For those of us who have experienced pumping, we know how hard it can be. It seems straight forward, right? Well, with so many variations in breast anatomy and preference it’s important to be aware of the many options out on the market that can either help or hinder your pumping experience. For example, using the incorrect flange size can actually cause damage to your nipple or areola, decreased output, clogged ducts, or even infection. With so many parts out there on the market, it’s important to understand what works best for you.
Measuring Your Nipple
When you first get your pump it will usually come with a set of flanges, usually 24mm, but those flanges are not a one size fits all. Many people are smaller than a 24mm and some may require a larger size. Flange size is very important in the overall success of your pumping journey. If you do not have the correct size, too big or too small, it can greatly decrease your output, cause discomfort, or even lead to plugged ducts, engorgement, and possible mastitis. So how do we make sure we are using the correct flange size? There are two ways:
- Use a nipple measuring card
- Use measuring tape
Either way works just fine. The nipple measuring card can be easier to get a correct measurement if you are measuring yourself. Not all pumps come with a card so you might have to purchase one separately. Click the link below to access a free printable nipple measuring card.
FREE printable nipple measuring card
The most important thing to know is that you’re not measuring your nipple AND areola, just your nipple. And you’ll want to avoid measuring right after a feeding or pumping session as this can greatly change your measurement result.
Flange Material
You can buy silicone flanges, which are recommended if you have elastic nipples or are experiencing discomfort with your standard flanges, however some have reported the silicone flanges leak more milk around the edges. I have never personally experienced this problem and found that they worked just fine. Some flanges have a smoother ridge creating the classic funnel shape which might make pumping more comfortable for you if you are experiencing discomfort.
I highly recommend getting your pump and flange situation figured out BEFORE you deliver. It’s an added stress and it’s nice not worrying about it when you’re bonding with your sweet babe. For me, my nipple measurements did not change from the end of my pregnancy to early postpartum so having the supplies I needed already was a huge blessing. But beware, your flange size CAN change during your breastfeeding journey, so it might be wise to hold onto whatever flanges you have because they might just be the perfect fit later on.
Flange Inserts
Sometimes you might need a smaller flange size and it isn’t available. In that case having a flange insert can be really helpful as it can make a larger flange size diameter smaller to accommodate a smaller nipple size. It’s a very thin and flexible piece of silicone that fits snug in the flange where the areola and nipple rest, creating a smaller diameter hole within the flange.
Pumping Spray
When I started pumping it was so uncomfortable, and no matter what I did (checked flange size, adjusted suction, checked flange position, used a pumping bra) nothing helped! Finally I tried using pumping spray and voila! The pain decreased! The pumping spray reduces friction as the pump draws your nipple into the flange. Pumping is not supposed to hurt, but no matter what I did this is what helped decrease the pain when the tissue was stretched.
If you do not have pumping spray on hand, I would try applying a little bit of your preferred nipple cream onto your nipple right before pumping. This can also work the same way in decreasing friction. Just remember to wash your hands before dipping your finger into the cream and applying to your nipple/areola as this is a sure way to introduce bacteria to potentially already broken down skin.
Pumping
Okay so you’ve got your flanges all figured out, now what? Well the next step is to get pumping! If you are exclusively pumping you want to make sure you’re pumping a minimum of 8 times a day to ensure you are giving your body enough stimulation to continue producing adequate volumes of milk.
I will have an entire post on increasing milk supply coming soon 🙂
If you’re pumping the right frequency but still not finding the output you desire, there are a few checks you should make…
- When was the last time you replaced your parts like the valves, duck bills? These parts should be replaced intermittently.
- Are all your connections air tight and pieces in place? If there is a break in the seal or a connection you will not get the full suction needed.
- Are you using a strong enough setting? Turn the pump up to the highest, but not painful, setting.
- Is your pump strong enough? A hospital grade double electric pump might be your best best.
If you are using a double, electric hospital grade pump then you are set as these are considered the gold standard of pumps. If you are using a wearable pump, these can work great for some people too! You just may find you need to pump more frequently or longer per session to get the same output as you would with a hospital grade pump. The key is stimulation = output, so keep on pumping and the milk should come.
Wearable pumps
Wearable pumps offer so much convenience and portability for pumping as they can be taken with you on errands or you can use them when you’re trying to be mobile around the house. Some important things to keep in mind when you are going to be using a wearable pump…
- Make sure your nipple is centered in the flange. most wearable pumps design make it impossible to see where your nipple lines up in the flange. Having your nipple off center can cause rubbing and damage, as well as a decreased output.
- Check the strength of the pump. Some are stronger than others and can really affect your supply.
- When using a wearable pump, I would recommend pumping for slightly longer than you would your double electric pump, as wearable pumps tend to not be as strong as a hospital grade double electric pump. However, some companies are now making strong comparable wearable pumps.
The Fridge Hack
One of the BIGGEST drawbacks of pumping is how often you find yourself washing parts. Sometimes it feels like all you do is wash pump parts and bottles! Let’s save you a little time.
What you can do is place the pump parts that come into contact with your breast or milk into a Tupperware or ziplock baggie and place that in the fridge between pumping sessions. This way, the pump parts stay fresh in between pumping sessions. A little bonus, the flanges feel so nice when you go to use them again and they’re slightly cool on your skin, especially if you have sore nipples.
