Breast Pump Flange Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide
August 23, 2023
By: Brenda Yoshikawa, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Categories: Healthy Living, Maternity, Pediatrics, Women
When you’re pregnant, there are a ton of things to think about and decisions to make. When you’re also preparing to breastfeed, there are even more decisions to make – which breast pump are you going to use? Which accessories do you need to buy?
One that might not have crossed your mind is what flange size you need to select for your breast pump. Choosing the correct flange size will help you increase your milk supply and have a comfortable experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the right flange size.
Why is Flange Size so Important?
Choosing the correct fitting flange will not only be more comfortable for you, but will empty your milk more thoroughly, protecting your growing milk supply. Thoroughly draining your breast milk will help increase your milk supply and assist in preventing clogged ducts and engorgement, which can lead to infections like mastitis.
You may have to use a different flange size on each breast and your size may change throughout your pumping journey.
Factors to Consider
Proper flange fit will be determined by the size of your nipple diameter (measured at the base of your nipple prior to pumping or breastfeeding) as well as the length and elasticity of your nipple. It is important to observe your nipple while you’re pumping to ensure it is moving freely within the flange tunnel.
How to Determine the Best Fit
Center your nipple inside the breast shield and hold with gentle pressure deep into the breast tissue. Do not press the breast shield too hard when you pump, as it could block the milk ducts. Set the suction level of the pump to the most effective and comfortable setting. Your nipple should move freely inside the breast shield tunnel.
Directions to measure:
- Cut outer rectangle.
- Cut out the internal 'H'.
- Fold at arrow edge on ‘B’ side.
- Slide folded side ‘B’ toward side ‘A’ to measure the base of the nipple.
- Measure before pumping or breastfeeding for accuracy (at rest).
- Choose a flange that is 4 - 6mm larger than your nipple at rest to allow for length and stretch of nipple while pumping.
When you’re finished, your tool should look like this:
Suggested Guide
Ongoing support is important for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. If you need assistance, our TMH lactation team is here for you. Whether you need a little help getting started breastfeeding or run into difficulties along the way, we’ve got you covered. We have the largest and most highly trained breastfeeding support team in the region. You can reach us at 850-431-0468 Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm ET to schedule an outpatient lactation consultation. In-person and virtual appointments are available.
You can also attend our free weekly Breastfeeding Support Group led by one of our lactation consultants. The group is open to anyone in the community and offers a social outlet for moms and babies during their transition after delivery. Support group is free and open to all moms and babies. Registration is not required.
