Between the tubes and wires, mechanics and logistics, the whole pumping process can feel, well, like a process. Only one matter tin make it considerably easier: double-checking that yous're using the right breast pump flange size.

Information technology can make the difference between a frustrating struggle to express enough milk and a situation where y'all can more than hands (and painlessly) produce plenty for your baby. Here's what y'all need to know most flange sizes to make the near of your pumping sessions.

What is a chest pump flange?

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

Virtually pumps come with a standard 24 millimeter (mm) flange. But they're available in a wide range of sizes, by and large anywhere from 21 to 36 mm. The size indicates the diameter of the minor tube on the flange's narrow border.

You tin find different-sized flanges through your pump manufacturer, sites like Amazon or any baby supply store.

Why is flange size important?

The right flange fit will assistance you lot express as much chest milk as efficiently every bit possible. Your flange size more often than not depends on your chest tissue and skin elasticity. If your flange is too tight, it volition tuck your breasts, which can crusade chock-full milk ducts that don't release milk every bit speedily.

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

Which flange size should you utilize? Bank check this flange size chart

To find your size, check the website of your pump's manufacturer. Most companies offer a size guide for flanges based on your nipple size. Here'due south an approximate guide you tin use as a flange size chart:

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  • Up 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: 30 to 32 mm flange size
  • 29 to 32 mm: 36 mm flange size

To measure your nipple diameter (its width), you'll need a ruler or a measuring tape. You can besides guess with coins: A dime is approximately 18 mm, a penny is 19 mm, a nickel is 21 mm and a quarter is 24 mm.

Before you measure, stimulate your nipple, either past rolling it between your thumb and finger or applying ice to it, to make sure you have its total size. Focus on its diameter at the base, and don't include the areola. Recollect to measure both of your nipples equally they tin can be different sizes.

Flanges vary from company to company, so you may want to effort a few out. You might find that some other brand's flanges work better with your body. It tin can take some time to find the ideal gear, but most pump and flange combos are totally fine.

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

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

Most lactation consultants recommend using the "COMFY" test to assistance determine the right flange size. Here are the v major guidelines that the acronym stands for:

  • Heart nipples motility freely.Your nipple should move freely in and out without touching the sides of the tunnel and without redness or pain.
  • Simply a little areola tissue should be pulled into the tunnel. You should run across a bit of areola pulling into the tunnel with each pump cycle, but non too much or none at all.
  • Motion of your breast is gentle and rhythmic. Your breasts should move dorsum and forth every fourth dimension the pump moves, but gently.
  • Feels comfortable breast pumping. Your breast pump shouldn't crusade any pain and tenderness.
  • Yields well-drained breasts. Your pump needs to remove the majority of your milk from your breasts to go on up your milk production. Your breasts should experience noticeably softer and lighter in one case you're done with your session.

How to tell if your flange is too large or small

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

  • Your breasts are moving too much or too little while pumping. Movement should be gentle, much like the movement of your nipple within the tunnel.
  • Your nipple is rubbing the sides of the tunnel, causing discomfort.
  • Your nipple and role of your areola are beingness pulled into the tunnel.
  • Your nipples are carmine or white after pumping. This tin indicate besides small a flange.
  • Your breasts still feel full after pumping. If they're heavy and harder, that ways all the milk hasn't drained and your flange is peradventure also big.

Finding the perfect flange can have a bit of perseverance, patience and trial and error, but information technology's well worth your time and endeavour. If you're having trouble, achieve out to your doctor or a lactation consultant. He or she can share some advice as you get about your quest to find your perfect flange fit.