Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Normal Pain?

How much pain is normal when you're starting out pumping? I've been pumping for about 3 weeks. I don't even pump 8 times a day, but I do try to pump for about 20 or 30 minutes at a time. I'm also a wimp.

And I feel like my nipples are going to fall off!

I know it's going to take some getting used to, but how long will it feel this way? And how do I know if it's normal pain or if something is wrong?

Also, does 2 ounces/ day sound okay for week 3 of pumping?

2 ounces a day is excellent for week 3 of pumping! Keep up the good work.

As for the pain, you should check the size of the flange. Medela has some excellent pictures online to show you what size is correct. You can get a different size at any target. I'm assuming you are using a PIS.
http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/right-size-of-breastshield.html

I would start here. If your nipples are dry when you are pumping you can put a little oitment on them before you start to pump so that they can move freely in the flange.

I actually bought smaller flanges because of that chart. I also have the Symphony, but it's a Medela pump.

Maybe I'll try switching back to the larger ones for a while. They hurt, too, but it was a slightly different place, so it may give part of me time to heal.

Some pain is normal. Do you put a little olive oil on the nipple before you pump? That can help to lubricate them.
Jennifer