Lolli’s Lesson: Flange Sizing

Listen up! Pump flange sizing is so, so important and we have a lot of work to do when educating mothers on this. Nipples do not come in standard sizing which means it is imperative that nipple sizing is part of a mom’s postpartum care and routine lactation visits. We have learned a lot since the days when I was breastfeeding and using a breast pump. We have learned better ways which means we can teach better ways of assisting the pumping mom.

Also important to remember is that nipple sizing can change throughout a breastfeeding journey. Likewise, remember when I said that breasts are sisters not twins? The same can be said for nipples. So don’t just size one nipple, size them both to get the most accurate pump flange—even if they are two different sizes.

Pump flange sizing has become a routine assessment of my clients. Most of the time, I like to size moms after their milk supply has fully established which is typically around day 5 after baby is born. This is usually the first time I may suggest that we bring a pump into the equation as breasts begin to fill. Many times, softening the breast is required for baby to achieve an adequate latch. I would also add that a mom who will be returning to work be sized again a week or so prior to her return date. Breasts and nipples can change and evolve depending on the breastfeeding and/or pumping journey. Ensuring the pump flange sizing is appropriate, we will then have the most comfortable, most effective pumping experience for mom.

During a flange sizing visit, we will measure to determine your size and depending on the type of pump you have, can even “try out” the different sizes to get the perfect fit.

Flange sizes I will bring to try: 13mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm and 21 mm.
(*Most pumping supply kits include 24mm and 28 mm.)*

Remember, pumping should

feel comfortable.
empty breasts efficiently in a timely manner
and very little to no areola should be visible inside the flange tunnel during a pumping session
***flange sizing can be done at an in-home visit or office visit***
Contact me for scheduling here. Flange sizing is part of lactation support and should be covered by your insurance. To see if your flange sizing could be covered for free, click here.