Why Are Nipples Swollen After Breast Pumping?
If you use a breast pump but notice nipples are swollen after breast pumping, you may wonder whether it’s normal. Understanding the basics is vital as doing so would let you know whether you are in the right direction and doing everything right.
Ask your healthcare provider to guide you about breastfeeding and breast pumping when in doubt. Meanwhile, read the manual instructions on using the breast pump correctly. Read on for more information about swollen nipples.
Why Are My Nipples Swollen After Breast Pumping?
Slight swelling after breast pumping is normal because of constant latching on the nipples. However, the swelling must resolve within five to ten minutes.
It also means that you could be using the wrong size flange. You need to find the right flange size, and it’s best to talk to your lactation consultant or healthcare provider to help you with sizing.
Also, when using a breast pump for some time, you can expect your nipple shape to change after these prolonged pumping sessions. However, it’s not a cause for concern if things go back to normal.
The suction from the pump can cause swelling in the nipples after breast pumping. Therefore, it would be best to get some rest from breastfeeding. It’s also vital that you learn the correct usage of breast pumps. If you don’t use the breast pumps correctly, you will be doing more damage to the nipples.
Flanges go over your nipple, so you must find the correct size. It may take time and effort, but it would be worth it!
If the swelling on your nipples doesn’t go away after an hour and you have a fever, flu-like symptoms, discharge, and too much pain, consult your healthcare provider to rule out the possibility of an underlying infection.
Is Pain After Breast Pumping Normal?
If you are in the beginning stages of breastfeeding and pumping, you may not know how to use the breast pump correctly, and thus, it would be uncomfortable. Therefore, you may experience some pain as a beginner. However, it would only last a while.
If the pain lasts several hours or you find it hard to use a breast pump, talk to your healthcare provider or lactation consultant to guide you better.
There could be many reasons causing pain while using a breast pump; for example, you are not aware of the correct usage of the breast pump, as mentioned previously.
If you are using a manual breast pump, you must know how much pressure would be okay. In the same way, it’s best to read the manual instructions for the electric pump so that you would learn the correct way to use it.
There could also be an issue with the flange size; thus, you may experience some pain when using the wrong size. Try different sizes to find the right fit for yourself!
It’s also best to check for plugged milk ducts, mastitis, and yeast infection on nipples. It’s also vital to rule out the possibility of an underlying breast infection.
Talk to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about breastfeeding and using breast pumps. You can also consider breastfeeding classes or talk to a lactation consultant to help you understand more about breastfeeding. If you are sick, ask someone to help you during this time.
FAQs
When to consult a doctor for swollen nipples or sore nipples after breast pumping?
If the swelling doesn’t go away after breast pumping in a few hours and you have flu-like symptoms or fever, then it’s best to talk to your doctor. It’s always better to rule out the possibility of an infection or an underlying issue, especially if there is also severe breast pain in the nipples.
How to care for the nipples while breastfeeding?
Whether breastfeeding your baby or using a breast pump to express breast milk supply or milk production, it’s vital to care for your nipples. Use a bra for breastfeeding women, and the material is comfortable. Invest in breast pumps from a reputable brand and find the correct size for the breast flange.
Suppose your nipples bruise while breast pumping; give time to yourself for healing. If breastfeeding is a challenge, consider talking to a lactation specialist. Use doctor-recommended creams and massage the nipples gently after breast pumping.
How to increase your knowledge about breastfeeding?
Being a breastfeeding mom, you don’t have the knowledge or experience about the dos and don’t of breastfeeding. It may take some time, but you can learn it.
There are breastfeeding classes to help, and you can also get information on pumping, baby products, and much more! Talk to a healthcare professional or lactation consultant to help you when in doubt.
What are some of the reasons for breast pumping?
While you may try to breastfeed your baby, it may not be successful; thus, breast pumping can help. If you are a working mom, have an issue with latching, or feel sick, you can consider breast pumping.
There are numerous other reasons, but each mom and situation is unique. What’s suitable for one mom may not be ideal for the other. So, you need to see what works for you.
It’s best to learn about breast pumping and follow the manual instructions on the breast pump to avoid issues. Also, if you use the correct flange size, you can avoid hurting your nipples. Breast pumping shouldn’t be painful, but if it is, give yourself some attention.
Wrapping It Up
The swelling in the nipples could be because you have been pumping the breast milk flow for a long time, but it would disappear in five to ten minutes. On the other hand, the swelling or pain could be because of the wrong flange size.
If there is nipple pain along with fever and flu-like symptoms, it would be best to discuss it with the doctor. Usually, swelling disappears and isn’t an issue, but it’s always better to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.
Reference:
https://itsbodily.com/blogs/breastfeeding/what-to-do-if-pumping-hurts
https://www.healthline.com/health/pumping-nipples#causes-of-pain