Does pumping your breastmilk hurt as much as actual breastfeeding the first few weeks?

Question

And is it easier on your nipples if you do pump more than breastfeeding?

Answer 1

I never had a problem with pain during nursing and my milk came in so much I didn't have to pump. I literally had to put a bowl under the opposite breast as I was nursing to catch the milk flowing out. I think 5 minutes of nursing on one side...I leaked almost 4 oz on the other. It was crazy!! But I think I had it extremely easy!! But pumping can help desensitize your nipples, but don't substitute it for nursing, as your baby could get nipple confusion and may not ever want to nurse, and that's really not what you would want. I don't think that it is better or worse for your nipples though. That's what they were made for, not a hard plastic thing sucking.

Answer 2

For me pumping, was not nearly as painful as the first couple of days of breastfeeding(when your nipples are sore and tender). I have a Medela pump and a Avent pump, and the Avent pump is a lot easier on your nipples. It has a massage cushion and you can control how you want it to pump. It also empties my breast a lot more evenly and faster. The Medela pump feels like it's going to pull my nipple off and if I turn the suction down I don't get any milk. It's just not comfortable in my opinion, but some women prefer the Medela pump in style. No matter how your baby gets it's breast milk, it's still the best thing that you can do whether you pump or feed directly at the breast.

Answer 3

It didn't hurt me when I first started. It felt a little weird though. Not painful, just different. It goes away after a few days. I use an Ameda Purely Yours. It works great for me. I don't know if it feels the same as breastfeeding though. I was not able to breastfeed so I pump, pump, pump. My baby is 7 months old and I am still pumping! I am very proud of that =)

Answer 4

I didn't breastfeed but I did pump for a while. I didn't find it painful at all. I described the sensation as similar to scratching an itch. Get a good quality pump. I rented one from a medical supply place (I think the pump was called Modella). You can turn the suction/speed down if it gets uncomfortable.

I think, though, that you may want to get your baby used to breastfeeding rather than a bottle if you want to do that in the long run. I don't have experience with it, but I've seen questions on here about people having trouble getting the baby to latch onto the breast if he's accustomed to a bottle. Do you have a lactation consultant? She might be able to advise you better and give suggestions for the pain. Good luck.

Answer 5

First of all, it really shouldn't hurt. Visit with the lactation consultant at the hospital, your local WIC office or the La Leche League to make sure you are getting a good latch. I found pumping hurt a heck of a lot more than nursing, it sucked on the skin instead of massaging the milk out like the baby's mouth does. It irritated my nipples a lot. Your experience is going to depend on your nipples, your pump and your baby. If you are uncomfortable, try putting a cool cloth on your nipples AFTER feeding and a warm one BEFORE feeding. Be liberal with the lanolin and try different positions with junior. As for pumping, try it, but keep nursing. Pumping is horribly inefficient compared to the baby and you will get the hang of nursing. For different postions (including video and pictures) try breastfeeding.com, I love it. It also has some good information on pumping and soreness etc. Good luck and keep up the good work!

Answer 6

You know I found pumping so much easier than the first two weeks of breastfeeding. After 2 weeks of breastfeeding things get better. Next thing you know you're enjoying the time you're spending so close to your baby and feeding him/her. A note though, you don't get as much milk from pumping as you would breastfeeding. Hang in there!

Answer 7

For me I found that pumping helped relieve the feeling of being engorged. I would pump right after his morning feeding when I laid him down for his nap. It is a little sensitive the first couple of weeks, but it gets better. A friend had told me that breastfeeding was painful and I didn't quit believe her until we left the hospital and wowzers!!! Boy, is it like a staple-gun......yikes. It is so worth the experience to hang in there with the pain. I've enjoyed every bit of it:)

Answer 8

Ahh I have experiecnce here! I had no nipples left because of breastfeeding lol (don't worry it doesn't take long before they go back to normal). Pumping is a great relief. It can sometimes hurt the breast depending on how full your breasts are. But for me it didn't hurt the nipples. And you can get amazing teats for bottles these days that are almost exactly like a mothers nipple. So if you want to go back after your breasts have had a break then your baby should still take to them!

Answer 9

No, whats hurts is the let-down reflex, the cramping feeling you feel a few seconds after the baby latches on. I feel the manual pumps are more uncofortable than the electric pumps because you can adjust the settings on the electric ones to make them more gentle.
I feel it's better for your milk production if you nurse your baby rather then pump.

Answer 10

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Not at all! If you have a good quality pump - and you will need a good one - you should feel no pain at all! My friend only pumped for her baby for 8 months. She bought the ones offered at the hospital. They are pricey, but not really when compared the cost of formula for that amount of time! Good Luck & Congratulations!!