Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Natural Methods to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Pumping -- should I be sore?

Hi all. I'm brand new here and am trying to induce lactation (without medications -- herbs and pumping only) in anticipation of the birth of our first child in mid-February. I've been pumping for four days, using a PIS Advanced, and I am so sore that I skipped pumping today. I just couldn't stand the thought. I've got the right size flanges. I've been using Lansinoh. I looked at the video on Medela's web site, and I think everything's working right. So am I supposed to be this sore? It's not nipple soreness; it's deep achy tenderness in my breasts. They also seem fuller and are just generally uncomfortable. I do have fibromyalgia, and I've read that many women with fibro find breastfeeding rather painful. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Valentine I am not sure about the fibro, I dont' know enough about that. What level are pumping at? You should not go over Medium suction. Also I found that I had to make sure that when my nipple was drawn into the horn that it was not pressed up against on side or the other but straight in or I would get sore. Are your nipples discolored at all?

Thanks for responding!

The PIS Advanced has an adjustable first stage and a single strength second stage. I'm using the lowest setting for the first stage. My nipples aren't rubbing, and they aren't discolored or even really sore. Just the breasts themselves are tender, like PMS tenderness, but much worse than I've had before.

I'm having the same experience...

Valentine,

Just wanted to say that I just switched from Medela Lactina to the Limerick and notice my breasts are not sore. Maybe your soreness is due to the pump you're using?? Just wondering.

I switched b/c my rental pump $ was starting to add up to much, but I am finding I really like my new pump better.

I have a PIS Advanced and mine is fully adjustable. Hmm...
When I turn it on, I turn it to the middle of the dial and keep it there for the "let down" and the regular pumping.
Try turning the knob during the second stage and see if there's any difference.

When I first started pumping, I had it almost at the lightest setting so i could barely feel it, but it helped "toughen" my nipples. Just 2 days ago I turned it up and was happy to not feel pain AND to be rewarded with additional milk!

Make sure you're using it correctly and call Medela if you still have problems.