how to make pumping more comfortable?

I will be returning to work soon, so i know i need to start pumping and storing milk. I hate pumping I find it very uncomfortable. I have a medela pump. Any suggestions to make it more comfortable?

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

How old is your baby?  What are your working hours?  Do you exclusively breastfeed?

Have you tried manually expressing milk, as opposed to pumping.  I found manual expression quite comfortable and convenient when I wasn't in a situation / convenient to pump.

Best wishes

[tiredbuthappy]

don't turn the pump too high. My LC said no more than 1/4-1/3 of the max setting

get Pumpin Pals angled shields (you can find online for like $12). SOOO much more comfortable. Gentler on the nipples, and for posture because it allows you to lean back a bit.

If you stick to regular shields, make sure your shields fit properly. Try a larger size.

you can rub a bit of olive oil along the base of your nipple before pumping. This lubricates it and pumping is less chaffing. This is safe for the baby, and was recommended by a lactation consultant.

Help your nipples heal between sessions. There are several tricks, and you can see which works for you. You can try lanolin. I found applying a little bit of expressed milk and letting it dry helped healing. You can also do an occasional saline soak, which is applying or dipping your nipple into a solution of warm water and table salt.

I gotta run to work, but if you have any more questions or need more detail about anything above, let me know and I'll check in later.

[KeyD]

baby is 4 weeks and is exclusively BF'd. i work 12-14 hr shifts. will try the oil and look for the sheilds.

[mature_enough]

:) Yes, the right size of shield can make a world of difference. Take a picture of your baby to work w/ you as well & if you have an option for recording the baby's coo's or suckling at the breast on your phone or other device, it may help stimulate your milk ejection reflex as well. :) Good luck and congratulations.

[KeyD]

I found soft silicon shield made by medela instead of using the hard plastic. it has helped some