![]() Incorrectly sized breast shields can cause problems if they are either too large or too small. Many breast pumps only come with one size breast shield in the box, but that may not be the right size for you. There are a few reasons that breast shields might cause pain or damage while you’re pumping. Why might breast pump flanges be uncomfortable? Generally, they are shaped a bit like a funnel to cover the areola, with a tunnel where suction is applied to the nipple. They are sometimes also called flanges or “horns.” What are breast shields?īreast shields are the pump part that you place directly on your breasts. I only recommend products I love! More information here. ![]() This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and purchase something, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. ![]() Here’s an overview of what can cause pumping discomfort, and how to find the most comfortable breast pump flanges for you. Follow us on social media at Spectra Baby USA on IG and Facebook for weekly educational videos, support, and guidance.Do you have pain with pumping? The issue might be your breast shields. Have questions on flange sizing or simply want to be sized by our IBCLC Team of flange sizing experts? Schedule here. Even after troubleshooting flange sizing, if pain continues, contact your local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or healthcare practitioner for help. Applying moist wound healing with a cool hydrogel over the nipple can effectively treat pain and soreness. If your nipples are sore from pumping, treat your nipples by letting your very own breastmilk air dry over the area. Lowering the suction vacuum can help if you are having pain or your nipple is pulling significantly through the flange tunnel. Expected milk output is 2-4oz combined every 2-3 hr if you are exclusively pumping or about half if also nursing your baby at the breast. It’s essential to assess how the flange looks, feels and whether you are pumping an adequate amount of milk. Several factors go into finding the perfect flange fit. What about “elastic nipples”? You can read more about them here. Flanges are relatively inexpensive and completely worth the purchase to ensure you have the highest comfort level when pumping. Spectra Baby USA flanges come in 20, 24, 28, and 32 mm. The Spectra Baby USA S1/2 and SG come with two sets of flanges – 24mm and 28mm. Both too small or too large of a flange can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, discoloration, or low milk output. It’s normal for nipple size to fluctuate or to use different sizes on each breast. Typically a flange that’s too big will cause the areola to be pulled farther into the tunnel, but if a flange is restrictive, the nipple will rub inside the tunnel and stretch it farther too. ![]() If the areola is being pulled inside the tunnel (more than 3-5mm), suction is breaking while pumping, or milk starts to drip from under the flange, these could be indicators the flange is too large. 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. ![]()
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