A breast pump flange, also known as a breast shield, is the funnel-shaped part of the pump that cups the breast and makes contact with the nipple and areola. The flange creates a vacuum seal necessary for the pump to draw the nipple into the tunnel, which facilitates the extraction of milk. Proper sizing is important, as it directly impacts comfort and the efficiency of milk removal. An ill-fitting flange can lead to discomfort, tissue damage, and reduced milk output.
Immediate Signs of an Oversized Flange
The most noticeable sign of an oversized flange is the excessive pulling of the areola into the tunnel. While a small amount of areola being gently drawn in is typical, a flange that is too large pulls a significant portion of the surrounding tissue deep into the funnel. This action compresses the milk ducts beneath the areola, restricting the flow of milk and causing discomfort.
The nipple may also exhibit too much movement or appear to “float” within the tunnel instead of moving smoothly in and out with the suction cycle. This excessive space allows the nipple to rub against the sides of the tunnel, leading to friction, irritation, and pain at the nipple base. This scraping or chafing sensation should not occur during a comfortable pumping session.
A visual cue is the presence of milk streaking or residue on the sides of the flange tunnel after a session. This suggests the milk is not being channeled directly through the center, indicating a poor fit and inefficient collection. The resulting discomfort and tissue pulling can also disrupt the body’s natural let-down reflex, making the pumping process less effective.
Pumping Inefficiency and Decreased Output
The functional consequences of using an oversized flange manifest as reduced pumping performance and long-term supply issues. Compression of milk ducts caused by the areola being pulled too far into the tunnel prevents complete drainage of the breast tissue. This incomplete emptying signals the body to produce less milk over time, leading to a consistent decrease in overall milk volume.
The breast may still feel firm or full after a pumping session, indicating inadequate milk removal. Failure to fully empty the breast increases the risk of developing milk stasis, which can progress into clogged milk ducts or mastitis. Inefficient pumping can also cause sessions to take significantly longer, as the pump struggles to achieve proper vacuum seal and stimulation.
Long-term use of an oversized flange can result in noticeable physical changes to the tissue. The excessive pulling and friction can lead to tissue damage, including bruising, swelling, or blanching of the nipple and areola. Blanching occurs when the nipple turns white due to reduced blood flow, resulting from the tissue being aggressively stretched and compressed.
How to Determine the Correct Flange Size
Finding the appropriate flange size involves accurately measuring the nipple diameter. The measurement should focus on the width across the nipple base where it meets the areola. It is important to measure the nipple alone and not include the areola tissue, as this common error often results in an oversized flange.
For accurate measurement, use a ruler or specialized tool to find the diameter in millimeters. Experts suggest measuring after a pumping session when the nipple tissue is fully distended, or after gentle stimulation. Since nipples can vary in size between breasts, both sides should be measured separately.
The rule for selecting the correct flange size is to add clearance to the measured nipple diameter. Adding 2 to 4 millimeters provides the necessary space for the nipple to move freely without rubbing the sides of the tunnel. For example, a nipple measuring 17 millimeters would suggest a flange size of 21 millimeters.
After selecting a new size, a visual check during a pumping session confirms the fit. The nipple should be centered in the tunnel and glide smoothly back and forth without friction. Only a minimal amount of areola should be drawn in, and the breast should feel soft and drained afterward.