Using a balm, coconut oil or olive oil can really help reduce any rubbing or friction pain. Feeling rubbing is not always the sign of a bad shield size.Your nipple does not fit into the shield to start with.Your nipple has a 'bunched' look because some of your areola is being drawn in and bunching up into the nipple.Areola is being drawn into the breastshield.Your milk output is lower than you expect.Your nipple is hitting the end of the shield.If you've already started using your breast pump and you're feeling like you might not be using the right size, here are some pointers: Only the nipple size matters when it comes to sizing your breastshield. We also don't want to worry about your areola - areola should not enter the breastshield, so you need have a breastshield that is the best size for your nipple only that is not so large that it allows areola to be drawn in. Whatever cup size you are has no impact on your breastshield size needs. We know you've focussed all your life on your cup size, but in this instance it really doesn't matter. This can be tricky so doing it in front of a mirror or using a smart phone in selfie mode may be helpful. ![]() Be careful not to include any swollen areola that is mistaken for nipple in the measurement. You want to get end up with the diameter or width of the base of your nipple. Or you can try measuring across the base of the nipple with a ruler - this is a lot harder to figure out than it seems though. You can use a piece of string to measure around the base of your nipple and then divide by 3.14 (takes you back to circle geometry at school, right?). There are a few different techniques to get an idea of what your shield size will be, but most mums do tend to measure themselves incorrectly or too large - so shoot us a message so we can help! You will need to measure after pumping, as your nipples will swell during pumping. How to measure your best breastshield size Getting your best shield fit is ultimately a matter of trial and error to determine what size gives you best comfort and output, regardless of measuring, but hopefully this guide will help you determine that a lot faster. Your Spectra pumps comes with size 24mm breastshields in the box which will work for most mums at least initially - so don't panic! When you have had some practice and get used to pumping, you may find that you are better off with a different size. Unfortunately, there's no way to know what your size will be before you start pumping. The video below has a good illustration of proper and improper fit.As you get started using your Spectra pump some mums find it helpful to explore breastshield size. The flange funnel creates a vacuum seal around the areola and the nipple should move freely within the tube. While every brand of pump offers slightly different sizing, the principles are the same for all of them. And, to make it even more fun, you might need two different-sized flanges - one for each side - to get the job done! In all actuality, you may need a smaller or bigger size. You might ask why the fit is so important?įlanges come in various sizes with tubes ranging from 15 to 36mm and larger,’ however, in most cases, full pump starter kits come with about a size 24mm flange. Ensuring you have the correct fit is very important. Having the proper flange tube size can greatly impact how your pumping experience may ensue. Well, good news, we’re here to help! First, What is a flange?Ī flange is the funnel part of a pump that makes contact with the breast. In fact, you probably never heard of a flange until deciding to pump for your little one, opening your breast pump packaging, finding all of those goodies inside, and asking yourself, “what is this thing?” Written by Angel Yarbor, Edited by Jen Meuller IBCLC, illustrations by Natasha Dodgeįlange sizing may seem like a foreign concept when first embarking into the world of bodyfeeding.
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