Sore nipples due to expressing lots (scbu baby)

[knackered76]

Ouch! I'm having to express every 3hrs for my baby to have in scbu. This is only the beginning of day 3 and my nipples are killing me. I know that breastfeeding hurts initially as well (this is my 3rd) but am wondering if this is worse as it's a bit harsher using a pump.

Any suggestions on how to soothe them would be gratefully received.

[KnockedUpMell]

Could the phalange be too small for your nipples? Nipples shouldnt touch the side of the phalange while you express. Or if it's electric, the setting may be too high. Other possibility is thrush if you have been on antibiotics. I don't think expressing should hurt. I found it hurt initially because I had thrush and pumped using a phalange that was too small for me.

[knackered76]

Thank you, I think it could be the phalange now you say it. Any ideas where I would get a larger one from? I think I might use a lower setting as well, I'm just impatient so want to get it done as quickly as possible so I can get on with all the other things the other 2 need as well!

[KnockedUpMell]

What pump do you use? The manufacturer should be able to supply a larger phalange. Well done you for finding the time to express with 2 others to look after though!

[japhrimel]

Look online for parts or ask the hospital. I always had to be very careful to not let my nipple touch the sides of the funnel tube.

[Penguindreams]

I expressed for 11 weeks when my son was in NICU/SCBU (born at 26 weeks) and in fact am still expressing now 28 weeks down the line now I'm back at work, so you have my sympathy!

My nipples were excruciating for the first few weeks (sorry!). I suffered vasospasm and it was miserable. A lot of that was probably not using the right size kit. My hospital provided 3 different sizes for NICU mothers, does yours offer a choice? if so, try out different ones.

Make sure you keep the pump right down on a low setting - stronger pull does not equal more milk!

Does your Unit have different pumps? Mine had 3 or 4 different types, and one of them caused me a lot more pain than the others - might be worth trying a different one. What type are you using?

if you have hired a pump for home use, the manufacturer will definitely have different sizes available - the key thing is not to have your nipples rubbing against the plastic.

Hope your babe is home shortly.