[thelms]

I am exclusively expressing and am noticing that whilst my nipples aren't cracked or sore, they are rather tender (especially in the shower when the hot water touches them). Can anyone recommend a cream or something to help?

[Cranky Kitten]

Have you tried a lanolin based one such as Lansinoh? Either that or paw paw ointment I find works a treat, just be careful with the paw paw that it's not the petroleum jelly based one.

[bubzillaiscoming]

Apart from lanolin (which I found stained my clothes a bit) I was told that fresh air/sunshine definitely helps. Can obviously be embarrassing, but helpful. Also if you rub a bit of breastmilk over your nipples and then let it air dry it helps too. Ultimately it is just time ... I am dreading it second time round ... !!!

[ubermum]

Lanisoh (available at the majority of chemists) or Simmons Paw Paw (petroleum free, available online at Ecobabe) are both great.

[~shannon~]

I have tried all of the above but by far the most soothing was Marcalan... get it from a good pharmacy. Worth every cent!

[BVB09]

The best product I have used was given to me from ABA:

baby organics for mum, leave it in the fridge

www.organicformulations.com.au

[Klinkalink]

I exclusively expressed for DS and found that gently rubbing some Lansinoh on the nipples and areolae just before expressing helped a lot.

[lucky 2]

Ouch, is the suction too high when pumping? Ideally it suction is set as high as possible without any pain at all.
Other than that I'd think the lansinoh/marcalan/purelan would be good as it is soothing and softening (purified wool fat).
All the best.

[Smoo]

+1 on lanisoh

on another note is your pump right for you? i had a lot of trouble with the avent pump until I gave up and spent the money on the medela, I also had to get smaller than standard breast shields. Is your areola being pulled into the tube bit (too big) or is your nipple rubbing against it (that can be positioning or it's too small) http://pregnancy.about.com/od/bottlesbreas...Flanges-Fit.htm

[*lightning]

I exclusively expressed for both my boys and I have a couple of things that helped me.

Expressing some milk and rubbing it over your nipples before you express, it really helps.

Using a good pump, I used the medela symphony.

If the pain is something new after a stretch of pain free expressing, I would think thrush and treat it quickly.

Don't have the suction up high, only at a level that you are comfortable with. You can cause damage to your nipples.

Rub a little bit of expressed milk over your nipples after you finish expressing, then either air dry or do up your bra. I could never air dry and would always shut my bra quickly but this can also provide a good environment for thrush so be careful.