Show  Finding the right flange size can make a world of difference in your pumping journey. Use the tools below to determine the right fit!
A stat that I know for certain: Using a properly sized flange may increase your pump output by 20%. Proper sizing is key to both pumping comfort and long-term milk-removing success. So I'm here to answer the most common questions regarding flange sizing! How do I know my flange size?Your flange size is determined based on the measurement of your nipple base. To know your flange size, you measure from one side of your nipple to the other and then add 1-3 mm depending on when you measure it (before or after pumping). Many people struggle with knowing what part to measure- you measure the 'nipple button,' which is the part that sticks out when you're cold (or horny). Where the nipple attaches to the areola-the pigmented area surrounding your nipple- tends to be the widest part, which is where you want to take the measurement. Nipples come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and for some, the widest part of the nipple is NOT the nipple base. In this case, measure the diameter (from one side to the other) of the widest part, and you should get an accurate measurement for what flange size you need. Please note: Nipple size changes after delivery and during lactation. Most people increase in nipple diameter the days following birth, so if you measure prenatally, keep that in mind. What happens if flanges are too big?If your flanges are too big, pumping will likely be uncomfortable. In the event it's not causing any pain, problems still could arise down the line if breast drainage is not optimal, leading to delayed onset low milk supply. An easy way to tell if your flange is too big is that your areola will be pulled into the breast flange tunnel. Some parents find that they need to size up for comfortability reasons- if this is the case for you, ensure you're utilizing strategies to thoroughly empty the breast and optimize milk output each expression session. What is the smallest flange size?The smallest flange size is sold by Maymom and measures in at 13mm. Maymom makes aftermarket flanges for big pump brands like Spectra and Medela, which can be purchased for less than $30 bucks. The next size up is 15mm, and they make a 17mm- all of which are under the standard 24s that come with most pumps. Full disclosure: I have tiny nipples. I've personally used the 15mm Maymom flanges for the Spectra and would definitely recommend for my small nip-having folks. How should flanges fit?Flanges should be comfortable and be large enough for your nipple button to fit in the tunnel but not so big that your areola tissue gets pulled into the tunnel. Nipple elasticity varies among people so some people will always have areola tissue in the tunnel despite proper sizing. THE most important thing is the comfortability. Pumps don't suck out milk; they stimulate a letdown (milk ejection reflex). Do you know what the most significant thing that prevents a letdown? Pain. What size flange do I need?The size flange you need will depend on your nipple size, the pliability of your nipple, the elasticity of your areola tissue, and the shape of your breasts. Pump companies say the average consumer will need roughly either 24mm or 27 mm flanges. It's been my experience that there is a large part of the pumping population that needs smaller and larger sizes. It's frustrating to get a pump and find out after you've bought it that there are no flanges in the size you need. A limited offering of a wide range of sizes by manufacturers means that some people are left to settle with the wrong size flange. If this is you, pick whichever is the most comfortable. And make sure you're using hands-on pumping. How do I know if my breast pump flanges are the right size?If pumping hurts -either during or after pumping -regardless of the suction level you pump on, the odds are high that you're using a flange that's too big or too small. A well-fitted flange will be comfortable, stimulate the letdown well, and result in decent output assuming there are no issues with milk production. I've covered all the signs of a properly fitted flange in my FREE Ultimate Flange Sizing Guide. It includes some of the information in this post- and more. If you're still confused about flange sizing, it's worth taking a look. My favorite flange sizing videoFull disclosure, I am not partial to Medela. I can't think of the last time, outside of the Symphony, that I've recommended Medela breast pumps. There are a few reasons why, but that's a post for a different day. With that said, the best video I've seen to show how the nipple is supposed to respond when using an appropriately sized flange is this one. Just know it should look the same irrespective of the flange brand or the pump model you use. The most important part (in my option) starts around the one minute mark.
Finding the right fit is always important – whether it’s for clothing, shoes, or your breast pump flange. One of the most common questions I get from breastfeeding moms is how to maximize breast milk output while pumping. But many of them don’t realize the answer has a lot to do with flange sizing. The correct flange size makes the pumping session both more comfortable and more efficient since it stimulates the breast more effectively. The flange mimics a proper breastfeeding latch. Too large, and the areola gets compressed, causing the milk to get stuck prior to release, much like the kink in a water hose. Too small, and there’s too much friction on the nipple, causing blisters, soreness, and inadequate milk production. It may seem overwhelming, (one more thing to learn!) especially for new moms. Let’s take a closer look at how to find the right size. A breast pump flange (also called a breast shield) is the cone-shaped plastic cup that fits directly over your nipple to form a seal around the areola. Vacuum suction creates an effective seal gently draws the nipple into the funnel for milk extraction. The wrong size flange could impact your milk flow and damage breast tissue. It can result in breast pumping pain, blocked milk ducts, swelling, and nipple damage. The right breast shield size allows you to pump comfortably and maximize the amount of milk you produce.
When placing the flange, play close attention to how the nipple sits in the narrow tunnel. A proper fit has the nipple centered, without any contact with the rim. This allows the nipple to move freely and stretch as it’s drawn into the flange. Since it's referred to as “breastfeeding” and not “nipple feeding,” the nipple is not the only part of the breast to consider. The areola is also important. The areola is the darkened area around the nipple. The primary function of the areola is to serve an easy-to-see bullseye for the baby to aim for when latching. It’s also a collector where all of the milk ducts and channels send the milk from storage. The funnel of the flange mimics the lips of a baby, who will pull not only the nipple into their mouth, but also just a small amount of the areola. If none of the areola makes it into the mouth or the flange, there is inadequate stimulation to the breast and that may interfere with long-term milk supply and production. It may also affect comfort, as this could also lead to tightness around the nipple, which has a negative impact on milk production, too. A comfortable fit means less physical stress on the breasts, which helps the body relax and respond well to oxytocin, the hormone responsible for releasing milk. Motif’s goal is to help mom have the most comfortable pumping journey possible. Our handy flange sizing chart helps you determine your best fit. Be sure to review each size option to choose the one that will fit best. Flanges are sized in millimeters (mm). Again, it should be slightly larger than the nipple measurement to allow for movement. It’s also important to measure BOTH nipples, as just like in breast (and bra) size, symmetry is not always part of the equation. To determine what size you need, you’ll need to know your nipple size. You can measure your nipple by taking a ruler or measuring tape to measure the diameter of your nipple (the horizontal width across it). Measure the nipple alone, do not include the areola which is the outer edge around your nipple. The measurement should be in millimeters (1 cm = 10mm). Select your flange size based on your measurement.
A quick trick is to make the ASL sign for “I love you,” and compare the fingers for approximate nipple size comparison. The thumb 24-26 mm, the index 21-23mm, and the pinky 20 or smaller. Sizes needed would be 30, 27, and 24, respectively. Once a size estimate is completed, try pumping. Observe the fit and movement to ensure you’ve found the right size flange.
“Find what is comfortable. Too much friction to the tissue, tightness, or painful sucking could indicate the incorrect size. The top of the nipple and its base should be the only part entering the flange tunnel.” Ashley Georgakopoulos, Motif Medical Lactation Director (IBCLC) If your breast pump flange is too small you may experience:
If your breast pump flange is too big you may experience:
Throughout pregnancy the breast tissue goes through changes. This includes the size of the breast, as well as the darkening of the areola. Another change would be the size of the nipples. While, for some, the change is subtle, it can still impact the initial fit of the flange. Women tend to retain fluid as the pregnancy progresses, as well as when fluids are administered. The early part of the third trimester or 2-3 weeks postpartum is a great time frame to measure the nipple to get a good idea of what size the nipple will be for the majority of the times needed for pumping. A separate measurement may be needed if pumping and expressing milk is needed immediately postpartum.
Whether a new mom or a veteran, many moms need help with breastfeeding and pumping. An Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) will have extensive training in helping with finding the perfect size flange, along with pumping techniques, storage, feedings, troubleshooting and more!
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation. |
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