# Pumping problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Breastfeeding & Pumping\ **Created:** [March 23, 2026, 4:15am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056 "2026-03-23T04:15:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 4:15am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/1 "2026-03-23T04:15:36Z")
Hi guys another question here. I am mainly a pumper instead of a feeder. I have 3 pumps all together from all my pregnancies. I find that the wearables pump out more milk rather than my machine with the flanges. However my breasts prefer a stronger pull to get the milk out. After each pump, my areolas are super sensitive, like rubbing on the breast pads or even using collection cups can be a bother. I use the lanolin cream alot and also made a healing cream with my milk and an ointment but seems like its very sensitive to touch or rubbing on bra. Anyone got suggestions on what to do? ---
**Author:** ![Michell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Michell](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Michell)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 6:20am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/2 "2026-03-23T06:20:27Z")
What helped me was using a slightly lower suction + making sure my flange size was right, and adding a little nipple balm before pumping to reduce friction. ---
**Author:** ![Priyanka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Priyanka](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Priyanka)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/3 "2026-03-23T18:43:07Z")
The flange size matters so much. And also, I returned my M1 and switched to a V1 Pro. That helped a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Barb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/58956e/32.png) [@Barb](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Barb)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/4 "2026-03-23T23:04:56Z")
Something that helped me a lot was airing out. I wore a robe with the front open most of the time so I could really air out. ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 6:36am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/5 "2026-03-24T06:36:59Z")
Do you know anything about the pump sprays? See it on socials but don’t understand it ---
**Author:** ![Vivian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/momcozy/user_avatar/community.momcozy.com/vivian/32/2778_2.png) [@Vivian](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Vivian)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 7:06am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/6 "2026-03-24T07:06:31Z")
What helped me was air-drying completely before applying lanolin, and switching to silk-like disposable pads — way less friction! Also, have you checked your flange size? I realized I was using one too big, which caused extra pulling on the areola. ---
**Author:** ![Michell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Michell](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Michell)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 7:14am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/7 "2026-03-24T07:14:14Z")
Pump spray is basically a light lubricant you use on the flange before pumping. It helps reduce friction, so it feels more comfortable, especially if you use a stronger suction. I’ve seen a lot of moms say it helps with output too, but mainly it’s for comfort ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/8 "2026-03-24T13:02:27Z")
I see. I thought that would reduce the pull and not give milk. Not sure if that would help me. ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/9 "2026-03-24T13:33:01Z")
I recently changed my nipple flang and always use the nipple balm after. But havent had luck still. Its very sensitivrle to touch. I even thought of constantly changing my nipple covers thinking dried milk is affecting it, it helps but the rubbing in general is very uncomfortable. If i go at a slower speed, it’ll take me forever to pump lol ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/10 "2026-03-24T13:33:54Z")
I’ve been doing the same lately. It helps a bit ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/11 "2026-03-24T13:34:46Z")
I just changed my flange size . It helps a bit but maybe I’m just super sensitive ---
**Author:** ![Priyanka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Priyanka](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Priyanka)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/12 "2026-03-25T17:03:55Z")
Did you try using Momcozy’s cooling nipple cream thingy? I really enjoyed the applicator. And I found myself using the cooling massage function too. I have also tried Frida’s breast ice packs around my areola and I LOVED IT! My areola area doesn’t do well with rubbing either. I do a sort of tapping with the creams. ---
**Author:** ![Kirsten](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/momcozy/user_avatar/community.momcozy.com/kirsten/32/67_2.png) [@Kirsten](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Kirsten)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 12:33pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/13 "2026-03-26T12:33:52Z")
Have you tried Momcozys comfort nipple cream? It seriously worked so good for me! ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/14 "2026-03-26T17:35:20Z")
I have not yet. Ive been looking into a lot. I started off by switching my pumps, changing my reusable pads more often, ive also use lanolin cream and also made a cream with my milk and an ointment mixed together since its something i found online and wanted to try. Ive seen the nipple shields but are hesitant to keep investing in something that i might not be able to use 9r might not work. ---
**Author:** ![Priyanka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Priyanka](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Priyanka)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2026, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/15 "2026-03-28T15:59:47Z")
Honestly what helped for me is letting my boobs air out lol. After a shower, I just apple nipple cream and sit for a few minutes. And then wear a very very loose t-shirt. Making sure that nothing rubs against them. That helped me A LOT. ---
**Author:** ![Alicia1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Alicia1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Alicia1)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2026, 4:52am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/16 "2026-03-29T04:52:31Z")
I really like the frida mom saline spray for this. It was a life saver for me this first few weeks. Also definitely make sure you’re wearing very light fitting clothing. I just put up with being covered in milk for awhile because wearing bras with the leak pads was causing pain. I tried to not to wear anything on top for as long as possible and only a baggy tank top when I had to be clothed. Lol ---
**Author:** ![Yaritza1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bc79bd/32.png) [@Yaritza1](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Yaritza1)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2026, 3:40am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/17 "2026-03-30T03:40:59Z")
Ive been doing the airing out or more of the lansinoah creams. I think i spelled that wrong. Lol ---
**Author:** ![Priyanka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Priyanka](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Priyanka)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2026, 4:01am UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/18 "2026-03-30T04:01:55Z")
I can never spell that work right lol! ---
**Author:** ![Rachel5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/momcozy/user_avatar/community.momcozy.com/rachel5/32/2404_2.png) [@Rachel5](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Rachel5)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/19 "2026-05-01T21:57:38Z")
I used the spray in the first couple of days postpartum and it helped so much! ---
**Author:** ![Rachel5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/momcozy/user_avatar/community.momcozy.com/rachel5/32/2404_2.png) [@Rachel5](https://community.momcozy.com/u/Rachel5)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.momcozy.com/t/pumping-problems/3056/20 "2026-05-01T21:58:33Z")
> [@Flange Fit & Output Optimization](https://community.momcozy.com/t/flange-fit-output-optimization/2553): > > By Demi Lucas IBCLC, PMH-C, Doula 1. Why Flange Fit Matters More Than Pump Strength (With Fit Guidance) As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a common question I hear from parents who are using a pump is whether turning up the suction will help them get more milk. It’s an understandable assumption. When something isn’t working as expected, it’s natural to think stronger suction must lead to better milk removal. While pump strength does play a role, what often makes … This is a great read it could help with your issues