Sore Breasts After Pumping – What You Need to Know

If you’re experiencing sore breasts after pumping, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not something you should just “put up with.” While some discomfort can be expected, especially early on, ongoing pain after using a breast pump isn’t normal and could be a sign that something’s off. The good news? Most of the time, there’s a fix.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common causes of breast soreness after pumping, how to tell when it’s something to be concerned about, and what you can do to get relief.

This top-rated wearable breast pump is designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking pattern, and it shouldn’t cause ongoing pain.

Is It Normal for Breasts to Be Sore After Pumping?

A little sensitivity right after pumping isn’t unusual, especially when you’re just starting out or adjusting to a new pump. But sharp pain, ongoing soreness, or bruised-feeling breasts are not normal. Pumping should never hurt.

If your breasts consistently feel sore after every session or the discomfort lasts for hours, it’s time to dig into the cause.

What’s considered “normal” discomfort?

• Light tenderness right after pumping
• Slight sensitivity during the initial suction phase
• A feeling of relief mixed with mild sensitivity

What’s not normal?

• Pain that makes you dread pumping
• Redness, swelling, or bruising of the breast or nipple
• Pain that worsens over time instead of getting better

If you’re dealing with anything from the second list, it likely means your setup or routine needs adjusting.

What Causes Pain After Pumping? Common Culprits

Here are the most common reasons your breasts might be sore after pumping:

1. Wrong Flange Size

Your pump flange (the part that goes over your nipple) needs to fit just right. Too small, and it pinches; too big, and it pulls too much areola into the tunnel. Either way, you’re dealing with friction and pain. Here is a comprehensive flange size guide for pumping.

Tip: Your nipple should move freely in the flange tunnel without rubbing the sides. Measure your nipple diameter and refer to the pump manufacturer’s sizing guide.

2. High Suction Settings

More suction doesn’t mean more milk. Cranking your pump up too high can traumatize your breast tissue. It should feel like strong but gentle tugging—not like a vacuum trying to take your whole boob with it.

Suction Tips to Prevent Sore Breasts After Pumping:

• Start low: Begin with the gentlest setting and only increase until it feels strong but still comfortable.
• Follow baby’s rhythm: Babies use quick sucks to trigger let-down, then switch to slower, deeper pulls. Many pumps mimic this—let it work for you.

3. Engorgement or Incomplete Emptying

If your breasts aren’t fully emptied, you might develop pressure, swelling, or even lumps. This can happen from skipped sessions, a poor latch (if you’re nursing too), or a weak pump.

4. Plugged Ducts

These feel like small, hard lumps in the breast and can be painful. They happen when milk gets stuck and backs up. Without treatment, they can lead to infection.

5. Mastitis

This is a breast infection that often comes with pain, redness, warmth, and sometimes fever. If you’re feeling flu-ish on top of breast pain, call your doctor.

6. Nipple Trauma or Vasospasm

White or purple nipples after pumping? You might have vasospasm—a circulation issue often caused by compression or cold exposure. You could also just be dealing with skin breakdown from friction.

Common Causes & Fixes for Sore Breasts After Pumping

Cause	Possible Fixes
Flange size mismatch	Measure nipple, try different sizes, use pump brand’s sizing guide
Excessive suction	Lower settings, mimic baby’s sucking pattern
Long/infrequent sessions	Pump every 2–4 hours, shorten sessions
Engorgement/clogged ducts	Warm compress before, massage during, cold compress after
Infection	Seek medical treatment, maintain hygiene
Damaged nipples	Moisturize, allow healing time, adjust flange and suction

How to Fix It (and Feel Better Now)

Let’s talk about solutions to sore breasts after pumping. Try these steps:

• Get a flange fitting. Many lactation consultants offer virtual fittings. Don’t guess your size.
• Turn suction down. Aim for comfort and consistency, not max power.
• Use warm compresses before pumping and cold compresses after if you’re sore.
• Massage your breasts before and during pumping to help with flow.
• Lubricate your flanges. A bit of nipple balm or food-safe oil can reduce friction.
• Pump on a regular schedule to avoid engorgement.
• Wear a supportive bra that isn’t too tight.
• Moisturize after pumping. Use lanolin or coconut oil to keep skin soft and prevent cracks.
• Clean pump parts thoroughly. Every session, every time. Bacteria buildup can irritate skin.
• Check your posture. Sit with relaxed shoulders and support your back. Hunching over can increase soreness.

Warm or Cold Compresses for Sore Breasts After Pumping

Warm compresses

Use before pumping to help ducts open and encourage milk flow. Great for relieving tightness and softening the breast.

Cold compresses

Use after pumping to soothe soreness, reduce swelling, and calm inflamed tissue.

Some parents alternate both—warm before, cold after.

When to Call for Help

It’s time to talk to a doctor or lactation consultant if:

• You have a fever or flu-like symptoms
• Your breast is red, hot, or unusually swollen
• There are persistent lumps that don’t go away after pumping or massage
• Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or scabbing
• The pain keeps getting worse instead of better

You don’t need to be in pain to feed your baby. Expert help is out there.

You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

A lot of moms assume pain is part of the pumping process. It’s not. Most soreness comes from equipment issues or technique tweaks—nothing you should blame yourself for.

Whether you’re exclusively pumping, building a stash, or combining pumping with breastfeeding, your comfort matters just as much as your baby’s milk intake.

So if your breasts are sore after pumping, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to power through. With the right adjustments, pumping can be productive and pain-free.

FAQs About Sore Breasts After Pumping

Need Support?

Consider reaching out to a lactation consultant or support group in your area. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

International Breastfeeding Online Support Group

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• Physical Analysis of the Breast After Direct Breastfeeding vs Pumping – PubMed, 2019
• Deep Breast Pain During Lactation: Case-Control Study – International Breastfeeding Journal, 2018
• “Breast Pain After Pumping: Causes and Duration” – Huckleberry Care
• “Are Your Nipples Sore After Pumping?” – Healthline
• “Breast Pumping Shouldn’t Hurt” – Children’s Minnesota