Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply is pumping supposed to be painful?

Is pumping supposed to be painful? It is my first day and I am in tears every time I pump with the Medela Classic. If I lie down, then it is bearable but I wonder if gravity is pushing any milk back. It is so uncomfortable that, even though I saw a drop of milk in each breast today, I am seriously thinking of giving up. I have very large breasts, could that be the problem? Please help, I am not sure whether I can go on.

Helen, pumping is not supposed to be painful. Have you got the pump on the lowest strength? I remember it once or twice being painful when I pumped for my son, when I had it on the highest strength. I don't believe breast size should make a difference. I hope someone with more experience can answer and that it gets better for you and you can continue! Good luck!

You may need larger flanges if you have large breasts. I would consult a Lactation Consultant to see what they say.
Pumping might be a little uncomfortable while your nipples get used to it, but pumping shouldn't hurt. Now I will tell you that nursing can hurt - even though people say it won't hurt if they are latched correctly. That is false - it hurts in the beginning until your nipples toughen up. It does get better.
Jennifer

Make sure that your nipple is centered in the flange and start off on the low setting. You should never pump any higher than medium. Jennifer is right you may need larger flanges. I have large nipples and did okay with the regular size I just had to make sure it was centered so I wasn't getting squished/pinched.

Hi Ladies,

As a mom of two and a lactation consultant for several years, I can tell you that when breastfeeding hurts it's usually due to latch and positioning unless there is a structural problem such as a tongue-tie or cranial-facial issue. When breastfeeding, we don't actually latch onto the nipple but rather well and truly onto the breast PAST the nipple. If baby is latched deep enough, breastfeeding should not hurt.

Best, Lenore