![]() ![]() The nipple should move freely with no rubbing against the sides, which could be mean it’s too tight. If it’s way past that – like hitting the backflow protector or end of the flange and you’re experiencing pain or low milk output, then it’s time to troubleshoot. Here’s our helpful fitting flange guide.įor the most part, the nipple should stretch a little less than halfway down the flange when pumping. We recommend measuring before pumping or nursing then adding 3-5mm to the diameter. Nipple size can fluctuate and can vary from side to side. Some moms feel comfortable sizing up or down and changing sizes throughout their breastfeeding journey. But measuring only tells us a piece of the story. The entire nipple should fit comfortably without much, if any, of the areola entering the tunnel before pumping. When your nipple is centered inside the flange tunnel, it should only have a few millimeters (3-5) of wiggle room around the nipple. Here are some quick tips to follow to find the perfect flange fit!įinding the proper size for a breast flange is based on the diameter of the nipple, not the areola (the softer pigmented skin around the nipple). Having a poorly sized flange can cause breast damage, pain, and low milk supply, leading to premature weaning. If you are experiencing pain, discoloration, or rings around the areola when pumping, it is likely coming from your flange size. Whether a mom is exclusively breast pumping or will be away from her baby for any reason, it will be significantly more efficient when the pump is set up correctly. You just have to be upfront about your priorities and your budget so I can factor that in and help you figure out the options that meet your personal needs.Pumping should never hurt. If you are still lost going through this list, and you need to go shopping, but don’t know where to start, that’s the type of support I can provide. But pumping isn’t cheap, and I’m not in charge of your household budget! Many clients come to me with a basket of assorted and abandoned flanges by the time they decide to seek professional help, and for all I know, they may have options in that basket that may be lower on my list, but if they already have them, they should try them first! I fully encourage you to try what you have on hand before spending any additional money, so I give you all the information I have so you can decide what you want to try. I genuinely understand it can be overwhelming! I do this for a living, and I still get overwhelmed at times by the sheer number of flange options. ![]() So why do I give you all these options at once when I size you? These are not the best inserts to try, and depending on your breast and nipple shape, they are prone to air leaks and alignment issues. Older Pumpin Pals that have gotten more flexible fit the 24mm, but more rigid, newer ones struggle there. If traditional flanges and cushions have failed to achieve the desired fit, this is my next go to! You can cut them down or you can allow them to not sit quite flush. They are intended to be used as a standalone flange, but you can also use them as an insert for the willow. LacTeck Flanges are silicone flanges with a flexible silicone window designed to increase areola stimulation to improve milk output. ![]() If these are in your size range, these are great! I’ve had success using them from 17 mm-21mm depending on the shape or elasticity of the nipple.
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