Pumping for Your Baby: How to Get the Right Flange Size
Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC
Pumping for your baby can sometimes feel overwhelming, but at Rumble Tuff, we’re here to support you every step of the way. One of the key factors in having a comfortable and effective pumping session is using the correct flange size. Whether you’re an exclusive pumper or pumping when away from your baby, here’s everything you need to know about finding the right flange fit.
What is a Flange?
A flange, also known as a breast shield, is the part of your breast pump that fits around your breast, areola, and nipple. It creates a funnel shape to help suction milk, mimicking your baby’s nursing. Flanges are typically made from plastic or silicone, and various inserts are available to help customize your pumping experience.
Why is Flange Sizing Important?
Most breast pumps come with two standard flange sizes—24 mm and 28 mm—but many people fall outside this range. Correct sizing is essential because when pumping replaces nursing, your primary focus is effective milk removal to maintain your supply. Finding the right flange fit helps ensure comfort while maximizing the milk you can collect.
Effective milk removal is key to maintaining supply. While a pump can’t exactly match a baby’s stimulation, using the right size flange can get you closer to that natural efficiency. Remember, pumping should never be painful!
How to Find Your Ideal Flange Size
To find the correct flange size, you need to measure your nipples—two hours before a nursing or pumping session when they’re not swollen. Measure only the width at the base of the nipple, without including any part of the areola. Since flange sizes are measured in millimeters, ensure you use the correct units.
It’s common to need different flange sizes for each nipple, so measuring both is essential. While many nipple rulers suggest adding 2-4 mm to your measurement, research shows that starting with a flange size that matches your exact nipple measurement can be a more effective approach. From there, you can experiment with adjusting the size to find the most comfortable and efficient fit. Some people express more milk with a slightly larger flange, adding 1-2 mm, while others achieve better results by decreasing the size by 1 mm. Ultimately, comfort is key in finding the right fit for optimal milk expression.
If you're between sizes or need a more flexible option, silicone inserts can be a helpful tool. The right flange size can make all the difference in your pumping experience. Too large or too small can cause discomfort, nipple damage, or reduced milk output.
Remember: Everyone’s body and nipple are unique, and nipple size—not breast size—determines the flange size. Larger breasts do not necessarily require larger flanges. At Rumble Tuff, we offer a wide range of flange sizes from 13 mm to 32 mm to accommodate different needs.
How to Check if You Have the Right Flange Size
Once you’ve got your flanges, try them to ensure they fit correctly. Here are some key things to look for:
– Comfort: Are you experiencing pain when pumping? Pain is a major indicator that your flange size is off or that you must adjust your pump settings.
– Nipple Movement: Your nipple should move freely in the flange tunnel.
– Areola Placement: Minimal areolar tissue should be pulled into the flange. If too much is drawn in, the flange may be too big.
– Milk Output: When using the correct flange size, you should experience an improvement in milk output. However, if you’ve been using an incorrect size, the change in output may not be immediate—it can take up to a week of using the proper size before you start seeing noticeable results. Consulting with one of our IBCLCs specializing in flange sizing is highly recommended to ensure the best fit and maximize your milk production.
You can find more helpful tips in this detailed guide on flange sizing: https://www.babiesincommon.com/guidetranslations
How often should I measure?
It’s essential to measure your nipples throughout the postpartum period, as nipple size can change as your body adjusts and returns to its pre-pregnancy state. These changes can impact the effectiveness and comfort of your current flange size. We recommend measuring your nipples at 3, 6, and 9 months postpartum or anytime you notice a difference in your pumping results. If your flange no longer provides the same level of comfort or milk output, it may be time to reassess your nipple size and check if a size adjustment is needed. All Rumble Tuff pumps come with a paper nipple ruler to help with this. For added convenience, we offer a silicone nipple ruler for purchase, providing a flexible, reusable option for accurate measurements. Regularly reassessing your flange size can ensure continued comfort and effective milk expression.
Understanding Elastic Nipples
Elastic nipples stretch with stimulation, which is a natural response that works well when breastfeeding but can cause problems when pumping. Because pump flanges are more rigid than a baby’s mouth, elastic nipples can expand to fill the entire flange, leading to friction, pain, and even damage. This can also reduce the milk supply.
What to Do If You Have Elastic Nipples
If you have elastic nipples, even the correct flange size may not fully relieve discomfort. Thankfully, there are products specifically designed to help. Silicone inserts can limit excessive nipple stretching, preventing the nipple from reaching the end of the tunnel and reducing discomfort. Rumble Tuff offers a silicone insert kit that has all the sizes you need and that works seamlessly with all our flanges and pumping cups, providing a more comfortable pumping experience.
Additionally, we’ve partnered with Pump ‘N’ Pals to offer silicone and plastic flanges that are ideal for those with elastic nipples or anyone seeking increased pumping comfort. You can explore these options on our website and take their flange sizing quiz to find your perfect fit.
Getting Support
Lactation consultants are specialists in pumping and flange sizing. At Rumble Tuff, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) team is ready to help you get the most out of your pumping sessions. You don’t have to figure this out on your own—reach out for a free pumping consultation and expert guidance.