I have been trying for some time to induce lactation solo. I get so far with the TENS, even some drops, but as soon as I start to pump I loose all progress. I thought pumping is meant to help with inducing...for me it does the opposite.

I can only assume my issues are due to poorly fitting flanges. I get a lot of nipple pain, my pump has two settings with various strengths. It has a let down mode which is fine, but as soon as it kicks over to suction mode it becomes painful. This is after weeks of trying to use it to toughen up my nipples. After a week of using it three times a day I can no longer squeeze drops out.

Having nursed before I've used many pumps and the number one issue has always bee flange fit. I had a spectra S2 and tried every flange they had available. It didn't matter which size I used every flange caused nipple pain. In the end I just accepted that its normal for half my areola to be inside the flange as all other sizes would not get any milk out at all. In the end my milk dried up as I could not find a pump setup that worked.

This time around I needed a smaller pump for being discreet, the style of pump I have is very hard to explain. It has a backflow that is located on the top. It is similar to designs from Avent and Tommee Tippee, both of which ARE NOT compatible with Pumpinpals. I tried the large and small sets from them just in case the smaller ones seemed to be the right fit, the adapter to fit inside flange did not fit it sort of worked but the problem was the suction tube I had to use blue tack to seal it to get any suction. Really not a workable solution. Also the small and x small sizes hurt me more. From measuring my nipples are 15-17mm, is there any sort of insert that will make the flange that size?

The problem is I cannot afford to buy another pump. I would consider saving for a spectra but they are loud and not discreet. Is anyone able to take a look at my pump and suggest shields or flanges that would fit my set up? I have very large areolas but it seems my nipples are small...at least I think so, since I don't know where one begins and the other ends. I've been measured several times with different results so I never ever have had the right fit. I'm really keen to induce but after a year of this I'm not getting anywhere. I cannot source Dom here in Australia, the razors require bitcoin and I am unsure how that works. Anyone know a reputable site for Australia that is cheap?

Failing all that can someone suggest a cheap pump that fits with pumpinpals, is small and compact and discreet, and actually has enough suction to do something? I literally feel all the progress I've made in the last month disappearing again. Side note I cannot massage or express by hand, have tried but it does nothing for me. When I was lactating last time hand expression was painful and did not yield enough to maintain a supply. Only thing that works is TENS and a pump, or a mouth if I'm fortunate.

I'd like to continue to try but right now I feel like I'm causing damage to my nipples from trying to pump and hand express, no amount of video tutorials, websites, or seeing lactation consultants have been able to help me work this out. Is it time to just give up and accept I won't ever be able to indulge in my fetish again?