Pump is shredding my nipples

[224RainandSunshine]

Had to go back to work, baby is 7 months and EBF. Today was my first full day in the office so my first time pumping so much. I have tried every size flange. I have an Elvie, a hand Medela and the Spectra. I hate them all. My nipples are tiny. When I measure how they say you should, even the 19 mm flange is too big. But as soon as I start pumping they inflate and rub against the tube. They don't elongate, I don't have "elastic" nipples.

It also feels like it pinches all the time. Like my nipples are just getting pinched with every suck.

Help! Any tips?

My nipples are quite sensitive, it took like a good 6 weeks of breastfeeding to not hurt anymore even though baby's latch was totally perfect.

I bought some 13mm hard replacement breast shields from Maymon on Amazon for my Spectra...game changer?

But when I pump they inflate and rub. I'm afraid of going even smaller? I already have the 19mm from Maymom

I’d give one of the BFing Helplines a call to see if they can offer any suggestions. Have you got the numbers?

I know everyone likes the expensive ones but I use tommee tippee manual ones each day at work and their flange is pretty comfortable for me, it's got a good shape like a bindweed flower rather than being uniform. They're around £20 each, probably one of the cheapest out there.

I can't bear electric pumps, they make me shudder

Mine got swollen until I went down to the smallest size I could. But everyone is different!

I can't comment on the size issue or pain you're feeling, but I was using both a hands free pump and a spectra and managed absolutely fine with them. But my game changing moment was buying a haakaa manual pump, I was getting roughly the same, if not more milk using that than the huge pumps. And there's no noise, no pinching, absolute dream to use! Could be helpful if you find pumps too much x

@RobinHeartella I don't think my hands could handle a manual pump every day, I'd get carpal tunnel syndrome!

You could try alternating between manual and electric ti give your nipples and your hands a rest respectively?

Tbf I only express to relieve engorgement at work (up to 150ml a day) rather than to sustain my toddler. Is your dc on any solids yet, can you step that up so you can express less?