How should a breast flange fit?
A flange fits correctly when:
- your nipple is centered in the tube
- no parts of your nipple rub against the sides
- little or no areola is pulled in when the pump is turned on
How do you find out your breast flange size? Measuring your nipple size is a great first step to determining your breast flange size, though caution in approach is important. That’s because nipple size can change depending on when you measure and may vary throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Do you need a larger flange for a breast pump? The right flange can make all the difference. Women’s bodies and breasts are all different, so it makes sense that flanges come in different sizes too. But choosing the right flange size is less about your bra size and more about making sure it allows your nipple to move the way it should. Basically, larger nipples call for larger flanges.
What happens if your breast flange is too big? If your flange size is too big, you areola will be pulled into the flange along with your nipple. This is not what is supposed to happen when you pump breast milk and can lead to nipple injury or blocked milk ducts . Your nipple should be the only part of your breast inside the breast flange.
Which is the only part of your breast inside the flange? Your nipple should be the only part of your breast inside the breast flange. Think about the way your baby latches onto your breast. She takes your nipple and areola into her mouth (similar to the flange resting against your breast), but only the nipple goes into the back of her mouth in order to express milk:
How do you find out your breast pump flange size?
How do you find out your breast pump flange size? You can measure your nipple by taking a ruler or measuring tape to measure the diameter of your nipple (the horizontal width across it). Measure the nipple alone, do not include the areola which is the outer edge around your nipple. Then select your flange size based on your measurement.
How do you find out the size of your flange? To determine your flange size you’ll need to measure your nipple. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the diameter of your nipple (the horizontal width across it) in millimeters (1 cm = 10mm). Measure the nipple alone, do not include the areola, which is the outer edge around your nipple.
How big should my breast flange be for breastfeeding? The standard flange size that comes with your pump can vary between 24 – 27 mm. Of course, not all women fit into the standard sizes. I didn’t. I needed a bigger size at the start of my breastfeeding journey.The first thing you do once you get a pump is to check and make sure if the flange fits you.
What happens if your breast flange is too big? If your flange size is too big, you areola will be pulled into the flange along with your nipple. This is not what is supposed to happen when you pump breast milk and can lead to nipple injury or blocked milk ducts . Your nipple should be the only part of your breast inside the breast flange.