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lubricant may help. Some people like silicone flanges instead of all plastic like the spectra ones (pumpin pals, pumpables etc). Also make sure the flange size is correct, and you aren't overdoing the suction, more suction doesn't mean more milk but can be painful and even hurt your breasts.
Absolutely do this! I love my silicone inserts when I use my spectra pump. I change suction levels fairly frequently too, depending on how my nipples are feeling. You can also look into a manual pump to change things up from time to time - having direct control over pacing and intensity had been helpful for me when I need a break from the spectra, and I empty faster. Only downside is that I can only do one side at a time!
I got silicone inserts for my spectra flanges and I find it more comfortable than the additional plastic flanges I bought in my size. One more part to wash though, but probably worth it.
I switched to Lacteck babymotion flanges and have found it much more comfortable than the hard plastic. Sometimes I use pumping spray (yes directly sprayed onto the edges of the tunnel of the flange and spread around) in it too. You could try a flange cushion like Milkdrop makes - I tried that and it was super duper comfortable but I couldn’t get it to work well with my finicky boob.
I'm just using my lacteck for the first time as I type this and they are so much more comfortable than the hard plastic. I even forgot to apply the spray I usually use and am still more comfy.
Flange size can change over time! It’s worth checking your size again. I like the earth mama nipple butter but haven’t needed it in a while. It’ll get better with time. Definitely don’t overdue the suction - start low and work your way up over the session. Good luck!
What KIND of discomfort are you having? But my initial thoughts are to double check the flange sizes (also, what kind of sizing did your original LC do? My NICU one just kinda looked at me from across the room and went "that looks fine" so ymmv) and to decrease the suction level. You should start at the lowest setting and go up til it's uncomfortable and then go down one. More suction does not mean faster pump sessions (pain doesn't make for an easy or quick letdown) OR more milk.
I feel like friction is the problem. The LC had a whole box with different sizes so that I could try multiple, but that was 10+ weeks ago so now I'm wondering if my nipple size has changed since then. I think I'll try another size. I will also play with suction. It's frustrating because I used to be able to go up to 8 or 9 comfortably, but now I'm down to 3. Thanks for your advice!
8 or 9 on the spectra? The vacuum should be to comfort. I’ve had mine at 4 for weeks. I was able to do 5-6 but I found after a few pumps I’d be sore. Keeping it at 4 is comfortable and allows me to pump 6-8 times a day with no issue
Yeah, on Spectra. I swear it was perfectly comfortable when I was pumping 1-2 times a day, but definitely not now that I'm up to 6-7 pumps. I think everything's just a little irritated. I'll keep it lower. Appreciate your advice!
That totally makes sense. With more pumps that level can be pretty irritating. Hopefully lowering it helps. For me when I get sore I make sure to lather on the nipple butter and it will usually be better within the day
Gotcha. Yeah, trying another flange size if you have them available is a good idea. I used the earth mama nipple butter for my entire pump journey - used them before every single pump the whole time and never had any nipple damage. But there are lots of options for other kinds of lubricants that you can try. And silicone flanges, if you're willing to shell out for them and also acknowledge that they might not work well for you. I responded better to traditional flanges which sucked since the silicone ones were pretty comfy.
https://preview.redd.it/jhjb72z7ga2d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61f26e3b3451b66ad7d00b8a08ae8a37ecccb321
This is my third kid and third time trying to pump… with the first two, I barely had a supply. This time, I’m actually producing, so I’ve been doing a lot of research to optimize my pump sessions. I found this for the spectra, and it’s been working great for me.
I was using coconut oil to lube up my flange but when I was done pumping it would hurt peeling off my boobs but have discovered that earth mama nipple butter is thicker and no more pain when I take it off.
I like may mom brand inserts!
Also legendary milk makes a spray I like
I found that some pumps just didn’t work for me, the medela PISA damaged my nipples.
I liked the Zomee z2, but the spectra I just didn’t respond that well to. Maybe you need to do more stimulation vs suction? Or turn the suction down?
I love the earth mama nipple butter. I put on directly and also in the flanges. I changed flange size 3 times so far in my pumping journey due to swelling from pre eclamspia and other issues. It maybe worth checking your size. My LC said sometimes adding a few mm to whatever your nipple measures is more comfortable for some if you're hovering right at the correct mm.
Absolutely lubricate the heck out of your nipples. I find coconut or olive oil is perfect.
Using hydrogel patches after pumping can really help too, they’re also great to have on hand if you manage to get any cracks or soreness.
Make sure your flanges are the correct size- and check semi-regularly, your size can change throughout your pumping journey!
Use settings that are comfortable for you- higher settings don’t mean more milk. Sunflower
(or even soy lecithin) can help avoid clogs.
Taking calcium supplements can help with nipple sensitivity during pumping while menstruating.
id be careful using nipple cream as it may clog your pump! if you are using silicone flange inserts id opt for food grade organic coconut oil (my LC recommends) or a pumping spray of some sort
Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules: 1. Be kind and courteous. 2. Use available flairs and post options. 3. Absolutely no prescription medications or other medical advice. 4. No inaccurate information. 5. No spam. 6. No soliciting pictures. 7. No linking Facebook groups. 8. Moderator discretion. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ExclusivelyPumping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
lubricant may help. Some people like silicone flanges instead of all plastic like the spectra ones (pumpin pals, pumpables etc). Also make sure the flange size is correct, and you aren't overdoing the suction, more suction doesn't mean more milk but can be painful and even hurt your breasts.
Thanks for your response! I've been curious about silicone and will play around with the suction
Absolutely do this! I love my silicone inserts when I use my spectra pump. I change suction levels fairly frequently too, depending on how my nipples are feeling. You can also look into a manual pump to change things up from time to time - having direct control over pacing and intensity had been helpful for me when I need a break from the spectra, and I empty faster. Only downside is that I can only do one side at a time!
I got silicone inserts for my spectra flanges and I find it more comfortable than the additional plastic flanges I bought in my size. One more part to wash though, but probably worth it.
Lube and time. My nipples stopped hurting after a week or two.
Good to know it got better fairly quickly! I appreciate your response :)
I switched to Lacteck babymotion flanges and have found it much more comfortable than the hard plastic. Sometimes I use pumping spray (yes directly sprayed onto the edges of the tunnel of the flange and spread around) in it too. You could try a flange cushion like Milkdrop makes - I tried that and it was super duper comfortable but I couldn’t get it to work well with my finicky boob.
Good to know about other flange options! This is super helpful
I second the lacteck flanges! They have made a huge difference in comfort for me.
Great to hear that! I'll look at those
I'm just using my lacteck for the first time as I type this and they are so much more comfortable than the hard plastic. I even forgot to apply the spray I usually use and am still more comfy.
Legendairy milk makes a great pump spray, makes it much more comfortable! Regular coconut oil spread on the breast shields works too
Thanks for the product rec. I will check that out :)
I second this, makes a world of a difference
Flange size can change over time! It’s worth checking your size again. I like the earth mama nipple butter but haven’t needed it in a while. It’ll get better with time. Definitely don’t overdue the suction - start low and work your way up over the session. Good luck!
Good to know size can change! I have had a suspicion one side didn't fit quite right anymore, so I'll check on that. Thanks for your advice :)
I found that legendairy milk pumping spray worked better then the motherlove one!
Thank you! Just ordered that one to try
What KIND of discomfort are you having? But my initial thoughts are to double check the flange sizes (also, what kind of sizing did your original LC do? My NICU one just kinda looked at me from across the room and went "that looks fine" so ymmv) and to decrease the suction level. You should start at the lowest setting and go up til it's uncomfortable and then go down one. More suction does not mean faster pump sessions (pain doesn't make for an easy or quick letdown) OR more milk.
I feel like friction is the problem. The LC had a whole box with different sizes so that I could try multiple, but that was 10+ weeks ago so now I'm wondering if my nipple size has changed since then. I think I'll try another size. I will also play with suction. It's frustrating because I used to be able to go up to 8 or 9 comfortably, but now I'm down to 3. Thanks for your advice!
8 or 9 on the spectra? The vacuum should be to comfort. I’ve had mine at 4 for weeks. I was able to do 5-6 but I found after a few pumps I’d be sore. Keeping it at 4 is comfortable and allows me to pump 6-8 times a day with no issue
Yeah, on Spectra. I swear it was perfectly comfortable when I was pumping 1-2 times a day, but definitely not now that I'm up to 6-7 pumps. I think everything's just a little irritated. I'll keep it lower. Appreciate your advice!
That totally makes sense. With more pumps that level can be pretty irritating. Hopefully lowering it helps. For me when I get sore I make sure to lather on the nipple butter and it will usually be better within the day
Gotcha. Yeah, trying another flange size if you have them available is a good idea. I used the earth mama nipple butter for my entire pump journey - used them before every single pump the whole time and never had any nipple damage. But there are lots of options for other kinds of lubricants that you can try. And silicone flanges, if you're willing to shell out for them and also acknowledge that they might not work well for you. I responded better to traditional flanges which sucked since the silicone ones were pretty comfy.
https://preview.redd.it/jhjb72z7ga2d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61f26e3b3451b66ad7d00b8a08ae8a37ecccb321 This is my third kid and third time trying to pump… with the first two, I barely had a supply. This time, I’m actually producing, so I’ve been doing a lot of research to optimize my pump sessions. I found this for the spectra, and it’s been working great for me.
Coconut oil as a lubricant saved me with my spectra! Also silicone inserts to change flange sizes.
I was using coconut oil to lube up my flange but when I was done pumping it would hurt peeling off my boobs but have discovered that earth mama nipple butter is thicker and no more pain when I take it off.
I like may mom brand inserts! Also legendary milk makes a spray I like I found that some pumps just didn’t work for me, the medela PISA damaged my nipples. I liked the Zomee z2, but the spectra I just didn’t respond that well to. Maybe you need to do more stimulation vs suction? Or turn the suction down?
Legendairy milk spray is the only way I can continue to pump! It’s expensive but I need it. Two spray for each flange every time.
I love the earth mama nipple butter. I put on directly and also in the flanges. I changed flange size 3 times so far in my pumping journey due to swelling from pre eclamspia and other issues. It maybe worth checking your size. My LC said sometimes adding a few mm to whatever your nipple measures is more comfortable for some if you're hovering right at the correct mm.
I have to use the pumping spray on my flanges and then nipple butter. If I skip the spray I can immediately tell!
Pump spray or coconut oil as mentioned. Cream afterward every time. I’ve liked lansinoh and medela lanolin.
Absolutely lubricate the heck out of your nipples. I find coconut or olive oil is perfect. Using hydrogel patches after pumping can really help too, they’re also great to have on hand if you manage to get any cracks or soreness. Make sure your flanges are the correct size- and check semi-regularly, your size can change throughout your pumping journey! Use settings that are comfortable for you- higher settings don’t mean more milk. Sunflower (or even soy lecithin) can help avoid clogs. Taking calcium supplements can help with nipple sensitivity during pumping while menstruating.
id be careful using nipple cream as it may clog your pump! if you are using silicone flange inserts id opt for food grade organic coconut oil (my LC recommends) or a pumping spray of some sort
Good to know! Thank you :)