bleeding nipple from pumping...what can i do?

[*happy*]

just to add to my currently confusing situation, i have just realised that my left nipple is bleeding....sorry for TMI!i have only been pumping from this side so i must have had it on too strong.can i do anything to help?

[amayzie]

Ugh!! I found that smetimes the pump was quite harsh... some things to help- lanolin on it, perhaps some breast milk on it, and check that your pump is the right size- can you get different sized ..um.. what are they clled.... the bit that goes on your boob.. You can get different ones with the madela...

Is it manual? Can you perhaps switch to a manual pump so you have more control over the pressure? How bad is the abrasion? And do you mean that you don't BF from that side?

[*happy*]

ya,i only BF from the right.i was down to just a BT feed but i've had to reintroduce a morning feed (when i usually pump) because LO has soem sort of a rash the past few days that i thought might be formula-related.i've been using the same pump (medela swing) for the ast 7 months,but i guess i've had it on a higher setting recently cause i'm trying to get as much as possible.ugh ugh.am fit to cry at the moment.too much to figure out

[ENMS]

check that your pump is the right size- can you get different sized ..um.. what are they clled.... the bit that goes on your boob.. You can get different ones with the madela...

I think this is often the issue when pumping. You have to get the right size for you.

[amayzie]

Hugs! It might not take too long to heal (crossing fingers!) Sometimes it feels like if it's not one thing it's another hey!

[*happy*]

that's exactly it katy.just don't think i can handle another issue right now.i'm so worn out.
i reckon i've just pumped too hard the past couple of days cause the boob-thingy is the same one i've been using for the past 7 months & i haven't had cracked nipples since the first week & LO was to blame that time!
can i use those nippl-creams when i'm actually pumping or just afterwards?

[Aishi]

No advice hon. Just wanted to send {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[*happy*]

thanks aishi...just having a bad day & could do without another issue, KWIM?

[koe2moe]

Hugs to you!  I pumped exclusively for DS as BF was just a worse nightmare.  I think you can try putting the lanolin on as often as possible and especially right after pumping and put on some BM.  Lanolin is supposed to be safe for BF, so it is safe.  I would also recommend trying different size cups.  It will cost you to get them to find the right fit but if you dont try, you will not know.  . Hope it heals soon!  X

[Aishi]

I know. These days just seem never ending don't they? One thing gets sorted and another crops up. The joys of motherhood

[*happy*]

thanks...I'll try online for those...I know the local places don't stock any...BF-friendly,eh?!

[shivi]

if the flange has fit you all this time, I doubt the problem is the flange...unless its now actually too big for you (do you notice your boobs a little deflated?)

Have to go and look at your other posts....

It may be that the suction was too much xxx

[*happy*]

thanks shivi...ya, i reckon that's it....i was feeling the pressure of getting as much milk as possible (due to the allergic reaction etc) so i as def putting it on a higher setting than i normally would have....totally my own fault....i'll try the cream in the mrorning when i pump & put it at a lower setting...those 3oz i manage to get from that side are so valuable!!!

[Fiver]

Yup, totally agree, turn down the suction and make sure you're dead centre of the flange.  Hope it heals up soon.

[Erin M]

Oh ouch!  (((hugs))))