To have a pleasant breast-pumping experience, you must measure an accurate breast pump flange size. You can measure the flange size by using a measuring tape or ruler. The measurement should be done on the diameter of the flange tunnel.
There is a significant difference in your milk flow and comfort when you purchase the correct flange size. Flanges are sized in millimeters (mm); you should measure your nipples in millimeters to get the correct size.
In this article, I will talk about the importance of fitting flange sizes and their basics.
The Basics: What’s a flange?
A flange is part of a breast pump that connects and creates a vacuum seal around your nip. The breast pump flanges are often cone-shaped, making them look like a tunnel. And it covers one-third of the areola and enables the nipples to release milk during the pumping session.
What is flange size?
The inner part (diameter) of the tunnel that holds the nipple is the flange size or breast shield size. You can determine when a flange size is big or small when the hold on your nipple is tight or loose.
Why Correct Breast Shield Sizing Matters
The correct breast shield size provides comfort and makes breast pumping sessions effective. The goal of every pumping mom is to increase milk let-downs, but you might not achieve it with a too-small or too-large shield.
One of the most frequent (but not the only) causes of pain, irritation, and injury when pumping is having the incorrect flange size. You will have the best possible comfort, seal, and milk flow if you have the proper size flange.
If the breast pump flange or breast shield is too large, the areola may be unintentionally pulled into the pump funnel, causing breast tissue and skin injury. According to a scientist, 15–17% of women who use breast pumps suffer nipple damage and injury.
You risk rubbing your nipple against the plastic or obstructing clogged milk ducts if your pump flange is too narrow.
Whether you are a novice or a pro, know that during the breastfeeding journey, the nipple shape and size change. Resizing and reevaluating pumping sessions might be beneficial.
Some moms discovered that their two nipples aren’t always the same size. If this happens, you will need to buy different breast shields sizing each nipple. With the right breast shield size, you can easily and comfortably increase your milk production with flanges.
How to Measure Flange Sizes
You can try out as many flanges as possible if you have access to many, but if you don’t, you need to get the right measurement.
If you don’t have a flange size chart, follow the three steps below to measure and buy the correct flange size.
#1. – Grab a fabric tape and the metric side of a ruler: The nipple should be measured with the millimeter side of the tape or ruler.
#2. – Look and measure your nipple base alone – not the areola: Nipple measurement is easy to do; just measure the nipple diameter or width, where the areola and nipple join.
#3. – Add about 4 millimeters: Adding an extra 4mm or more gives the nipple a little space and accommodates your nipple when it expands during pumping sessions. For instance, if your nipple size is 15mm, adding 4mm gives you 19mm, which is your right flange size. You can try flange sizes ranging from 19mm to 21mm. this that the flange can
Using the Right Breast Pump Flange Size
- Proper flange sizing enables you easily and comfortably pump and release more milk.
- Your nipple shouldn’t have restricted movement in the tunnel, and 1/2 of your areola should be in the tunnel.
- A larger size for a bigger nipple is better than the opening in the flange.
- Your flange may be too large if your nipple remains in place and milk flows back toward you rather than into the bottle.
- After pumping, there shouldn’t be any red or white rings, spots, or soreness.
- Your breasts should feel empty once you stop pumping.
Your experience with a breast pump can be more pleasant and effective if you choose the right flange size. Finding the ideal fit might be challenging, but the effort will be worth it if you locate the correct size.
FAQs
How will I know if I have a proper flange fit?
You can know when you have a proper flange fit when it allows you to pump with ease, and also when the milk flows well too.
What are the signs of the wrong size of the breast pump flange?
When your flange fits poorly, you get signals like pains, irritations, and soreness on the nipple or areola.
Do you measure flange size before or after pumping?
The best time to measure a flange size is before the pumping session to know the correct size.
What happens if the flange is too big?
When the flange size is too big, part of your areola will be sucked in with the nipple, which causes red marks and soreness.
