How to Prevent Sore Nipples and Discomfort While Pumping

Why Sore Nipples and Discomfort Occur

Pain or discomfort during pumping is common, especially for new mothers. The main causes include:

• Incorrect flange size, causing pinching or excessive suction.
• Improper suction level or speed settings.
• Poor pump positioning or posture.
• Prolonged sessions without breaks.
• Skin sensitivity or dryness.

Addressing these factors can dramatically improve pumping comfort and reduce the risk of nipple damage or soreness.

Choosing the Right Flange

The flange is the part of the pump that surrounds the nipple and areola. Using the correct size is critical:

• Too small: Pinches the nipple, causing pain.
• Too large: Pulls excessive areola tissue, reducing efficiency.

Tip: MomMed S21 comes with multiple flange sizes for customization. The MomMed S33 also supports different sizes for gentle single-pump sessions. Always check comfort and adjust as needed.

Adjusting Suction and Speed

Incorrect suction or speed is a major cause of discomfort:

• Start with low suction to allow let-down to occur naturally.
• Gradually increase to a comfortable level for expression.
• Avoid maximum suction from the start, which can damage nipples.

MomMed breast pumps offer multiple modes: stimulation, expression and automatic (or gentle massage on S33), allowing a gradual and natural adjustment that minimizes pain while maximizing output.

Maintaining Proper Positioning and Posture

Good posture reduces strain and discomfort:

• Sit upright with back support.
• Keep shoulders relaxed and elbows slightly elevated.
• Use a hands-free pumping bra if possible.
• Position the pump so that flanges are centered and straight on the nipple.

Ergonomic pumps like the MomMed wearable breast pumps help maintain optimal positioning and reduce fatigue during longer sessions.

Short, Frequent Sessions

Overlong pumping sessions can contribute to soreness and skin irritation. Instead:

• Aim for 15–20 minutes per session for double pumping.
• Take short breaks if needed during longer sessions.
• Combine short sessions with hand expression to remove residual milk without extended pumping.

The S21’s dual-mode system and S33’s gentle massage mode allow shorter, more effective sessions with less discomfort.

Hydration and Skin Care

Proper skin care and hydration help prevent soreness:

• Apply a thin layer of lanolin or breast cream after sessions.
• Keep nipples dry between sessions to avoid irritation.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain skin elasticity and milk production.

Using pumps with anti-leak and silicone stopper features, like the S33, helps reduce milk spillage and unnecessary friction on the nipple.

Hands-On Techniques for Comfort

Massaging and compressing the breasts can aid let-down and reduce discomfort:

• Gently massage the breast before pumping.
• Use compression during expression mode to remove milk efficiently.
• Combine with the S33’s massage mode for a gentle, relaxing session, especially during night pumping.

These techniques help maximize milk output while minimizing pain.

MomMed Pumps Designed for Comfort

Conclusion

Preventing sore nipples and discomfort while pumping requires proper flange sizing, gradual suction adjustment, correct posture, and short, consistent sessions. Incorporating hands-on techniques, skin care, and hydration further improves comfort. Using ergonomic, efficient pumps like the MomMed S21 for dual-mode, double pumping and the S33 for gentle night sessions helps reduce nipple stress while maintaining milk output. With the right techniques and equipment, mothers can enjoy pain-free pumping sessions while supporting a healthy milk supply.