Hi All, Pamela, we had a couple of moms here in Sacramento who seemed to also be allergic to the plastic breast shield/flange/whatever. They had developed redness and tenderness and pain with pumping and BF. Similar to your mom. When everything else was ruled out, someone (can't remember who) suggested allergy to the plastic. We tried the moms with the Ameda silicone (is it silicone?) insert over the Medela breastshield, and voila, no more problems. Yes, allergies to plastics are rare, but then again, so were allergies to latex. Now look at the probs some folks are having with that! (Some have almost died!!!) So, though rare, we can't rule it out. THere are always exceptions.... Jay Waiting to jump back into business, but loving the down time and spending it all with my baby! Jay Simpson, CLE Sacramento, CA Mama Milk is the Greatest!