Sore Nipples WHILE pumping?
I see a lot of questions/ concerns on Instagram about sore nipples while pumping. So, LETS TALK!
First off, yes! Your nipples can become sore when you first start on your breastfeeding journey. Especially if you're pumping more often than baby feeds or for exclusively pumping mamas, you are pumping MORE OFTEN. For mamas who are nursing and start using a pump months later you have to remember that your body has had time to adjust to your baby's natural suction & speed pattern. By adding pumping to your routine, your body will need time time to adjust as well. For mamas who have been pumping from day 1, you have to also remember that a change in your routine can cause your nipples to become sore, too. A change in schedule, pumping more often etc. If you find that things are not getting better, I suggest asking yourself a few questions to make sure it's nothing else causing the nip pain...
Are you using a correctly sized breast shield? Using too small or too big breast shields may cause pumping discomfort (nipple pain) and cause your breast not emptied thoroughly. Check out this guide!
Could it be Thrush? This is a funky yeast infection that can happen to you or your baby, and even both. Signs would be itchy, pink, red, burning nipples and shooting breast pain while or after feeding.
Do you have a milk blister? A milk blister, or blocked nipple pore, bleb or nipple blister, or "milk under the skin" is painful. It occurs when a bit of skin overgrows a milk duct opening and milk backs up behind it. A milk blister usually shows as a painful white, clear or yellow dot on the nipple or areola
Could I have a clogged milk duct? A blocked milk duct may appear as a small tender lump, sometimes larger. Occasionally you may notice a small white blister on the nipple.
Do I have mastitis? The symptoms are the same as for a plugged duct, but the pain/heat/swelling is usually more intense. There may be red streaks on the affected area. Mastitis symptoms include a fever of 101.3°F or greater, chill. Close to flu-like symptoms.
Mamas, its always important to seek professional help if you are concern.
After you've asked yourself these questions and you're in the clear just stick with it. It gets better. try applying some breast milk to the nipple, or coconut oil to help. let the girls dangle vs wearing tight bras can help, too! YOU GOT THIS, MAMA!!!