Nipple soreness is a common challenge for those who pump regularly, raising the question of how to apply topical relief without disrupting the pumping schedule. The core concern centers on two factors: ensuring the safety of the expressed milk for the infant and maintaining the proper function of the breast pump equipment. Understanding the compatibility of various products with both the baby and the pump is necessary before deciding whether to leave a cream on during a session.
Immediate Safety: Ingestion and Pump Compatibility
The first consideration for pumping with a product on your skin is whether the cream’s ingredients are safe for a baby to ingest in small quantities. Many common over-the-counter balms, particularly those based on purified lanolin, are generally considered safe because they are highly refined and are not required to be removed before nursing or pumping. The refining process for medical-grade lanolin removes impurities, making it acceptable for oral contact.
However, the safety status of a product can change dramatically if it contains active ingredients. It is necessary to check product labels, as some creams or ointments contain ingredients that could be harmful if consumed by an infant. Any product that includes anesthetics, fragrances, or prescription-strength medications must be removed completely before a pumping session to prevent contamination of the milk. Beyond ingestion, the composition of the cream also affects the pump itself, as thick or sticky residues can coat the plastic and silicone components, requiring immediate and thorough cleaning.
Ingredient Breakdown: Pumping Guidance for Different Creams
Guidance on pumping with a cream on depends entirely on the product’s formulation.
Highly Purified Balms
Highly purified balms, often made of a single ingredient like lanolin, are generally fine to leave on during pumping, as they form a protective barrier that helps retain moisture for healing. These moisturizing balms are usually applied sparingly after a session to allow the skin to absorb the product before the next contact with the pump or baby.
Prescription Compounds
Prescription compounds, such as All-Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO), contain medications like antibiotics, antifungals, and corticosteroids designed to treat infection or severe inflammation. While APNO is often formulated to be safe for a baby to ingest in trace amounts when applied thinly, it is a medication and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare provider. Due to the active ingredients, it is typically applied after a nursing or pumping session, and if used correctly and sparingly, removal is often unnecessary before the next session.
Natural Oils and Butters
Natural oils and butters, such as coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil, are frequently used and are considered safe for the baby. These plant-based options are often lighter than lanolin and can be used as a lubricant directly on the flange to reduce friction during pumping. However, their oily consistency can contribute significantly to residue buildup on pump parts, which demands diligent post-pumping cleanup.
Practical Pumping Mechanics: Maintaining Suction and Flange Fit
The physical presence of any substance on the skin can interfere with the breast pump’s ability to create and maintain the necessary vacuum seal. A thick layer of cream, especially sticky lanolin or heavy balms, can break the seal between the breast and the flange tunnel. This loss of suction directly reduces the efficiency of milk expression and can make the pumping session less productive and more uncomfortable.
To use a cream or oil effectively while pumping, the application technique must be precise. Only a minimal, pea-sized amount of the product should be used, and it should be applied only to the nipple tip and the central areola. It is important to avoid getting the product on the outer edges of the flange tunnel, as this area is responsible for creating the airtight boundary that drives the suction. Using oils specifically as a lubricant, thinly spread across the inside of the flange, can actually improve comfort by allowing the nipple to glide more smoothly.
Post-Pumping Cleanup and Equipment Care
Anytime a cream, balm, or oil is used before or during a pumping session, the pump parts must be cleaned immediately afterward to prevent residue accumulation. Components like the flange, valves, and connectors that come into contact with the skin or milk will have a film of the product mixed with milk fat. If this residue is not removed promptly, it can harden and affect the future performance of the pump.
Heavy oils and balms can leave a sticky coating that compromises the delicate function of pump valves and membranes, which are crucial for maintaining suction. Thorough cleaning with warm water and liquid dish soap is the recommended method for breaking down both milk fat and oily residues. Failure to clean parts completely can lead to long-term equipment degradation, as prolonged exposure to certain fats and oils may, over time, cause plastic or silicone parts to become tacky, discolored, or brittle, necessitating replacement.