Traumatized Nipples from Pumping???

Question

My baby is 3 weeks old, I’ve only breastfed her a handful of times because it’s so painful. When she was born I tried to breastfeed, my nipples were bleeding. So I’ve been mainly pumping. My nipples were sensitive all the time but not until maybe over a week ago that my nipples have gotten GINORMOUS and swollen, very raw and gross looking, with bumps at the tips. They are SO sensitive that they hurt when just ANYTHING touches them, it’s very hard for me to put on any clothes. The nipples also do not appear to go back to normal ever, they just stay huge and sticking out. 
Has anyone else ever experienced something similar? I’m so lost as to what to do. I’m not sure if it was never recovered from nursing her or they got traumatized from pumping.

Answer

I would recommend you look for a lactation consultant through the Lactation network. Google for the Lactation network and Mark urgent for lactation consultant. They can make sure you’re using the right size pieces for your pump. The generic size is the pump comes with is almost always not the right size for most women. Also I would use lower vacuum settings on your pump as well.

Answer

Flange size and nipple cream!! I used one kind called nipple butter I forget rest of brand name but it was my favorite and actually helped when lanolin did not.

Answer

I can no longer tell which part is my nipple and which is Areola because part of my areola seems to be swollen too with the nipple so I’m having a hard time choosing the right size of flange for my current nipple condition. I’m going to try to schedule for a lactation consult.

Answer

I think your pump might be sized wrong. Also if baby was cracking you that early, I’d get them checked for tongue and lip ties. Even if you don’t plan to feed from the breast. You can also lather them in lanolin all day long. Get some silver nursing cups! They’re great for healing nipples but they also protect them.

Answer

You’re using the wrong size flange

Answer

It sounds like you’re using the wrong size flange. Once you start pumping, any pain or irritation should go away within a few days.

Answer

Make sure your flanges are the correct size!

Nipple cream is your friend. Lather it on after every session.

Answer

Check out Pump Momma Pump on Instagram. She blogs and gives advise about exclusive pumping. You could be irritated, using the wrong flange, have an infection, etc. I'm sure a lactation consultation couldn't hurt either. Sorry youre having such a rough time with it! I hope it gets better for you soon.

Traumatized Nipples from Pumping???

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