Betwixt the tubes and wires, mechanics and logistics, the whole pumping procedure tin can feel, well, similar a procedure. Only i thing can make information technology considerably easier: double-checking that you lot're using the right breast pump flange size.

It can make the difference betwixt a frustrating struggle to express enough milk and a situation where you can more easily (and painlessly) produce plenty for your baby. Here'south what you need to know near flange sizes to make the near of your pumping sessions.

What is a breast pump flange?

A breast pump flange is a funnel-shaped slice of plastic that fits over your nipple. Information technology forms a vacuum seal around your areola, and and so draws your nipple into its funnel to extract milk.

Most pumps come with a standard 24 millimeter (mm) flange. Only they're available in a wide range of sizes, generally anywhere from 21 to 36 mm. The size indicates the diameter of the small tube on the flange's narrow border.

You can notice different-sized flanges through your pump manufacturer, sites like Amazon or whatsoever baby supply store.

Why is flange size important?

The right flange fit will aid you lot express as much breast milk as efficiently equally possible. Your flange size by and large depends on your breast tissue and skin elasticity. If your flange is too tight, it will constrict your breasts, which can cause clogged milk ducts that don't release milk equally quickly.

But if your flange is too loose, you lot won't remove all the milk from your breast, which tin lower your milk product. Information technology can also cause unnecessary nipple pain and even injury to your nipple. If pumping hurts, information technology can impede your milk supply. You're also less likely to stick with it.

Which flange size should you use? Check this flange size nautical chart

To find your size, check the website of your pump's manufacturer. Most companies offering a size guide for flanges based on your nipple size. Hither's an approximate guide you can use every bit a flange size chart:

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  • Upwardly to 17 mm: 20 to 21 mm flange size
  • 17 to 21 mm: 24 mm flange size
  • 21 to 25 mm: 27 to 28 mm flange size
  • 25 to 29 mm: thirty to 32 mm flange size
  • 29 to 32 mm: 36 mm flange size

To measure out your nipple bore (its width), you'll need a ruler or a measuring tape. Yous can also estimate with coins: A dime is approximately xviii mm, a penny is 19 mm, a nickel is 21 mm and a quarter is 24 mm.

Before you measure, stimulate your nipple, either by rolling information technology betwixt your pollex and finger or applying ice to it, to brand sure you take its full size. Focus on its bore at the base of operations, and don't include the areola. Remember to measure both of your nipples as they can be unlike sizes.

Flanges vary from company to company, so you may want to try a few out. Y'all might detect that another make's flanges work ameliorate with your body. It tin can take some time to find the ideal gear, but almost pump and flange combos are totally fine.

Think also that your nipple size (and hence your flange size) may fluctuate throughout your breastfeeding journey.

How to tell if yous're using the correct flange size

Nearly lactation consultants recommend using the "Comfy" exam to aid determine the correct flange size. Here are the five major guidelines that the acronym stands for:

  • Center nipples move freely.Your nipple should motion freely in and out without touching the sides of the tunnel and without redness or pain.
  • Merely a little areola tissue should be pulled into the tunnel. You should come across a bit of areola pulling into the tunnel with each pump cycle, but not as well much or none at all.
  • Motion of your breast is gentle and rhythmic. Your breasts should motility dorsum and forth every fourth dimension the pump moves, but gently.
  • Feels comfortable breast pumping. Your chest pump shouldn't cause any pain and tenderness.
  • Yields well-drained breasts. Your pump needs to remove the majority of your milk from your breasts to keep upwardly your milk production. Your breasts should feel noticeably softer and lighter once you're washed with your session.

How to tell if your flange is too big or small

Some signs that your flanges don't fit quite right include:

  • Your breasts are moving also much or too little while pumping. Move should be gentle, much like the movement of your nipple inside the tunnel.
  • Your nipple is rubbing the sides of the tunnel, causing discomfort.
  • Your nipple and part of your areola are existence pulled into the tunnel.
  • Your nipples are red or white after pumping. This tin indicate also pocket-sized a flange.
  • Your breasts withal feel full after pumping. If they're heavy and harder, that means all the milk hasn't tuckered and your flange is mayhap too big.

Finding the perfect flange can take a scrap of perseverance, patience and trial and error, but information technology's well worth your fourth dimension and endeavor. If you lot're having trouble, reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant. He or she tin share some advice as you go nearly your quest to find your perfect flange fit.