The Importance of Finding Your Correct Flange Size for Breast Pumps

When the breast pump is situated on the breast and nipple, the flange forms a vacuum closure with the areola by making contact with the body. It has the shape of a funnel.

Why is it required? Well, the flange guides your nipple into the tunnel of the milk-extracting pump. By establishing a seal, the flange also generates the necessary suction for milk extraction.

Flanges are available in various sizes, corresponding to the diameter of the smaller tube that fits into the flange’s orifice. Depending on the pump you select, they may also be available in a variety of materials, such as rigid plastic, glass or silicone flanges.

This is essential, as you must locate a flange that comfortably suits your breast.

When purchasing or renting a pump, typically, only one or two sizes of flanges are included. If you need a different size flange, as many individuals do, you can acquire one from the pump manufacturer or other infant product retailers.

You must ensure that any breast pump flange you purchase is compatible with your particular pump.

A flange designed for a different pump is unlikely to be compatible with the remainder of your system because pumps are designed differently.

How do you determine which breast pump flange size to use?

Believe it or not, finding the ideal breast pump flange can be a lengthy process that requires testing multiple sizes. It is not as complicated as making the ideal pair of trousers, but it still requires a few steps.

Check to see if your preferred breast pump includes a measuring guide for flanges before attempting to test any flanges. Many manufacturers have their own specific guidelines, but if you don’t have one specific to your pump, you can use the width of your nipple in millimetres.

This detail is crucial. When measuring for your breast pump flange, remember that the measurement depends on the diameter of the nipple where it meets the areola, not the areola itself. Measuring the areola incorrectly can result in a flange that is too wide.

Another frequent error is measuring the nipple at its apex instead of its base. This may result in a too-small measurement and a flange that is too snug.

This is a problem because an improperly fitting flange will not effectively suction the milk and may leave a significant amount of milk in the breast. This may result in insufficient milk production, discomfort, and infections.

Even if you’ve taken precise measurements, you won’t know for sure if you’ve located the correct flange until you place it on your breast.

A flange is properly fitted when:

• Your nipple is centred in the tube, and no portions of your nipple rub against the sides.
• When the compressor is activated, little or no areola is drawn in.

In contrast, a flange does not match adequately when:

• You experience nipple discomfort during or after pumping.
• Your nipple becomes discoloured, scaly, or otherwise injured.

Why is obtaining the correct breast pump flange size so crucial?

It is essential to have a properly sized flange so that your nipple does not chafe, strain, or become constricted during pumping. If your pump’s flange is improperly sized, you may experience severe pain and nip damage.

In addition to causing breast and nipple discomfort, using the incorrect size pump flange can reduce the quantity of milk extracted from the breast.

Lewis Michaelson