Just like with breastfeeding, pumping your breasts should most certainly not be painful or uncomfortable. While some discomfort and pain may happen, the occurrence of either could be an indicator that something needs to be adjusted or addressed.
Should pumping hurt at first?
You may have brief pain (10-15 seconds) at the beginning of each pumping while the collagen fibers in your nipples stretch. You may have slight tenderness of the nipple. Some women may have an uncomfortable sensation when their milk releases or "letting down" which may feel like tingling or "pins and needles."
How do you know if your pumping correctly?
When you get your pump, you can tell that the flange is a proper fit if:
- You are not experiencing pain in your nipple.
- Your areola should have little or no tissue inside the tunnel of the breast pump.
- You do not feel areas of the breast that still have milk inside (which indicates the uneven removal of milk).
