https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:18:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2879067 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 12:31:20 +0000 nicollette1189 2879067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Might be a thrush/yeast issue if cortisone helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2879007 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 15:30:23 +0000 jennlin821 2879007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I agree with using some kind of cream, I used lanolin when I was having this issue! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2879002 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:50:41 +0000 lindseykaye 2879002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@peaches1038: That is a good idea. I think I'll bring some of my nipple butter with me to see if that helps like your coconut oil did. I only used it for like the first week while BFing and haven't really needed it since but this could make things a lot better.</p> <p>If not, then I'll try a smaller flange size because checking the charts I think I'm right on the edge of mine being too big or just right. I'd love not to have to buy new ones but I doubt I can live with this for the rest of my time pumping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878996 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:30:19 +0000 peaches1038 2878996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had this and know for sure I had the correct size flanges. I put a little coconut oil on the irritated skin before pumping and it acted as a lubricant so the skin would glide better. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878991 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:19:14 +0000 Mrsbells 2878991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: I have the same thing and I pump exclusively. I also assume its friction from pumping. I have tried various flanges even tried pumpin pals and no luck with finding a flange that works better than the current one I use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878985 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:34:04 +0000 bees_knees 2878985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @jennlin821 ...sounds like the wrong flange size. You may need a different size, even if that is the size you used for your last baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878984 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:20:52 +0000 jennlin821 2878984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you measure your nipples? Breast size has nothing to do with nipple size. What you are describing sounds like irritation I had when my flanges were to big. My breastfeeding boobs were Size D-DD, but I needed extra small flanges (18mm) I think. Look online how to measure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878978 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 12:41:39 +0000 lindseykaye 2878978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been back at work for a little while now - part time for about a month, and now full time for two weeks. For a couple weeks now (I can't remember exactly when it started) I noticed some skin irritation on my breasts that I think may be from pumping and my flanges. </p> <p>The skin above my nipple, particularly on one side but it's starting on the other now, is itchy and has a sort-of raised texture along horizontal lines. Cortisone cream helps to calm the itching and redness that is associated with it.<br /> Also, possibly related, I am very easily prone to hives from environmental factors (like vibration, skin scraping, cold temperature, and other fun things like that). This does NOT look like hives, but I figure that it might be why I'm experiencing this irritation. </p> <p>Has anyone experienced something similar? Are my flanges the wrong size? I have smaller breasts (Size A even when BFing) and am using the standard 24mm size that came with my pump - same size I used last time I was pumping several years ago with LO1. I'm using a Spectra 9 pump and am happy with it in general. Throwing this out there to the boards as a long shot that someone has had something similar happen and found a way to relieve it or prevent it. Thanks! </p>