Breast pumping is not as easy as you think. It needs a lot of practice and experience before getting the desired outcomes. So it does take time to use the breast pumps to yield the proper results. The breast pumps usage should be learned initially to circumvent all the painful episodes. Once the success formula is learned, the pumps can generate more milk than one can ever imagine.
So what are the practices that make breast pumping the worst experience? Let us look at the reasons for the painful breast pumping experience.
Cleanliness
Before plunging into the breast pumping job, always make sure the breasts and hands are clean. With the bacteria and fungus unrevoked from the body, the milk may be contaminated and at last lead to the illness of the child. Fungus and Bacteria might cause:
- Sore nipples
- Cracked nipples
- Breast infection
- Thrush
Use the Correct Size Flange
The flange is the part that fits over the breast and the nipples. It is also called a breast shield. Many women use the standard size flanges that come along with the breast pump pack. But they don’t possess the knowledge of the presence of different size flanges.
Using a large size flange does not yield milk efficiently and using a small size flange leads to sore nipples. Thus, before using the standard size flanges, make sure it fits you aptly.
Precise Breast Position
After the right selection of flange with the right size, make sure the flanges are positioned with the breasts in the right manner. The nipples should be centred at the middle of the flanges. If not, the nipples will sore and you might feel the session painful and full of bruises.
Suction and Speed
This is the important part while using breast pumps. The common myth is that the high suction speed results in large milk yielding. High speed of suction leads to less generation of milk in the pumps. Before selecting the suction speed, it is ideal to find out the speed at which the child sucks the nipples. And then apply it to the pump settings for a useful, flawless and painless pumping experience.
Excessive Pumping
Pumping duration for each breast should be in the range of 10 to 15 minutes. Appropriate intervals should be left after each pumping session. Overdoing the session or excessive pumping might lead to breast engorgement. This means the swelling of breasts due to the large storage of milk by the breasts. Engorgement is really painful and nasty.
Consulting a Specialist
Even after following the above steps, if the pain continues to prevail, it is highly recommended to visit a professional. Paying a visit to the doctor can be really helpful in overcoming the pain and trauma the breasts undergo. A lactation consultant can also give the necessary guidance and instructions to overcome the sore nipples and swollen breasts. These experts can further help by teaching with proper tips and information regarding the breast pumping.