Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

I've been trying to breastfeed, but my DS is an agressive suckler and he's making my nipples raw. I'm considering getting a pump instead, but can you please tell me if pumping hurts as much as breast feeding? I don't want to waste money on a pump if it's going to hurt just as much. Thanks!

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

i dont like the feel of pumping but that me
did you try nipple shields? is your dc latched properly?

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

i think it can hurt more....but I felt both lessened over time...your nips have to get used to this new "activity" they have never done before! It does get better....it took about 6 weeks for both not to hurt at all!

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

How old is your DS?

My DD had such a strong sucking reflex that she actually drew blood from me on BOTH sides the first time I nursed her in recovery it hurt so badly.

The LC gave me nipple shields to use, and in the beginning they were a GODSEND. I was able to nurse without the pain. However, my DD became used to the shield and would not BF without it once my nipples healed. It wasn't until she was about 12 weeks old that we were able to "wean" her off the shield.

BUT, if you do decide to go that route, it'll be a great way to help you heal and continue to nurse. For me, at that stage, pumping was just as painful because your nipples are just trying to recover.

Definitely align yourself with a good lactation consultant that you can help you decide which way to go.

Good luck--and don't give up just yet!!!

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

When i had Sophia breastfeeding hurt so much for me i would cry everytime, after a week my DH bought me a pump and it was better for me, now after a year i feel nothing when i pump

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

If you're in constant pain while BFing, DS may not be latching properly. Try taking him off and getting him to latch again. It may take several attempts each time before it's not painful. Have you worked with a lactation consultant? The first few minutes of BFing may be extremely painful for the first 6-8 weeks. It shouldn't be painful the entire time you're BFing.

At the beginning, pumping was less painful for me b/c DS did a lot of damage while BFing, but once you get past the first month or two, BFing is much better than pumping.

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

Definitely! Pumping is not painful at all! And both my kids have tongue tie so BFing was excruciating! Brought me to tears every feeding

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

my ds was that way... everytime I thought of BF I wanted to cry! so I started pumping and kept it up for 4 months...

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

Is he latching properly? That could be why it hurts so much. Have you seen a lactation consultant?

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

I was fortunate in that DS latched great from the start so I really didnt have any pain from BF just occasional soreness that went away quickly. Pumping does not hurt at all for me. Lansinoh cream is great for sore nipples though. Why dont you try renting a breast pump for a month just to see how you feel with it?

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

DS is 3 days old and as per the LC at the hospital, he is latched on properly but he is just so aggressive, I can't handle it.

I am going to try the Lansinoh cream today & see how I feel at the next feeding.

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

Its def a different feel, but not painful!

Nipple shields and the pump saved me from the rawness and in turn has let me successfully BF all these months!! I was about to give up because the pain was so bad, especially when they were bleeding. Instead I got shields, which I used for a good month until I weaned him off of them, and I pumped and fed a bottle for relief!

Good Luck! It does get better, I promise!!

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

If it's only been 3 days you need to give it more time. It took at least 10 days to 2 weeks before BFing stopped being so painful for me.

Believe me- you DON'T want to exclusively pump.

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

I just ordered the nipple shields and will try that. The thought of BF is seriously bringing me to tears but he really enjoys it.

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

BF hurt like a MOFO for the first 10 days... YOur nips will get numb to the pain... I SWEAR...

If I didn't have my mother there to tell me that it DOES get better, I would have given it up too...

I remember someone telling me they had to count to twenty when the baby latched on and then the pain subsides... so true....

Please don't give it up... I assure you it becomes less painful

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

Pumping is NOTHING compared to BFing. I could NOT handle BFing but pumped for 5 months with DD#! (til I had to go back to work).

I do agree with some PPs that you don't really want to exclusively pump -- it is alot of work, and alot of washing. But I too gave up after about 3 days. Sometimes I wish I stuck with it longer to get past the beginning period which I know is the worst, but I just couldn't. IMO, I wanted my DD to get BM and was willing to do the extra work in order for her to get it since I knew I just could not handle the BFing. If I ever have another, I will again try to BF.

Message edited 2/7/2010 7:14:36 AM.

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

It will get better promise!
BFing was incredibly painful in the beginning weeks for me, I should add DS also got thrush which gives the mom a breast infection (but had no idea at the time), it felt like razors were going through with every feed I thought I was seeing stars that's how painful it was. After I got that taken care of, it was much better, now I don't even think about nursing, it's like second nature. Hang in there!!

Re: Is pumping less painful than breast feeding?

DD never took to the breast. I ONLY pumped and it was great. No pain, tears, hurt feelings, screaming baby, DH could bond and feed her too. I did have to pump every few hours but I would get 6oz in 20 minutes. I will pump again with baby #2. Personal choice and for me I liked the pump.