So I've been EP for almost a month now due to low supply. I've had a few issues this week and I'm not sure how to deal with them. I thought I'd ask the HB crowd before shelling out more $$ for an LC visit.

I got a hospital grade pump 8 days ago. Since then, my production has continued to really increase but I've also developed some issues. Mostly- PAIN! My right breast requires me to be on suction 10 to produce anything. It's also the breast I'm having the most issue with. After pumping my nipples look purple- and pumping HURTS! I noticed some cracks on my right nipple- they had scabs but not blood- it looks like it was just fluid leaking and scabbing up. Every time I pump I dread it because of the pain. I also noticed that when not pumping, if I breathe in, when I exhale (if doing a large breath) I feel pins and needles pain in both breasts, mostly the nipple area. As for helping my nipples, I applied neosporin to the cracks when I noticed them last pumping session, and use lanolin on the nipples after ever session. I have regular lanolin, my brest friend non-lanolin balm, and earth mama angel baby. When not pumping I always have on the throwaway nipple pads, not because I'm leaking, but for comfort.

Also over the last 3 or so pumping sessions the flanges seem to be coming loose, and my nipples aren't going in as far. Usually my nipple is in the tube part but now sometimes air is going into the cup part and breaking suction. Not sure why this is happening so randomly. I've never had this issue before. I have heard lanolin can be used during pumping? Would that help keep the flanges comfortably in place?

Any tips are welcome!