In the case of
breastshield sizing - it is all about the nipples, primarily the diameter of the nipple, as well as the nipple elasticity.
As a starting point on
breastshield sizing, select a flange that provides plenty of space around the nipple and begin pumping for about 5 minutes.
You can get started by looking at
our breastshield sizing guide, or contacting our expert customer support team.
At Pumpables we've endeavored to make things easier by designing a free nipple ruler just for selecting
your breastshield size!
For example, if your nipple diameter is 17 mm, you would want to select the 19 mm
breastshield size.
Lastly, as your milk regulates, it's not uncommon for the shape and size of the nipple to change from what it was in the beginning; this may mean your pump becomes less efficient as
the breastshield size you need may have changed.
It can be stressful to go through the trouble of fixing any problems that might arise while pumping, like finding
your breastshield size, when you're relying on your breast pump to express milk for your baby.
PersonalFit connectors attach to all PersonalFit
breastshield sizes and are for use with Medela breastpumps (except Single Deluxe and Harmony breastpumps).
Other than standard breast shields, Medela also has PersonalFit which allows you to personalize
your breastshield size for maximum comfort and pumping efficiency.
Incorrect
breastshield size is the leading cause of pain while using a breast pump.
Once you start experiencing discomfort, turn the vacuum down by one level — that is your maximum comfort level (note that correcting an incorrect
breastshield size may actually increase your maximum comfort level).
If you need help finding
your breastshield size, reach out to Pumpables customer support or check out the Fitting Room.
It is extremely common for new mothers to think that
the breastshield size is determined by the bra size.
Your nipples will also swell when you pump (which is why we recommend measuring for
your breastshield size after your nipples have swollen).
When trying to find the correct
breastshield size you may notice that some use the terms «flange» and «breastshield».
This breastshield size will leave enough space so the nipple is not causing friction against the side of the flange, but not too spacious so that the excess areola is being drawn in.
When considering using a different
breastshield size, the flange part of the breastshield is the part that is actually changing in size!
Getting started using a breast pump and finding
your breastshield size with flat or inverted nipples can be tricky.
Going through the trial and error process of finding the correct
breastshield size is one of the most important processes of the pumping journey.
There are also 2
breastshield sizes, the 24 mm and 28 mm.
The Pumpables Pro Breastshield makes it easy to swap
your breastshield size without having to replace your entire breastshield kit.
Unfortunately most times when you buy a breast pump, you just get the one
breastshield size with the pump, and it can mean women push on using a badly fitting
breastshield size and having a painful pumping experience.
, the right
breastshield size, and all the equipment you need.
When we're talking about using a different
breastshield size, it's actually the flange part of the breastshield that is changing!
A great pump goes a long way, but even if you have the best breast pump in the world, expressing will still be really difficult if you aren't using the right
breastshield size.
It's very common for mums (and dads) who are new to pumping to think that
the breastshield size is determined by your cup size.
Pumpables includes three separate
breastshield sizes in the box so you can trial different sizes and figure out which is best for you.
One of the top reasons for pain when pumping is that you're using the wrong
breastshield size.
To get a starting point on
your breastshield size, select a flange that leaves plenty of room around your nipple and begin pumping.
If this is your first time pumping, you should use this nipple diameter measurement to pick
your breastshield size, giving you a great starting point.
Here are the top factors to consider when working out
your breastshield size.
It's incredibly important to use the right
breastshield size and at the end of the day, no matter how good your breast pump is, if it hurts you it's not going to work for you.
Not exact matches
Pumping should not be painful, and if you're experiencing any pain or seeing any redness or injury from pumping, it's a good indication you're not using the correct
sized breastshield.
We sell
breastshields ranging in
size from 19 mm to 30 mm; and, you can find breasthields on the market as small as 15 mm and as large as 36 mm.
If you're planning on returning to work, we recommend getting used to a pumping routine a few weeks ahead of time so your body can adjust to using the pump and so you have time to make sure that you're using the best settings and properly
sized breastshields to yield the most milk output.
We are also really excited to include a double set of
breastshields in 3 different
sizes (21 mm, 24 mm, 27 mm) so you can be sure of the right fit.
If nothing seems to be happening, there are other things you can check such as whether you need a different
sized breastshield on your slacker boob, or see a doctor for a physical evaluation.
We've tried to help with this with the Pumpables Milk Genie by including 3 shield
sizes, but how cool would it be if the
breastshield was made out of some smart material that moulded instantly to your breast, matching your breast and nipple
size perfectly.
Make sure you're still using the correct
sized breastshield.
Probably the biggest issue that causes pain and low milk output for mums when pumping (aside from a crappy breast pump) is using the wrong
size breastshield.
Look for pumps that come with a choice of
breastshields or those that have a larger or smaller
breastshield available as a separate purchase in case you should require a different
size for optimal pumping comfort and success.
The
Breastshields / flanges provided with Medela are standard ones in medium
size.
Each pack comes with a set of 2
breastshields in your chosen
size.
Using the correct
sized breastshield while pumping is something you can't compromise on.
Having different
sized breastshields on hand will provide the option and opportunity for mothers to pump effectively and efficiently.
Trading out to a smaller
size breastshield may fix this issue.
If the pain does not subside, try using another
size of
breastshield or seeking help from a lactation consultant.
That is why we design a series of
breastshields of small increment
sizes.
Other breastpump vendors, such as Avent, Ameda, already make 25 mm ID as the standard
sized breastshield for their breast pumps.
If you have any further questions at all about this post, or are not sure about using the right
size breastshield please feel free to contact us.