I am an exclusive pumper for 9 months now. Yes your breasts may be sore and full for a little bit as your supply regulates (usually until around 12 weeks). Expect to feel full when it comes time to pump. It will go away or not be as full feeling eventually once your supply regulates. Your nipples will definitely be sore for a while too, invest in some good quality nipple cream/balm. I also lube my flanges with fractionated coconut oil to help with the discomfort of pumping. Get the correct size flange. To do this you measure your nipple at the base in mm and then add a few. That would be your flange size. My LC “fitted” me a few times and kept going bigger, but I was actually smaller and having the correct fit makes a world of difference. I would suggest warm compress or taking a hot shower before pumping to help with engorgement. Also if you don’t have one or two already get a Haaka silicone pump. Use them in the shower to catch the milk. Massage your breasts while pumping to help them empty. Your breasts may not feel soft because your not emptying completely. Sometimes it can take longer than 15-20mins. I’ve had to pump for at least 25min. Now that I’m at 3 pumps per day, my pump sessions are close to an hour. Making sure you’re empty every time you pump will help with your supply. When your breasts feel soft and squishy they are empty. If you still feel firm they may not be empty. I’ve always had one breast produce more than the other so it did feel more engorged than the other lower producing breast. It’s normal, most women have a “slacker boob”. You can try to make them even by pumping that side for longer. Great resources I’ve found are www.kellymom.com and a Facebook group called Exclusively Pumping Mamas.

I’ve been exclusively pumping for 5 months now, it’s hard work, but it’s been worth it! When my milk first came in, I overproduced so much so I got in the habit of pumping every 5 hours because I was pumping enough for 2 feedings (great right?!). My supply is dropping because now she’s eating more and I’m pumping every 3 hours but it’s not enough. So just stay in that habit of going every 3 hours. I now pump every time she eats, so I do not wake during the night when she doesn’t, that has not seems to affect my supply! Good luck momma and keep up the good work!!! You got this! And congrats on your new little love! 😊