Finding Your Breast Flange Size For Pumping
Did you know that majority of women are using the wrong size Breast Flange/Shield whilst pumping?
Unfortunately this results in insufficient milk removal and painful pumping which can result in breast trauma, mastitis and clogged ducts. By using the correct size, you can potenitally increase your milk output and experience pain free pumping!
Have you ever heard a mum say:
"I didn't respond well to pumping."
"I barely got anything."
"I just couldn't pump."
"Pumping wasn't for me."
I being to wonder, were these women using the correct flange size? And what pump were they using? (Another important factor. A post on that to come!)
I cannot stress how important it is to be using the correct size to avoid these issues. So this is why i'm here. I'm here to educate you, so you can have the most effective pumping experience.
So what's important and how do I achieve this?
1. It's important for only your nipple to be pulled into the flange. Make sure no areola or very little is being drawn in. Have you heard of people saying they have elastic nipples, being drawn right back to the tunnel of the flange? This might be due to them using a flange too big.
2. It needs to be comfortable.
3. Remember: Pumping isn't meant to hurt!
Majority of Breast Pumps come with a "standard" size 24mm Flange or bigger when you purchase a Breast Pump Kit, Youha included.
However, I know from experience and helping other women size their nipple correctly, that the "standard" size of 24mm is in fact incorrect. Unfortunately there is not a "one size fits all" approach to Breast Shields.
So I conducted a Facebook survey, I asked women who were pumping and had been properly measured, their flange size.
The results were incredible!
Out of 85 women:
- 40 women were 17mm
- 14 women were 15mm
- 9 women were 21mm
- 8 women were 19mm
- 8 women were 24mm
- 4 women were 13mm
- 2 women were 27mm
As you can see, 75% of these women were below the "standard" size of 24mm.
So how do you know if you're using the correct size?
There is a couple of different ways you can check this:
1. To do your own measurements at home, I recommend using the Maymom Ruler. This is a print out file you can cut out and measure yourself. If you can't get it to work properly, try using the calliper or two pieces of paper by measuring the base of your nipple and then measure against a ruler.
PLEASE NOTE: Measure before pumping and I recommend only adding 1-2mm instead of the 2-3mm as instructed on the print out.
2. Please feel free to contact me to help. You can send videos or photos so I can help determine your size.
Fun fact: You could actually be two different sizes on the left and right breast, so make sure you measure both sides!
Oh no, I've just worked out I'm using the wrong size!
Please do not stress, there are solutions! If you are using Youha pumps, I have flange inserts- converting a 24mm to a 18mm, 20mm, or 22mm.
You can find these products in Breast Pump Accessories
