Breastfeeding Dilema! I'm Ready to Quit Nursing If My Soreness Doesn't Go Away

Hello L.,

I have had many issues with breast feeding, the worst was mastitis- I was so sick from it, at one point I could not even walk because of the fever and pain it brought. But I got an antibiotic and stuck with the breast feeding. My children are so healthy and happy and I am happy that I stayed with breast feeding because it truly is the best. I would definately speak to a Lactation Consultant. My OB and Lactation Consultant actual had differing opinions on what to do, needless to say the OB said to quit breast feeding and the Lactation Consultant said to continue to breast feed- the LC unlike the OB gave me reasons as to why I shouldn't quit, help and explanations concerning the mastitis and a lot of support. It did bother me that the OB recommend me to stop breast feeding when I never wanted to. Find out more info, talk to a Lactation Consultant and try to hang in there. I think that you will be happy. By the way my pump did something similar- I just adjusted the speed of the pump and had it slower and gave it some time- All was fine.

Oh honey! I feel your pain! Really I did! Make sure when you pump your nipple is direct center of the shield. Make sure you don't have the suction too high. What is good for one breast is not good for the other. It may be that you only pump from the other breast and nurse off that one. Did that make sense? Also try askdrsears.com and breastfeeding.com for more help! Good luck! You are doing an AWESOME thing for your baby!!!

Please please don't give up! It sounds to me like the actual breastfeeding is going great - you're just having some trouble with pumping.

Here's what I would do (I'm not a lactation consultant, but I have successfully breastfed my son for 18 months and have been through a lot!):
1. Take a week's break and only breastfeed. Stop with the pumping. Let your body heal and just enjoy being with your baby. Honestly, I always HATED pumping even when everything was fine - I much preferred nursing my baby. You probably do too. I'm assuming you're not back at work yet anyway, so this should really not be too much of a problem.
2. Meet with a lactation consultant and see if the nipple shields on your pump are sized properly for your breasts. This can make a huge difference.
3. When you DO go back to pumping, try pumping just the side that hasn't been giving you trouble. Nurse your baby on the other side at the same time. Keep the pump on a LOW suction setting. It may be that you have the suction turned up too high in order to get the milk out. The real trick is that you just need your body to "let down" and LET the milk out. If you nurse your baby on one side while gently pumping on the other, the baby will take care of the let-down and you won't need much suction to get a LOT of milk.

It sounds like you're doing great - it's just that pumping is giving you some trouble. Here are some other things that I did (when I was pumping) to help get a good let-down (remember: this is INSTEAD of really cranking up the suction, which can be painful and damaging to your breasts)
- hold your baby
- close your eyes and take some deep slow breaths. Imagine the milk flowing out of your breasts with each exhale
- imagine nursing your baby
- look at a picture of your baby if you can't hold her
- make sure you are nice and warm. Wear a sweater or wrap a blanket around you while you pump

This is, of course, all not nearly as good as nursing your baby on one side and pumping on the other. A Boppy pillow helps a lot with this.

Good luck!

L.:

pumping should not be causing this kind of discomfort. It sounds as if the flange size may not be correct for you.

give me a call and I will try to walk you through this.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Parenting Coach and Board Certified Lactation Consultant
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
800 522 8283

I was also going to suggest a different sized flange for your pump. I would recommend holding off on pumping if you can until you are able to get that fixed. Ideallyyou could see a lactation consultant and get sized for a new one, otherwise you can order them directly from the company. Good luck and don't give up now, making it to a month is a great milestone.

It might be the size of the flange (the part that goes over your nipple. You might need a larger one for that side. Don't quit nursing just yet. Try my advice first. You might have to research into where you can buy the larger flange but it will be worth it.

Yeah, I was thinking maybe you need a smaller attachment? if the opening is much larger than your nipples maybe it is just pulling too much of them in? I know they do sell different sized parts. Maybe something like this might help?
http://www.affordable-breastfeeding-supplies.com/medbreas...

Do you have the type of pump where you can change out the shield? They come in different sizes. Try one smaller and one bigger. It may actually be that it can't get enough of your areola in it and so your nipple is taking the brunt of the suction making it bigger and more. I know Babies R Us stores carry them in their pump parts section. I'm not sure where else you can find them. If nothing else, you can get them online.
Good Luck!

Hi L.,
I would also think the attachment is the wrong size. Are you in pain when you are breastfeeding, or just pumping? With my son, I was in horrible pain when he was nursing (until we figured out the latching problem), but ok when pumping. Is there a lactation consultant at the hospital where you delivered that you can call? Ours was a lifesaver. Good luck! I hope you can solve the problem soon!
E.

I had a similiar problem with just one of my breasts and I found that by going to a bigger flange (what goes over your nipple) it solved the issue. Or you may find a smaller one may be better. You can find them at Target/etc for about $6 bucks. Good luck! And congrats! You are doing an excellent job with nursing!

Hi L.,
I had the same issue. Use a LOT of lanolin such as PureLan or Lansinoh on your nipples after pumping and whenever needed. It helps! I had this problem with both my kids, one was breastfeeding exclusively the other I was pumping exclusively. The problem only lasted for a week or 2 and the lanolin ointment really helps and it's safe for babies too...

Do not give up - you just started! You CAN do this. First of all, as mentioned, you need to find a lactation consultant ASAP. Also, speak to a Le Leche leader and ask her what to do. I never went to them about this issue but the issue I went to them for they were able to help me with very well. Third of all, do you have any close friend that has pumped and nursed? If so, I would have her take a look at what you are doing and see what she thinks and what looks off. As mentioned, the size of the attachment could be the issue but also sometimes one side gets more than the other with pumping. Pumping is NEVER EVER an indication of what your body does naturally when the let down is from your child him or herself. I am nursing for over 2 1/2 years and my daughter always would suck whatever and whenever she had to to get the milk she desired and needed, however with the pump (Medela Advanced Pump In Style) I never got enough to feed her normally. Its very frustrating when all you are trying to do is feed your baby but it just doesn't work the same. Unfortunately some women I know could not get ANY milk from pumping at all but with the breast itself their baby was fine. Just depends. I really can sympathize with your frustration as I had a lot of problems in the first year and trust me -- IT IS WORTH THE WORK! Do not give up as I mentioned before. The answers are out there and you need to be persistent to find the right ones and the right people to give it to you. You are doing an AMAZING thing feeding your baby your own milk and she will be way better off because of your wise choice. Hang in there and just know it is hard for everyone and even though people don't always tell you how hard breastfeeding is initially (first yr.) it truly is for most women and it is also one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of being a mother. Keep up the wonderful work!!!