Nipple pain while pumping: Causes and solutions

Should pumping hurt?

Just like breastfeeding, breast pumping can cause mild discomfort. It’s normal to feel a slight amount of pain, especially as you begin pumping, along with tingling and tugging sensations throughout.² If you’re experiencing persistent pain that makes it difficult to pump, however, it’s best to stop pumping and reassess (we’ll explain what to do later in this article).

If, after pumping, your breast still hurts, it could be a sign to speak to a medical professional, like a lactation consultant or GP. While a little tenderness is perfectly normal, any pain should be taken seriously.

Why does pumping hurt?

Painful pumping can occur for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are medical. Here are the most common causes of breast pump soreness:

• Incorrect flange size: Also known as a breast shield, this is the funnel of your pump that sits directly over your nipple, creating a tight vacuum to help you express. When the flange doesn’t fit your nipple and areola correctly, it causes friction and discomfort, leading to sore nipples when pumping.³
• Incorrect use of your pump: Using suction that’s too high or positioning your pump incorrectly can irritate your nipples. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidance for a comfortable pump.
• Clogged milk ducts: When you don’t breastfeed or pump frequently enough, the ducts that carry milk to your nipple can become clogged, causing swelling and pain.³ You might feel small lumps beneath your nipple and, in some scenarios, spot signs of an infection.
• Breast engorgement: If your breasts are overly full of milk, they’ll become engorged. This is uncomfortable and painful, with breasts becoming harder than normal, and it can make pumping very unpleasant.³ For advice, read our guide to relieving engorged breasts.

If your nipple hurts after pumping and the pain doesn’t go away, it could signal mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue.⁴ Other symptoms of mastitis include your breasts becoming hot, swollen, and painful, with issues lingering long after you’ve finished pumping. If you think you have mastitis, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.

How to reduce nipple pain while pumping

If pumping hurts, make sure you’re using a pump that can be adjusted for your comfort. The Philips Avent Wearable Electric Breast Pump fits 99% of all mums*, with a patented SkinSense breast shield that flexes to fit around your breast. Wear it under your bra for discreet, hands-free pumping.

It’s also a smart idea to lower suction levels. More sensitive nipples and breasts may be better suited to gentler suction, which reduces tugging for a more comfortable pump.

Here are more options to reduce painful pumping:

• Pump frequently: Make sure you’re pumping before your breasts become overly full to prevent engorgement. It’s typically a good idea to follow your baby’s feeding schedule, with most little ones feeding every 2-3 hours.⁵
• Apply warmth before pumping: A warm compress encourages milk flow, allowing you to lower suction settings on your breast pump.⁶ It also helps prevent engorgement for happy, healthy pumping.
• Limit sessions intensity and duration: Pumping too long, especially with strong suction, can contribute to soreness and tissue damage.³ Aim for gentle, effective sessions rather than pushing through discomfort.
• Optimise positioning: Make sure your nipple is centred in the flange tunnel before you start pumping. Poor positioning can cause rubbing, uneven suction and discomfort during sessions.³

If you’ve tried these tips to prevent breast pain after pumping and your nipples still hurt, speak to a medical professional. They’ll help you identify the cause of your pain and plan the next steps to relieve discomfort.

Nipple pain while pumping FAQs

Does expressing milk hurt?

Whether you express with a pump or with your hands, expressing milk shouldn’t hurt. It can be uncomfortable, and you may experience very mild pain when you begin expressing, but this should fade after a few minutes.

Do nipple balms work for breast pain after pumping?

There’s no clear evidence that nipple balms and lanolin creams work for breast pump soreness. One study found that, while women were satisfied using lanolin cream, it didn’t show any efficacy for reducing nipple pain.⁷

How should pumping feel if everything is working correctly?

Pumping should feel like a steady, gentle pulling or tugging sensation - not pinching, burning or rubbing. If it feels painful, your setup or technique likely needs adjusting.

You don’t have to suffer with painful pumping. Most of the underlying problems behind pain can be mitigated by using the right breast pump and a good technique. The Philips Avent Wearable Electric Breast Pump makes that simpler, with hospital-strength pumping and a skin-friendly silicone shield for a comfortable experience.

*Based on our included range of breast shields and inserts