Pumping Shouldn't Hurt: 5 Common Reasons It Does

Pumping Shouldn't Hurt: 5 Common Reasons It Does (and What You Can Do About It)

If you've ever sat down to pump, taken a deep breath, and braced yourself for the pain...

I want you to hear this first:

Pumping should not hurt.

Yes, your body is adjusting after birth. Yes, you may experience some tenderness in the early days postpartum, especially as your milk comes in. But if every pumping session leaves you wincing, counting down the minutes until it's over, or avoiding pumping altogether because it hurts so much, that's a sign that something isn't right.

The good news? In most cases, there's a reason for the pain - and it's something that can be fixed.

Let's walk through some of the most common reasons pumping hurts and what you can do about it.

First, let's clear up a common myth...

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

"I thought pumping was supposed to hurt."

Somewhere along the way, many moms have been told that pain is just part of breastfeeding or pumping.

It isn't.

Pain is your body's way of telling you something needs attention. Whether it's your flange fit, pump settings, or something else entirely, you don't have to simply "push through."

In fact, continuing to pump through pain can sometimes make the problem worse.

1. Your Flanges May Be the Wrong Size

This is by far one of the most common reasons pumping hurts—and one of the easiest to overlook.

Many moms assume the flange that came with their pump is the right size. In reality, breast pumps often include only one or two standard sizes, but nipples come in all shapes and sizes.

A flange that's too small can pinch and compress your nipple.

A flange that's too large can pull too much of your areola into the tunnel, causing swelling, discomfort, and less effective milk removal.

Signs your flange may not fit correctly:

Your nipple rubs against the sides of the tunnel.
A large amount of your areola is being pulled into the flange.
Your nipples look swollen after pumping.
You notice cracking, blisters, or persistent soreness.
Pumping feels painful from beginning to end.
You're pumping for long periods but not removing much milk.

The right flange size isn't just about comfort—it also helps your pump remove milk more effectively.

2. You're Using Too Much Suction

This one surprises a lot of parents.

Many people assume that turning the suction all the way up will remove more milk.

Unfortunately, that's usually not how your body works.

Think of it like squeezing a sponge. Applying more force doesn't always get better results—it can simply damage the sponge.

The same is true with pumping.

Using the highest suction setting may actually cause pain, inflammation, and swelling, making it harder for milk to flow comfortably.

Signs your suction may be too high:

Sharp pain as soon as pumping starts
Nipples stretching excessively into the flange
Pain that continues after pumping is over
Tenderness that gets worse throughout the day

The goal isn't to tolerate the strongest suction possible.

The goal is to find the highest comfortable suction that allows your body to release milk effectively.

Comfort and milk removal often go hand in hand.

3. Your Pump Settings May Need Adjusting

Your breast pump isn't meant to stay on one setting forever.

Most pumps include different modes and settings designed to mimic how babies naturally feed.

Typically, you'll start in a stimulation mode to encourage your let-down before switching to an expression mode for milk removal.

Beyond that, many pumps allow you to adjust the cycle speed and suction level.

Here's the important part:

There isn't one "perfect" setting for everyone.

What works beautifully for one mom may be completely uncomfortable for another.

If you're pumping on the factory settings simply because you've never changed them, it's worth taking the time to learn what each setting does and experimenting to find what feels comfortable for your body.

Small adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference.

4. Your Anatomy May Require a Different Setup

Not every nipple responds to pumping the same way.

One example is elastic nipples, which stretch further into the flange tunnel during pumping than expected.

Elastic nipples aren't a problem - they're simply a variation in anatomy.

However, they can make pumping uncomfortable if your setup isn't working with your body.

If you notice your nipple stretching far into the tunnel, rubbing against the sides, or feeling increasingly sore throughout your session, it may be worth exploring whether elastic nipples are contributing to the discomfort.

For some moms, simple changes like adjusting flange size or using silicone inserts can make pumping much more comfortable.

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5. There May Be Another Underlying Issue

Sometimes the pump itself isn't the problem.

Pain during pumping can also be caused by:

Nipple damage from a previous poor latch
Vasospasm (when blood vessels temporarily constrict)
Milk blebs
Clogged ducts
Mastitis
Thrush or other infections
Worn-out pump parts that aren't functioning properly

If you've already adjusted your flange size, suction, and pump settings but you're still experiencing significant pain, it's time to dig a little deeper.

Pain is never something you should ignore.

What Not to Do

When pumping hurts, it's completely understandable to start troubleshooting on your own.

But here are a few mistakes I see all the time:

Don't keep increasing the suction. More suction doesn't automatically mean more milk.

Don't assume pain is something you just have to live with. It's incredibly common—but common doesn't mean normal.

Don't immediately buy a new pump. Sometimes the issue isn't the pump itself. It's how it's fitting or being used.

Don't wait weeks hoping it gets better on its own. The sooner you identify what's causing the pain, the sooner pumping can become more comfortable.

When Should You Get Help?

If pumping hurts, please don't spend weeks trying to figure it out on your own.

Sometimes the solution is as simple as changing your flange size.

Sometimes it's adjusting your pump settings.

Sometimes it's identifying an issue you never would have known to look for.

That's exactly why working with a lactation professional can make such a difference.

An experienced lactation consultant can assess your flange fit, evaluate your pumping routine, troubleshoot pain, and help you create a plan that's specific to your body—not just general advice you found online. Plus, many of the causes of pain while pumping, once resolve, help moms get more breast milk.

You Don't Have to Dread Every Pumping Session

If you've been telling yourself:

"Maybe I'm just doing something wrong."
"I guess pumping is supposed to hurt."
"I'll just push through."

I want to gently challenge that.

Pumping shouldn't hurt.

In many cases, the right adjustments can completely change your experience.

Inside One With The Pump's Pumping Support Program, we've helped more than 3,000 moms troubleshoot painful pumping sessions, improve flange fit, optimize pump settings, and create pumping routines that feel both comfortable and effective.

You don't have to keep guessing.

You don't have to spend another week dreading every pumping session.

And you certainly don't have to figure it out alone.

If pumping hurts, let's find out why—together. Learn more about our Pumping Consultations and The Pumping Support Program that help moms become Confident Mother Pumpers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pumping supposed to hurt at first?

Some mild tenderness during the first few days postpartum can be normal as your body adjusts, but ongoing pain, pinching, or damage is not. If pumping consistently hurts, it's worth evaluating your flange fit, pump settings, and overall pumping routine.

Can the wrong flange size reduce milk supply?

Yes. A poorly fitting flange can make milk removal less effective, leading to discomfort and potentially affecting milk supply over time.

Should I use the highest suction setting?

No. The highest suction isn't necessarily the most effective. The best setting is the highest level that remains comfortable while allowing you to remove milk efficiently.

What if I've tried everything and pumping still hurts?

If you've adjusted your flange size, suction, and pump settings and are still experiencing pain, it's time to work with a lactation consultant. There may be another underlying issue that needs to be evaluated.

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