Using an electric breast pump can be tricky, and comfort is key. That’s where the flange, a crucial part of your breast pump, comes in. Using the wrong size flange can lead to discomfort or even pain, and it can also make pumping less effective. This guide will help you understand what a breast pump flange does, why getting the right breast pump flange size is so important, how to check for a good fit, and how to measure yourself to find the flange size that’s just right for you.
Learn the straightforward steps to measure your nipple size with our detailed Nipple Measuring Guides, ensuring you select a breast pump flange that fits well for a comfortable and productive pumping experience.
Breast Pump Flanges Explained
If you’re new to pumping or just a bit unclear about the different components of a breast pump, you might be curious about one key piece: the flange. This part of the breast pump is what connects your breast to the pump itself, acting as a funnel to guide the milk into the bottle or container. Each breast pump typically comes with flanges, but these are a one-size-fits-most deal. Since every mother’s body is unique, these standard-sized flanges might not fit everyone.
The Importance of Flange Size in Breast Pumping
Yes, the size of the flange is super important. If a flange is too small or too large, it can lead to soreness or even injuries like cuts on the nipple. And when milk isn’t flowing freely, it could result in clogged milk ducts, which are as unpleasant as they sound. To steer clear of these issues, here’s why getting the proper flange fit is essential:
Getting the Right Fit for Effective Pumping
The flange acts like a seal around your areola, pulling the nipple into the pump’s funnel when you’re expressing milk. If it fits just right, it helps get the milk out smoothly and quickly. But if you’ve got the wrong size, it could lead to a weak suction that doesn’t do the job properly or too much pressure that can hurt and damage breast tissue.
Ensuring Pumping Comfort
Using a flange that’s not the right fit can lead to some real discomfort, like nipple pain or even harm to breast tissue. It’s pretty important to make sure your flange fits well to avoid any rubbing against the nipple or drawing in too much of the surrounding breast area — both problems could cause you pain or injury if you pump regularly.
Preserving a Healthy Milk Supply
The fit of your breast pump flange can affect your milk supply since it’s a big part of how effectively you can pump. If your flange is the right size, you’re more likely to have a steady milk flow and, as a result, maintain a healthy supply.
Adjusting to Breast Changes
As you navigate through your breastfeeding journey, your breasts and nipples may change in size and shape. Such shifts might prompt a need to switch up your flange size for continued comfort and effectiveness in pumping.
Tailored Flange Sizing for Each Mother
Breast pump flanges aren’t a one-size-fits-all affair – every mom has her own unique shape. It’s now understood that flanges should be sized to each person, keeping in mind that nipples can expand and might end up touching the sides of the flange during use. That’s why a variety of flange sizes exist, to ensure every mother can find just the right fit for her body.
Avoiding Blocked Ducts and Breast Infections
A poorly fitting flange can mean your breast isn’t fully emptied when you pump. This might lead to blocked ducts. To keep things flowing smoothly and ward off conditions like mastitis, which is a painful infection of breast tissue, it’s crucial to pump effectively and regularly.
Making Pumping More Comfortable and Efficient
Nailing the perfect fit for your pump’s flange can make all the difference in changing a potentially tedious task into an easier one, not to mention drastically improved comfort. Besides, when you are comfortable and the pumping is very effective, it will significantly reduce the time needed to express milk. This is seriously a godsend for new mothers who are strapped for time.
The downsides of using flanges that don’t fit properly show just how important it is to get the proper size. It isn’t all about comfort—getting the right size of your flanges is one of the critical factors for an easy, effective breastfeeding and pumping experience. To ensure a good fit and optimal function, be sure to measure your nipple size, try various sizes of flanges, and even consult a lactation professional if needed.
Identifying the Signs of an Improper Flange Fit
- Flange rubs against your nipple, causing discomfort or even pain
- A significant amount of areola or even breast tissue being sucked into the flange tunnel
- Redness or bruising after you use the breast pump
- Reduced blood circulation in your breast where the flange touches your skin; this is often indicated by your nipples turning lighter where the flange and skin meet
- A feeling of fullness remains in the breast despite pumping for a regular amount of time
- Blocked milk ducts despite regular pumping, which indicates that you aren’t getting enough milk out
You may be uncertain as to whether or not the flange is properly fitted.
Checking for a Good Flange Fit
- Your nipple sits comfortably in the center of the flange without rubbing against the edges.
- Using the pump doesn’t hurt.
- The areola doesn’t get pulled into the pump tunnel.
- You’re not left with soreness or discomfort after pumping.
- Your breasts feel comfortably empty afterward, without the urge to pump more.
Knowing if your pump’s flange is the right size can be as simple as feeling that everything’s working fine and not seeing any red flags post-pumping. But to be sure, here’s what a good fit should look like:
How to Measure Flange Size for a Perfect Fit
Securing the right flange size is crucial, and if you’re in the market for one, knowing how to measure your nipple size is the next step. Here are two user-friendly methods to ensure you get it right:
Measuring Nipple Size with a Standard Ruler
- Prep Your Nipple: Begin by gently coaxing your nipple to stand out. This can be done by warming your hands and carefully massaging the area until the nipple is erect.
- Position the Ruler Correctly: Take any straight-edged ruler and place it upright against your breast. The ruler should sit squarely at the base of your nipple, making sure that it’s aligned horizontally with the point where your nipple meets the surrounding areola.
- Note Your Measurement: Look at the ruler directly above your nipple’s tip to find the measurement in millimeters. This number represents the distance from the bottom to the top of your nipple and is the figure you’ll use to determine your flange size.
Using a Nipple Ruler with Sizing Holes
- Ready Your Nipple: Using a nipple ruler, encourage your nipple to become erect. This can be done through gentle stimulation, making sure it’s fully protruded.
- Find the Right Fit: Insert your nipple into each hole on the ruler one at a time. Look for the hole that allows your nipple to pass through completely without any compression, while still touching the edge of the areola.
- Determine Your Size: The correct hole will comfortably accommodate your nipple and lightly touch your areola. The measurement associated with this hole is your size.
Once you have your nipple size, use it to find the corresponding flange size from the provided sizing chart or guidelines.
You can get more information about size measurements here.
Available Breast Pump Flange Sizes
The typical breast pump comes with a “standard” flange size, which is generally 24mm. However, if you’re looking to buy one separately or get a specialty pump, the sizes can vary widely, usually starting from 17mm up to 27mm. Momcozy has an assortment of flange sizes to cater to different needs, including:
- 17mm
- 19mm
- 21mm
- 24mm
- 27mm
Options vary in style across these different sizes to ensure a personalized fit. It’s crucial to get your measurements right for a flange that not only fits comfortably but also helps make pumping efficient and keeps it safe.
The flange is one of the most important parts of a breast pump. You must have a properly fitted flange to reduce the risk of discomfort, pain, and even serious issues like blocked milk ducts. If your flange isn’t the right size, you’ll need to measure yourself to determine the proper flange size for your needs. And, if you are experiencing any signs that your breast pump flange isn’t the right fit, take action right away to ensure you get one that’s suited to your nipple size.
comments +