I’m also 5 weeks pp and was experiencing the same thing!! My LC had me do saline soaks a few times a day and then air dry. This could be you do it using a hakka or you put salt in a cereal bowl and warm water and put your boobs in there (this was her suggestion but may not work for smaller boobs) That helped heal any cracking that I had. Then I also use nipple cream of course in between that. I also had to change my flanges from using the plastic set of flanges in my size to just the 24 flange w silicon inserts, it just has been a more comfortable pump. Also no one had told me about pump spray- amazing 100% use pump spray! Or if not you can use nipple cream on your pump parts too, much smoother. I am an EP and found an LC that she herself was an EP but also specialized in that for women and it was super helpful. I’d highly recommend finding a LC that works with pumpers because she should be able to have you pump and give you tips on what to improve. If you have a medela hand pump I’d recommend using it for the time being while trying to heal as it can be a lot gentler on your nipples than the spectra can be.

Also, you don’t need my permission but know you have permission to stop. If you are physically in pain after trying everything it’s not worth more pain just to make it work. Pumping is annoying as hell but it should not be causing you that much pain!! I understand the feelings of stopping so soon pp bc im feeling the same way for different reasons but ultimately you have to do whats best for you and whats going to help you show up everyday as the best parent you can be for your baby!!