the house with two tiny little ones!! also my peds office LC was willing to talk things out with me over the phone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909392 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:58:36 +0000 meadow 2909392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second APNO....see if you call your OB if they will just write a script without a visit.</p> <p>I totally remember not feeling like I could leave home with the two kids.......see if you can find a LC who will come to your house....my LC did home visits and that was the only reason I was able to get help with nursing </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909388 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:47:12 +0000 ElbieKay 2909388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jessiemuller88: My twins were too sleepy to get enough milk via nursing when they were newborns, so I had to triple feed (nurse, then top off with a bottle, then pump to maintain my supply).</p> <p>We used formula for the top offs for about 4-5 days and then I had enough pumped milk. After a few weeks they no longer needed to be topped off.</p> <p>During the rest of my maternity leave I generally nursed most of the time (since I hate pumping) and pumped once per day to build a stash for my return to work. I also sometimes spent time alone with my oldest and therefore needed to leave milk for the babies to stay with another family member or a sitter.</p> <p>Then of course when I returned to work I had to pump while I was at the office.</p> <p>I wound up freezing 500 x 6oz bags of milk across the first year. I stopped pumping at around 9.5 months and had enough freezer stash to get them through the transition to cow's milk.</p> <p>I eventually got them down to twice per day, and then once per day. My daughters never self-weaned, and I finally cut them off a few weeks ago, just before they turned 18mo. I was SO DONE. I wanted my mornings back. They still ask to nurse sometimes but they don't get upset when I say no. I felt a little guilty but my life has been too crazy and I couldn't handle it anymore.</p> <p>I really hoped to get my twins to 12mo but I found it very daunting so I tried to take it one day / week / month at a time. And here we are! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909387 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:34:25 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: thank you! Our pediatrician has an excellent LC. I need to pay her a visit, but I have been too intimidated to leave the house with both babies! I’m going to make an appointment for next week! </p> <p>@MLE81: I’ll ask my OB about it at my 6 week checkup. Thank you! </p> <p>@jennlin821: I’m pretty sure they are the correct size. I too was using ones that were way too large at first and it was pulling in my skin and nipples. Now they fit, but maybe I’m still sore from the large ones I used in the hospital. I have the Madela freestyle- I have been using lower settings today, hoping it will help. </p> <p>@ElbieKay: I’m ordering the pumpin pals right now! Wow, you are amazing! I nursed my son 15 months, but I honestly want to quit everyday pumping for the twins. I’m just setting small goals for myself. The current one is 16 weeks. Did you pump and breastfeed them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909380 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 13:01:38 +0000 ElbieKay 2909380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work full time and have nursed and pumped for three kids.</p> <p>I have always lubricated the flanges with olive oil.</p> <p>I also cannot use the standard flanges and always used <a HREF="https://pumpinpal.com/">Pumpin' Pals</a>. They are so much more comfortable. Worth every penny.</p> <p>I have a singleton and a set of twins. (I did not EP though.) I just forced my twins to wean a few weeks ago, a week before they turned 18mo. (I was SO DONE!) Feel free to ping me if you have any questions or issues with twins!</p> <p>Congratulations on your babies! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909361 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:15:11 +0000 jennlin821 2909361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you 100% sure that you are using the correct size flange? I was using one that was way to large to start with, which caused immense pain. It took a few weeks for it to subside once I got the correct size. Also, I used two different pumps, and one worked better than the other... the 'worse' one caused my nipples to be sore also, if I used it too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909342 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 22:28:01 +0000 MLE81 2909342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My midwife prescribed something called All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) back when I had my son in November. I was in serious pain from breastfeeding and it made a huge difference within days. I asked about it on here first and many others said it really helped them, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909328 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:14:47 +0000 jhd 2909328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the Honest Nipple Cream (got it at Target) when EP'ing. Can you contact an LC for help? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumping-nipple-pain#post-2909322 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:30:01 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2909322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey ladies! I’m looking for advice or tips. I have been exclusively pumping for my 5 week old twins and my nipples are so incredibly sore. I have been using lanolin for lubrication and it doesn’t help. My shields are the correct size. I breastfed my son, so I never had this issue before. Any tips to make pumping more bearable? I’m pumping every 3-4 hours and dread it every time because of the soreness. </p>