How do I make sure my breast pump flange fits?

The proper fit

You know you have the correct size flange if the following apply: The flange fits comfortably around your breast. Only your nipple and a small part or none of your areola enters the tunnel when pumping. Your nipple moves freely when pumping without rubbing against the side of the tunnel.

How do I know if my breast pump flange is too small?

How do you know your breast pump flange size?

Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the diameter of your nipple (the horizontal width across it) in millimeters (1 cm = 10mm). Measure the nipple alone, do not include the areola, which is the outer edge around your nipple. Add 4 mm to this measurement, so if your nipple is 20 mm across, your flange size is 24 mm.

How do you know if your breast flange is too big?

If your nipple is able to move freely in the tunnel, you may notice a bit of areola pulling into the tunnel with each pumping cycle. If there is no areola movement, your flange might be too small. If there is too much movement, it might be too big.

How do you know if your flange fits right?

Breast Pump Flanges : Finding the Right Flange Fit For You

Should nipples touch flange?

When breast pump flanges fit correctly, the nipple should move freely in and out of the flange tunnel with little to no areola pulled in. The nipple should not rub along the sides of the tunnel at any point throughout the pumping session.

Is it better for flange to be too big or too small?

Flanges 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. Nipple elasticity varies among people so some people will always have areola tissue in the tunnel despite proper sizing.

How much of your areola should be in flange?

Accurately Measure

When your nipple is centered inside the flange tunnel, it should only have a few millimeters (3-5) of wiggle room around the nipple. The entire nipple should fit comfortably without much, if any, of the areola entering the tunnel before pumping.

Can the wrong flange size cause engorgement?

A flange that's too big or too small can actually block your milk ducts, reducing the amount of milk you can pump. The wrong flange fit also can lead to engorgement, clogged ducts, milk blisters, and a decrease in your milk supply. Not to mention, it can be pretty painful!

What is the most common breast pump flange size?

Flanges come in various sizes with tubes ranging from 15 to 36mm and larger,' however, in most cases, full pump starter kits come with about a size 24mm flange.

Why do I feel pinching when pumping?

The main causes of pain associated with pumping are poor flange fit, suction that is set too high, or using a poor quality pump. There can sometimes also be an underlying cause, such as a bleb (milk blister), Raynaud's vasospasm, or skin infection that makes pumping painful.

Should some of the areola be pulled into the flange?

Most pump manufacturers will advise that the nipple should extend about halfway down the flange. It shouldn't touch the sides of the flange, and very little areola should be pulled into to the flange.

Why do I have shooting pain in my breast after pumping?

You may feel pain with plugged ducts and may also notice that your breast does not empty very well. Plugged ducts may also be seen during engorgement and mastitis. Check your breasts after every pumping. If you find your plugged ducts soon after they form, you will be able to resolve the plugged area more rapidly.

How far down are your nipples supposed to be?

Well, get a tape measure and measure from the top of your breast bone diagonally down to the nipple. That distance should ideally be between 19 and 21 cm.

How long does it take to adjust to a new flange size?

Gradually try to increase the time you use the new flanges while reducing the time you need the old flanges. This method may take up to 10-14 days to properly work but most adjust much faster in 2-3 days.

Do you have to wash flanges after every use?

It's important to clean the flange, flextube™, and container after every session to avoid the growth of germs.

Should I stop pumping if it hurts?

Nipple pain can have nothing to do with pumping. Engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis can also be a cause of pain — though pumping can exacerbate the hurt associated with those conditions. Speak to a lactation consultant if pain persists or if you're concerned.

How long does it take for breasts to refill with milk after pumping?

The more milk your baby removes from your breasts, the more milk you will make. Despite views to the contrary, breasts are never truly empty. Milk is actually produced nonstop—before, during, and after feedings—so there's no need to wait between feedings for your breasts to refill.

How long are you suppose to pump for?

Aim to spend 15 to 20 minutes hooked up to the pump to net a good amount of breast milk (some women will need 30 minutes or more with the pump, especially in the early days). Pump until the milk starts slowing down and your breasts feel well-drained. Be sure to clean the breast flanges after every use.

Should milk spray when pumping?

When you first start pumping, you might see milk start to dribble out. Then, after a few minutes, milk may start to spray - this is your milk letting down. After some time, the letdown will finish and you'll be back to a dribble.

How should I sit when pumping breast milk?

You don't want poor posture during breast pumping because it may lead to irritation. Instead, sit or stand upright with your shoulders open, back straight, feet flat on the floor and arms supported. Try a pillow or armrest to help hold your bottles or milk catcher steady while pumping.

Is milk still flowing after 30 minutes of pumping?

Some mothers say the milk never stops flowing while they pump. Typically, you should not pump longer than 30 minutes, even if the milk is still flowing.

Should you squeeze your breast while pumping?

Make Pumping Sessions Faster/More Efficient

(At 7-8 sessions per day, 15-20 minutes would be ideal.) Breast compressions can help speed the process up by pushing breast milk out of the milk ducts more quickly.