10 Reasons You May Have Willow Pain After Sizing
Willow still causing pain after getting sized?
First, we have to assume you’ve been sized accurately. (If you haven’t been sized or feel like your sizing is inaccurate, book here to get the best measurement available). Then, check your sizing one more time for good measure. When a single millimeter can make a huge difference, we should always double check.
#1. Alignment:
Double check alignment. Alignment often causes a burning pain that may increase over the pumping session.
When you take the pump off, you may notice off-center marks or rings on the nipple from the pump – this is normal, but it should be centered.
#2. Bra Tightness:
Willow pumps aren’t exactly light weight and they will pull against the breast tissue if not properly supported. You may need to work to find a solution that holds your pumps tighter if you are still having pain.
A great way to check this is if the pumps move around when you move. There should be limited movement of the pumps with a properly fitting bra.
You should also verify you cannot see the blue butterfly pad on the flanges. If the blue butterfly pad is not firmly pressed against your breasts, we know the Willow isn’t properly supported.
#3. Flange Range Size Inserts:
Have you tried all of the sizes and inserts for your recommended range (For example if you have average nipples and measure 18 mm, have you tried the options for 18 mm, 19 mm and 20 mm)?
#4. Beaugen Cushions:
Have you tried Beaugen cushions? Remember to add 2mm to your sizing to allow for the cushion. If you are using Beaugen cushions and still getting pinching try using your proper size flange or insert without the cushion, these cushions are not for everyone.
#5. Flange Lubrication:
Have you tried lubrication for the flanges?
If you haven’t try adding a small amount of pump lube, coconut oil or olive oil to the flanges.
Skip using lanolin unless all else fails, it’s the wrong consistency for pumping.
#6. Change or Stop Lubrication:
If you always use lubricant, try it without!
Maybe the oil is causing too much nipple movement. Some people have had great luck applying the oil to their nipples after pumping so it soaks in before the next pumping session.
#7. Pump Angle:
Try changing the angle of the pumps.
Depending on the shape of your individual body and breast tissue, you may find pointing the pumps at an angle towards your armpits, or turning them 90 degrees towards the sides of your body more comfortable.
Straight up and down isn’t a requirement to wear the Willow comfortably.
#8. Double and triple check your sizing:
Nipples can swell with hormonal fluctuations and with the Willow Pump most people need close to exact sizing.
It’s always possible that you happened to measure on an inflated day.
#9. Limit Willow Use:
Consider trying to use the Willow only when you need that kind of freedom, and use a gentler pump or nurse the rest of the time.
Some nipples just can’t handle the constant suction repeatedly without discomfort, but small breaks can make a huge difference.
#10. Nipple Swelling:
If all of these steps have been taken, and despite good sizing, a firm bra, perfect alignment, and playing with lubrication, we can’t stop the pinching the next step is to assess for possible persistent nipple swelling.
Sometimes using the wrong size flange for any period of time has caused your nipples to be swollen enough to effect sizing, but not enough to feel uncomfortable outside of the strong suction of the Willow.
In cases like these, I recommend a pain and damage consultation to fully assess the situation.
Often, it requires putting the Willow away for a week or so while we use some simple measures to work to identify and eliminate any swelling.
Then, we verify proper sizing before restarting Willow use.
