Patient's question:
My friend has recently returned to work after taking maternity leave, but she still relies on breastfeeding as the primary method. She uses a breast pump during breaks at work, but after using it for a while, she started experiencing pain in her breasts. What should she do about the breast pain when using the breast pump?Doctor's answer:
Used a breast pump to express milk for a while and then felt nipple pain. Considered it might be due to excessive suction causing nipple engorgement and pain. Suggested increasing the frequency of using the breast pump, starting with hand expression and using the pump only when hand expression is insufficient. Ensure the suction force is not too strong. At the same time, use a damp towel to apply cold compress to the nipple to stabilize its elasticity and relieve discomfort. You should also clean the nipple thoroughly before and after use, pay attention to hygiene, and prevent repeated cracking and infection.