Dark patches on nipples after using breast pump

[dizzyme]

Hi

I have just used a Lactaline dual electric breast pump for the first time.

I pumped for around 5 minutes, and when I took the pump off noticed dark patches on both my nipples - almost looks like blood has come to the surface or something.

Any ideas/advice?

Thanks

[dizzyme]

Perhaps I had the suction on too strong and it bruised me....?

[Chulita]

You might not have had the nipple in the right place. I use a manual but if I don't get the nipple in the middle-ish I end up with bruises. Probs the suction was too strong though, does it have a gentle option to start with?

[Grumpla]

Hi Dizzyme, I use the lactaline as well and also get dark patches. They fade pretty quick so I assume it is just blood being pulled to the surface, you can try turning the suction down but to be honest I decided that being able to express quicker was worth the odd 'love bite' patch! It doesn't hurt.

I am feeding EBM full time having been unable to get a proper latch, so I spend about 3-4 hours in every 24 on the pump at the moment, have done for the last few months with no serious side effects.

[LadyOfTheFlowers]

I had these using a Medela electric - think they are bruises? But if I didn't crank the suction up, it didn't work very well!