Does pumping hurt?

[babycrazy1706]

I breastfed my son but never tried pumping, I'll be trying for number 2 soon and I'm keen to get loads more info on feeding this time as I gave up sooner than I would have liked last time.

Does using a manual pump hurt or are they gentle?

Thanks

 

[jessmke]

I exclusively breastfed both my kids (My DD for 13 months, my DS for 9 months and counting). I have a manual pump that I would use to keep up a freezer stash, but neither kid would take a bottle so it mostly went unused! My manual pump didn't hurt at all, I did have to go down a flange size from the one that came with the pump, but didn't really experience any discomfort at all. I have a Medela manual pump and am very happy with it. If you are hoping to exclusively pump or offer pumped milked on a regular basis then a manual pump might not do the job for you, but I was always able to pump easily with it.

 

[babycrazy1706]

Thanks. I want to feed from the breast mostly but pump so family can help out sometimes. Xx

 

[Bevziibubble]

That's exciting you'll be TTC #2 soon!
I didn't find pumping painful. With an electric pump you can choose the setting so you can have it more gentle if you do find it hurts. I didn't find a manual pump painful.

 

[Teri7489]

I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. I used a Lisinoh manual pump for 14 months. My son didn't latch for 5 weeks so i exclusively pumped then and it was fine.

 

[ClairAye]

I was terrified of pumping when I first did it (day after my milk came in) but all I felt was a huge relief! I pumped more with my second with a hospital grade pump and it could be a bit painful/uncomfortable for the first few 'pumps' but I needed it on the highest setting, it soon became nothing compared to DD's power suction. Overall though no it didn't hurt.

 

[babycrazy1706]

Great! Thanks all xx

 

[BrendaJ]

I am an exclusive pumper and own a Medela Instyle double electric pump that I received from my insurance, for free I might add! Seems like they’re covering the costs now! Anyway, for me it hurt at the beginning. My baby had a very strong suction and it hurt so terribly so I decided to pump. Even at the lowest setting it still made it almost unbearable, but I made it through, and now the pain and “rawness” has subsided. Just my own experience.