If pumping hurts -either during or after pumping -regardless of the suction level you pump on, the odds are high that you're using a flange that's too big or too small. How do I know if my breast pump flanges are the right size? And make sure you're using hands-on pumping. If this is you, pick whichever is the most comfortable. It's frustrating to get a pump and find out after you've bought it that there are no flanges in the size you need.Ī limited offering of a wide range of sizes by manufacturers means that some people are left to settle with the wrong size flange. It's been my experience that there is a large part of the pumping population that needs smaller and larger sizes. Pump companies say the average consumer will need roughly either 24mm or 27 mm flanges. The size flange you need will depend on your nipple size, the pliability of your nipple, the elasticity of your areola tissue, and the shape of your breasts. Pumps don't suck out milk they stimulate a letdown (milk ejection reflex).ĭo you know what the most significant thing that prevents a letdown? Pain. THE most important thing is the comfortability. Nipple elasticity varies among people so some people will always have areola tissue in the tunnel despite proper sizing. I've personally used the 15mm Maymom flanges for the Spectra and would definitely recommend for my small nip-having folks.įlanges should be comfortable and be large enough for your nipple button to fit in the tunnel but not so big that your areola tissue gets pulled into the tunnel. The next size up is 15mm, and they make a 17mm- all of which are under the standard 24s that come with most pumps.įull disclosure: I have tiny nipples. Maymom makes aftermarket flanges for big pump brands like Spectra and Medela, which can be purchased for less than $30 bucks. The smallest flange size is sold by Maymom and measures in at 13mm. Some parents find that they need to size up for comfortability reasons- if this is the case for you, ensure you're utilizing strategies to thoroughly empty the breast and optimize milk output each expression session. In the event it's not causing any pain, problems still could arise down the line if breast drainage is not optimal, leading to delayed onset low milk supply.Īn easy way to tell if your flange is too big is that your areola will be pulled into the breast flange tunnel. If your flanges are too big, pumping will likely be uncomfortable. Most people increase in nipple diameter the days following birth, so if you measure prenatally, keep that in mind. Please note: Nipple size changes after delivery and during lactation.
In this case, measure the diameter (from one side to the other) of the widest part, and you should get an accurate measurement for what flange size you need.
Nipples come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and for some, the widest part of the nipple is NOT the nipple base. Where the nipple attaches to the areola-the pigmented area surrounding your nipple- tends to be the widest part, which is where you want to take the measurement.
Many people struggle with knowing what part to measure- you measure the 'nipple button,' which is the part that sticks out when you're cold (or horny). To know your flange size, you measure from one side of your nipple to the other and then add 1-3 mm depending on when you measure it (before or after pumping). Your flange size is determined based on the measurement of your nipple base. So I'm here to answer the most common questions regarding flange sizing! Proper sizing is key to both pumping comfort and long-term milk-removing success. A stat that I know for certain: Using a properly sized flange may increase your pump output by 20%.
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