Pumping Breastmilk
Pumping breastmilk is another excellent way to provide food for babies. It offers similar benefits (but not identical) with direct latching to the breast. However, expressing milk can be an awkward experience for some mothers, and breast pumps can cause unpleasant effects. Some may experience irritation, inflammation, soreness of the breast, and nipple pain.
Lactation experts believe that pumping breastmilk could be painless when done correctly. Proper breast pump flange and breast shield sizes can help alleviate the pain caused by pumping. In addition, mothers are advised to avoid breast pumps with poorly fitting and strong suction. Strong suction can also result in vasospasm. In addition, some mothers may also have minor cuts and sore skin around the nipples due to too much pressure and friction from the breast pump. Experts may advise the use of safe oils and lubricants to avoid these from happening.
Oversupply of breast milk due to excessive pumping may also lead to inflammation of milk ducts and nipple pain. Consult a lactation expert before setting a pumping schedule to avoid complications.
