Why does pumping hurt? If you’re struggling with this question, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not imagining things. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, exhausted, and maybe even a little discouraged when something that’s supposed to be so nurturing becomes a source of discomfort.
But here’s the most important truth you need to hear: Pumping should not hurt.
While a gentle tug is normal, sharp, stinging, or pinching pain is a sign that something isn’t quite right. The good news is that this is almost always a solvable problem. You are not broken, and your body is not “wrong.” We just need to do a little detective work to figure out what’s going on.
Think of me as your partner in this. We’re going to walk through the most common culprits of pumping pain, step by step. Let’s find a solution and get you back to pumping comfortably.
Step 1: Check Your Flange Size
This is the #1 suspect and the first thing any lactation consultant would check. More than 80% of the time, pumping pain is caused by using the wrong-sized flange. Many parents don’t realize that the flanges that come with a pump are just a starting size, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Problem: The flange is the part of the pump that cups your breast. It’s designed to create a gentle vacuum, drawing your nipple into the tunnel to express milk.
- If your flange is too big: It can pull too much of your areola (the darker skin around your nipple) into the tunnel, causing painful pinching, swelling, and friction.
- If your flange is too small: Your nipple will rub against the sides of the tunnel, which can lead to chafing, blisters, and even bleeding.
The Fix: Measure your nipples to find the right fit. The correct flange size is based on your nipple’s diameter, not your breast size. A quick measure can make all the difference. Your nipple should move freely in and out of the tunnel without rubbing, and very little of your areola should be pulled in. We have a complete guide that walks you through how to measure yourself accurately and find the perfect flange fit.
Step 2: Adjust Your Pump Settings
It’s a common myth that higher suction equals more milk. This is not only incorrect, but it’s also a major cause of pain and tissue damage. Your body responds to pain with stress hormones, which can actually inhibit your milk flow.
The Problem: When you set the suction level too high, you’re creating a vacuum that’s too powerful for your delicate breast tissue. This can cause bruising, swelling, and damage.
The Fix: Prioritise your comfort. Your new mantra is: Comfort is key. The goal is to find your “maximum comfortable vacuum.”
- Start with Stimulation Mode: Begin every session on your pump’s faster, lighter-suction mode. This mimics a baby’s quick sucks and helps trigger your let-down reflex (when the milk starts to flow).
- Switch to Expression Mode: Once you see your milk flowing, switch to the slower, deeper expression mode.
- Find Your Sweet Spot: Slowly increase the suction level, one notch at a time, until you feel a strong but completely comfortable pull. If you feel any pinching or pain, turn it down a level. That’s your sweet spot!
Step 3: Check Your Nipples and Routine
Sometimes, the pain is a signal of an underlying issue or an inefficient routine. Let’s take a look.
The Problem: Long, marathon pumping sessions can cause pain from prolonged friction and pressure. Also, issues like clogged milk ducts or nipple trauma can make pumping painful.
The Fix: Aim for efficiency, not endurance.
- Keep sessions to 15-20 minutes: For most parents, this is enough time for effective milk removal. Pumping for much longer doesn’t necessarily yield significantly more milk and can cause unnecessary discomfort.
- Look for signs of damage: Gently examine your nipples after a session. If you see cracks, blisters, or scabs, it’s often a sign of friction from an incorrect flange size or suction setting. You might also notice your nipple turning white or purple after pumping, a sign of vasospasm, which is a temporary narrowing of the blood vessels.
- Manage your supply: If you’re dealing with low supply, your focus should be on more frequent, shorter sessions, not fewer, longer ones. We have a guide on how to increase your milk supply that you might find helpful. Pumping can also cause clogged ducts if milk isn’t fully removed, which can be very painful. If you suspect a clog, check out our guide on clogged duct treatment.
Step 4: Inspect Your Pump Parts
Your breast pump is a machine with small, hard-working parts that wear out over time. When they do, the pump’s efficiency drops.
The Problem: The tiny silicone pieces, like duckbill valves or membranes, are the most common to fail. When they’re stretched or worn out, the pump can’t maintain proper suction. This can lead to frustration and cause you to instinctively turn the suction up, which we know leads to pain.
The Fix: Stick to a replacement schedule. These parts are inexpensive and can make a world of difference. Check your pump manual for specific recommendations, but a general rule is to replace them every 1-3 months. For a comprehensive guide on exactly when to replace your pump parts, you can check out our resource.
Your Path Forward
You’ve done an incredible job going through this checklist. Let’s quickly review the key takeaways:
- Flange Fit: Have you measured your nipples and found the correct size?
- Pump Settings: Are you prioritising comfort over high suction?
- Nipple Health & Routine: Are you keeping sessions to a comfortable duration and checking for any underlying issues?
- Pump Parts: Are your valves and membranes fresh and in good condition?
Remember, your comfort matters. You are doing an incredible job providing for your baby, and you do not have to do it in pain. If you’ve gone through all these steps and the pain persists, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) for a personalized assessment. You don’t have to solve this alone.
