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How to Know If Your Breast Flanges are the Right Size

February 20, 2019/10 Comments/in Exclusively Pumping /by sherley

Pumping is often an integral part of the mother-baby relationship.  Whether a mom is exclusively breast pumping or needs some independence from baby for work (or any other outing), it will be significantly more efficient when the pump is set up correctly.  A big part of this setup includes flange size. Having a poorly sized flange can lead to breast damage, pain, and poor output, which can lead to premature weaning of baby from breast milk.

Here are some quick tips to follow when measuring your flange size:

Getting an accurate measurement.

Finding 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).  When the tunnel of the flange is placed on your breast, it should only have a few millimeters (3-5) of wiggle room around the nipple. The entire nipple should fit comfortably without much, if any, of the areola entering the tunnel.  All these details should be assessed before actually pumping since it can cause mild swelling of the nipple and skew measurements. Spectra Baby USA has a great PDF that you can use to measure nipple diameter here.

How it should look when pumping.

When the nipple is suctioned into the tunnel, these sensitive tissues should be able to move freely with no rubbing against the sides.  If the shield is rubbing, it may simply require an adjustment of the shield itself (making sure it’s well centered) or decreasing the suction level.  Otherwise, it could mean that the shield is too small and causing excessive friction. On the other hand, if the shield is too large it can cause the tissue of the areola to be pulled into the shield, also causing irritation and hypersensitivity.  It will be obvious after the use of a breast pump if the areola has been pulled in excessively, as it will deform the tissue to the shape of the tunnel and most likely cause redness. For a good visual of how the shield should look on your breast, check here.

Your options.

The standard size that comes with most pumps is 24 mm.  Companies have found that this size fits the average woman.  The added benefit of purchasing a Spectra pump is that two sizes are included: 24 and 28 mm.  However, if these don’t fit there other options available. Spectra flanges come in 20, 24, 28, and 32 mm.  Other brands vary but the general range is 20-34 mm. These flanges are relatively inexpensive and completely worth the purchase to make sure you have the highest level of comfort and ma inimal level of tissue damage to the breast with pumping.  Using the flanges included with your pump can help gauge the most appropriate size (whether you need to size up or down) prior to any further purchases.

Pumping should always be comfortable, with shield size being key to this.  Don’t forget other factors like suction level and the quality of the pump. In between sessions, be sure to give your breasts some love as well to prevent issues like dryness and cracking.  If you are still having issues, contact Spectra Baby USA for further guidance and they can help make you experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Tags: flange size, what flange size am i
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10 replies
  1. Cheryl McPhail says:
    April 19, 2020 at 8:54 am

    Can I send in videos? I need help. I have 15 mm, (maymom), 20 mm (spectra), 24 mm (spectra), and 28 mm (spectra) flanges. I also have the pumpin pals small set which ravages from 17 -25 mm. All of them hurt and i have no idea where to measure my nipples from because the shape changes so much. One IBCLC recommend a 20-21, another recommend a 28 mm. The rep from MaMa and Roos said 19-21 and the rep (CLC) from milky mama.com recommend a 13 mm. Please help me figure this out.

    Reply
    • Spectra Baby USA says:
      April 20, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Try this link out https://www.spectrababyusa.com/guide/. If you still have trouble, you can talk to the IBCLC’s. They will indeed guide you with this issue. Link here, https://calendly.com/spectrababylchelp

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Henshaw says:
    June 11, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    So my aerola is pulled in on my 21mm for my medela… do I need to try 19mm

    Reply
    • Spectra Baby USA says:
      June 11, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      If pumping hurts or you’re experiencing low output, then changing sizes could help. A flange size that’s too large can allow too much areola to enter, causing pain. We recommend starting with our measuring tool here: http://www.spectrababyusa.com/guide. Our IBCLCs are also available to help with flange sizing at http://www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices/.

      Reply
  3. Louise says:
    October 23, 2020 at 3:33 am

    What size flange do I need for a 25mm nipple

    Reply
    • Nikki Braverman says:
      October 30, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      Better late than never Louise! Check this out Breast Shield Guide

      Reply
  4. Neha says:
    October 30, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    I was getting more milk from my previous electric pump, few days before I switched to Spectra 2 pump but it is giving really low milk.. I am pumping for 25 mins as well but no satisfied result..

    Reply
    • Spectra Baby USA says:
      October 30, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      It can be many things. Schedule a free consult with us at this link and we will help you with it directly! https://www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices/

      We can also help via email. Connect with us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com.

      Reply
  5. Andrea Hudnall says:
    December 13, 2020 at 1:02 pm

    Is there something smaller than a 20mm? My areola gets pulled in. It’s not painful so will it work?

    Reply
    • Spectra Baby USA says:
      December 14, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      There are smaller sizes available, just not through Spectra Baby USA. Our specially trained IBCLCs are happy to help find the right size for you! You can schedule a free consultation at http://www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices or email us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com

      Reply

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