Understanding the Causes of Pumping Discomfort
When it comes to breast pumping, there are many factors to consider in order to get the most comfortable experience.
1. Incorrect Flange Size
One factor causing pumping pain is incorrect flange sizing. An incorrect flange size can can mean it is too big or too small for your nipple, and either way can cause discomfort and pain while pumping. You can figure out your nipple size with the free downloadable BeauGen Nipple Measuring Roller. Your right and left nipples may be different sizes! Knowing your correct nipple sizes will help you get a better flange fit and a more comfortable pumping experience.
Watch this quick video of an easy BeauGen cushion hack to reduce flange size:
2. Friction Blisters
Starting to breast pump is like starting to exercise for the first time, after the first few sessions, you might experience tenderness and soreness, or even form blisters. Like other blisters, friction blisters on your nipple are fluid gathered under your skin as a response to rubbing irritation. To minimize friction blisters, it's key to ensure you set your pump to the right suction power for you, and to have the correct flange sizes. Read more about causes of friction blisters.
3. Elastic Nipples
If you have elastic tissue, you may notice your nipple gets drawn all the way into the tunnel of the flange. It may even hit the back of the flange or valve of your pump. The result could be painful and inefficient pumping due to the pressure being put on your areola and nipple from the breast shield.
BeauGen cushions are made of a tacky material that helps to hold back breast tissue, minimizing this painful stretching, and allowing you to have a more comfortable and efficient pump session. Want to know how to tell if you have elastic nipples? Click here to learn all about it!
Tips for Pumping
We strive to provide moms with helpful resources to achieve a more comfortable breast pumping experience. Pumping can be challenging and uncomfortable. Sometimes it's hard to find a space where you can pump or breastfeed, and some people find it challenging to maintain milk supply while pumping.
You can do many things to make breast pump easier for you and your baby. Below are some tips for before, during, and after pumping.
Related: Read our CEO's letter who empathizes with pumping moms on their pumping journey.
Before Pumping
Make Sure Your Pump Parts Are in Good Condition:
The milk you are providing to feed your baby is the best food, it has all the nutrients baby needs. While you are breast pumping, be sure the tubing, flanges, membranes, duckbills, and any other pumping accessories are in good condition to do their job. We recommend changing pump accessories every 2-8 weeks, depending on how often you pump. Defective or worn-out parts will affect your pump's suction and the overall comfort and efficiency of your pumping sessions.
Get a Hands-Free Pumping Bra:
A hands-free pumping bra can help you to relax, which primes your body for milk production. Most hand-free pumping bras are compatible with most pump brands on the market. (We recommend the beautiful and effective bras from The Dairy Fairy.) Unsure about a hands-free bra? Read more about their benefits and debunking myths.
Related: Learn how to use BeauGen cushions with a hands-free pump.
During Pumping
Get Cozy with Your Favorite Show, a Netflix Movie, Or a Good Book:
There are many ways to enjoy your pumping sessions with a favorite TV show, Netflix movie, or a good book. Breast-flixing has been on the rise for the last decade, check out the curated list of suggestions for you to enjoy while you pump - oldies but goodies!
You could also simply pick a cozy spot with a comfortable chair, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, light some candles, and turn on some calming music.
After Pumping
Incorporate Gentle Breast Massage:
After an intense pumping session, it's normal to sometimes feel a sharp pain in your breast. The benefits of massage for breastfeeding and pumping are vast, as it can help to release oxytocin and prolactin, increase lymphatic drainage and decrease breast engorgement. It can also aid with preventing mastitis and clogs. We highly recommend massaging your breast after pumping (and even during pumping!) to help increase future milk production and make breastfeeding and pumping easier.
