Then, you can use the nipple ruler to see which hole is the most snug fit around your nipple. When you pump, your nipple will swell, so it’s important to take the measurements after you pump. To get a starting point on your breastshield size, select a flange that leaves plenty of room around your nipple and begin pumping. How to work out our your best breastshield size No! It’s all about your nipple size – diameter of the nipple, specifically – though nipple elasticity (or how stretchy your nipple is) also comes into play. It’s very common for mums (and dads) who are new to pumping to think that the breastshield size is determined by your cup size. When we’re talking about using a different breastshield size, it’s actually the flange part of the breastshield that is changing! And the size relates to your nipple, not your cup size. In a two-piece shield, the flange is separate and plugs into another connecter piece.īreastshield size refers to your nipple size (not your cup size) There are two types of breastshields that are very common – one-piece breastshields (like the Pumpables Original All-In-One Breastshield) and two-piece shields. But for reference purposes, the flange is the little ‘tunnel’ part of a breastshield that the nipple is drawn into, whereas the breastshield refers to the entire ‘funnel’ plus the bits that the bottle, tubing etc will connect to. Very often, these terms will be used interchangeably. When you’re trying to figure out sizing you may notice that people seem to use the terms ‘flange’ and ‘breastshield’ at different times. The difference between a flange and a breastshield Let’s start off with some basic definitions and breast pump parts. Remember, you may need to try a few sizes to get the final fit (which may change over the course of your time breastfeeding!) but this should get you off to a good start. Here are the top factors to consider when working out your breastshield size. If you know a mum like this, share this post with her! They struggle with enduring pain while pumping. Many first time mums don’t even realise that breastshields come in different sizes. Unfortunately, determining the right size breastshield for you can be a bit of trial and error. A great pump goes a long way, but even if you have the best breast pump in the world, expressing will still be really difficult if you aren’t using the right breastshield size. When your flanges fit correctly, pumping will be comfortable and you will be able to maximize your milk output.Whether you’re an exclusively expressing mom, or just want to pump now and then to have extra milk available, pumping should be as painless and efficient as possible. An incorrect flange size can actually have a negative effect on your milk supply, as it can put pressure on your milk ducts and prevent the milk from freely flowing. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE FLANGES?Ĭhoosing correct fitting flanges is an important step when you begin pumping. If you are using the same size flanges on each breast while pumping and you experience pain on just one side, it might be helpful to experiment with different flange sizes until the pain recedes. Two breasts are likely to vary slightly in size and shape, therefore, it is highly likely that your nipple sizes will also vary in size and shape. If you think about it, most breast sizes are not created equal, even on the same person. However, did you know that it is extremely common for a person to need different size flanges for each breast? Even at Motherlove, one of our staff mamas uses two different flange sizes while pumping! She uses sizes 21mm and 24mm for those who are curious! No two breasts are the same so don’t assume your pump flanges should be the same size! IS IT NORMAL TO NEED DIFFERENT SIZE BREAST FLANGES?Īll breast pumps come with at least one set of breast flanges, also known as breast shields, averaging in size from 24-27 millimeters.
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