in Breastfeeding, Bottle feeding, Weaning Support

Flange sizes

Hi beautiful mamas I just want to highlight the important of flange sizes when using a breast pump after I have been agony for 5 weeks I just found out what has been causing the pain in my nipples, it was the flanges, if you are using the right equipment pumping should never be painful, I was using 24cm flanges which destroyed my nipples to a point I was about to give up breastfeeding, saw a lactation consultant today and my flange size is measured to be 15cm!!!!🫤 after using the right flanges pain immediately got better! What a relief!

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I think I'm using the wrong flange sizes which has probably caused a massive blocked duct that I can't shift so I agree. What type of pump do you have? X

That’s amazing! I keep trying to stress that on this page. The right flange size makes all the difference. Good job mama!

@Clair I’m using medela freestyle flex my both breasts measured differently and I’m now emptying the breast much more efficiently, definitely affects your supply 🥲

@Sana I have managed to get 40% more than usual with correct flange size, also was told to apply coconut oil around the flange head to minimise friction

What’s the best way to figure out what size you are? I have a few different sizes but none of them seem “perfect” and I can pump with no pain with a few of them so it wasn’t until I read this thread that I realized I might need to look more into it!

@Kasey the breastfeeding consultant had a measurement tool, but many manufacturers also have guides on how to measure diameter of your nipple 👍🏻

@Kasey the best way is to measure your nipples at rest. Here’s a highlight I made about flange sizing. https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODgzNzA5Mzc5Njc3MTk0?story_media_id=2869799077624421284&igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

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