Why is flange size important?
The right flange fit will help you express as much breast milk as efficiently as possible. Your flange size generally depends on your breast tissue and skin elasticity. If your flange is too tight, it will constrict your breasts, which can cause clogged milk ducts that don&#;t release milk as quickly.
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But if your flange is too loose, you won&#;t remove all the milk from your breast, which can lower your milk production. It can also cause unnecessary nipple pain and even injury to your nipple. If pumping hurts, it can impede your milk supply. You&#;re also less likely to stick with it.
Which flange size should you use? 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's an approximate guide you can use as a flange size chart:
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 also estimate 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 by rolling it between your thumb and finger or applying ice to it, to make sure you have its full size. Focus on its diameter at the base, and don&#;t include the areola. Remember to measure both of your nipples as they can be different sizes.
Flanges vary from company to company, so you may want to try a few out. You might find that another brand&#;s flanges work better with your body. It 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 help determine the right flange size. Here are the five major guidelines that the acronym stands for:
Center nipples move freely. Your nipple should move freely in and out without touching the sides of the tunnel and without redness or pain.
Only a little areola tissue should be pulled into the tunnel. You should see a bit of areola pulling into the tunnel with each pump cycle, but not too much or none at all.
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Motion of your breast is gentle and rhythmic. Your breasts should move back and forth every time the pump moves, but gently.
Feels comfortable breast pumping. Your breast pump shouldn't cause any pain and tenderness.
Yields well-drained breasts. Your pump needs to remove the majority of your milk from your breasts to keep up your milk production. Your breasts should feel noticeably softer and lighter once you&#;re done with your session.
How to tell if your flange is too big 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 part of your areola are being pulled into the tunnel.
Your nipples are red or white after pumping. This can indicate too small a flange.
Your breasts still feel full after pumping. If they&#;re heavy and harder, that means all the milk hasn&#;t drained and your flange is possibly too big.
Finding the perfect flange can take a bit of perseverance, patience and trial and error, but it&#;s well worth your time and effort. If you&#;re having trouble, reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant. He or she can share some advice as you go about your quest to find your perfect flange fit.
It&#;s important to look at the whole breast pump and choose one with the features that are going to be the most effective and convenient for you. See our Guide to Choosing a Breast Pump for more details.
Remember too that you may need several different size flanges for different stages of nursing, as your breasts will change over the course of your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
The size of the breast shield refers to the millimetre width of the opening. All breast pumps come with a breast shield or flange with a &#;standard&#; size that varies by brand.
If the standard size breast shield that comes with your breast pump is not comfortable or you are experiencing difficulties with pumping then most breast pump brands have additional breast shields sizes that will work with your existing pump.
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