If not, your flange might not be facilitating milk flow as it should. Your breasts should feel lighter and emptied out after you pump. If you’re feeling discomfort, readjust or try a different flange size. Pumping should not cause pain or tenderness. Your breast should gently move back and forth with the pump’s movement. M – Motion of Your Breast is Gentle and Rhythmic If too much of your areola is getting inside the tunnel, your flange is likely too big. Most of your areola should remain outside of the suctioned area in the tunnel. O – Only a Little Areola Tissues Should be Pulled Into the Tunnel If it rubs too much, this may cause redness or pain. Your nipple shouldn’t touch the sides of the tunnel. Many lactation specialists recommend the “COMFY” test to make sure you have the correct sizing. You shouldn’t feel any pain, and your breast should be drained to your complete satisfaction after pumping. If your flange is just right, your nipple will be centered and be able to move in the tunnel. A too-big flange means you won’t get a good air seal and you’ll feel discomfort. A too-small flange means your nipple won’t be able to move freely in the tunnel and milk flow may be slow. You may also notice skin irritation, blood circulation issues, or full breasts even after pumping. If your flange doesn’t fit correctly, you might notice nipple rubbing, pain, or your areola entering the tube. Your nipple should not rub against the side of the tube, and you shouldn’t feel any pain when you’re done pumping. If you have the correct flange size, it should feel comfortable, and only your nipple should enter the pumping tube. How to Determine if You Have the Right Flange Size If your measurement is 32mm, use a 36mm flange.If your measurement is 26mm, use a 30mm flange.If your measurement is 23mm, use a 27mm flange.If your measurement is 20mm, use a 24mm flange.If your measurement is 17mm, use a 21mm flange.That’s fine, as most pump kits come with different flange sizes or you can order more.įlange size depends on your measurement, typically adding on 4mm as follows: As your body changes after pregnancy, you may find that your flange size changes over time. Measure the base of your nipple, and do not include the areola. One of your best options is using the metric side of a fabric measuring tape. Measure your nipple with a tape measure or ruler to accurately determine your flange size. A loose flange won’t provide enough suction and can lead to lower milk production. Using the wrong size may also lead to clogged milk ducts that block flow. If your flange isn’t the right size, it may rub your skin and make pumping painful. Why Does Flange Size Matter?īreasts are not all the same size, and it’s important to make sure you’re using the flange size that’s best for you. If you need help measuring, a lactation specialist can assist you in finding your correct flange size. Flanges typically range from 15 to 36mm, and most generic pump kits will come with a 24mm flange. This helps create the suction necessary to extract milk from the breast during pumping. It’s shaped like a funnel, forming a vacuum seal around the nipple. What is a Breast Pump Flange?Ī breast pump flange, also known as a breast shield, sits on the nipple while you use a pump to breastfeed. Below, we break down everything you need to know about breast pump flanges and their sizing. You’ll likely be using your pump for a while, and you want to get the most breast milk you can to feed your little one. At Pumps for Mom, we know how critical it is to find your perfect pump. Breast pumping should never be painful, and an ill-fitting flange can lead to loss of milk or skin irritability. Did you know that a crucial part of breast pumping is getting a breast pump flange that fits correctly? Comfort and fit are important in pumping because they facilitate ease of milk flow.
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