Assuming that you already double-checked the flange sizing (which may 
have changed since the engorged early weeks)and her pumping technique 
for anything that might be stressing the skin -- yes, people can be 
allergic to/react to plastics -- some people break out in cold sores if 
they drink from certain plastics, or use lip-care products with 
petroleum (the source of plastic).  There are so many kinds of plastics, 
so the effect may vary (so maybe try a clear plastic vs. a cloudy).  
Hand-expression is a great tool to have in her kit, but it a 
time-consuming effort for someone protecting the supply for a baby who 
is not doing the job yet.

It certainly seems worth trying flanges made of silicone--it's 
technically still a plastic, but more inert, with a base of silica.

There is a new product of soft silicone "nipple cushions," used inside 
the existing flange, which might also be worth investigating.

Good luck with helping the baby keep learning to take back the job.

Margaret Wills, IBCLC


> Date:    Sat, 23 May 2020 23:00:11 +0300
> From:    Jessica Billowitz <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: allergy to flange of pump?
>
> Hello everybody
>
> I have a problem that I have never come across in over 20 years.Mom had a
> premie born at 27 weeks.  She pumped for first 2 weeks fine, then developed
> itching and redness on areola and nipples.  For at least 4 weeks she
> suffered terribly and then began treating as thrush.  The treatment with all
> creams did not work.  Finally one dr said she is allergic to the flanges,
> and she should stop using a pump and only hand express.  All redness and
> itching went away totally.  I saw her yesterday, baby is now 38 weeks and
> instead of getting out 120 that she was getting with Medela by hand she can
> only get 80.  Besides being extremely time consuming, I am very concerned
> for her supply.  Her baby is still not effectively nursing, although moving
> in the right direction.
>
> We tried covering flange with saran wrap which worked for a few minutes and
> then as the nipple got pulled in where the saran wrap did not reach she
> began to feel pain and itching.
>
> She has no other known allergies.
>
> Any ideas to help this desperate situation?
>
> Thank you
>
> Jessica Billowitz, IBCLC
>
> Israel
>
>

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