Elastic Nipples and the Elvie Pumps
Free Download: Elvie Pump OG Quick Start Cheatsheet
While the Elvie Pump and the Elvie Stride are different pumps, people who have elastic nipples struggle with the same issues with both of these pumps: The biggest issue = short flange tunnels.
This can be a challenge when we have less room length wise to work with for nipples that tend to need a little extra length on average.
Elvie does have an added bonus over other pumps in that the suction levels and patterns do tend to reduce the stretch of the nipple which helps counter this issue.
Are elastic nipples an issue for the Elvie Pump or the Elvie Stride?
They absolutely can be! But with good sizing and strategy, I’ve had great luck getting these pumps working for the vast majority of my clients! While there are subtle differences in what works for each pump, overall, the solutions I recommend for elastic nipples are a success.
Ways to make the Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride work for you:
Sizing
You have to be sized right for any pump, but these two pumps allow minimal tolerance for poor sizing.
That means you need to be properly measured and a flange size selected based on your size, shape, elasticity and challenges. When sizing for the Elvie the biggest challenge is that you cant see the nipple moving, so you have to very extremely familiar with the mechanics of the pump to determine what the user reports and how to interpret/use that info to modify sizing.
Also remember that poor sizing issues can mimic elastic tissue, and the impact of poor sizing over time can exacerbate issues with elasticity. Professional sizing and monitoring to properly size the nipple and address these issues often reduces the perceived elasticity dramatically.
Lacteck Flanges or Pumpin Pals
Both of these flanges are intended to be standalone flanges for use with standard breast pump setups. There are lots of people, however, that find these flanges can be cut and modified to use as inserts with these pumps. These help by extending tunnel length and providing a different shape of the flange against the breast which can be beneficial for managing elastic tissue.
To use these flanges as inserts, you have to cut them according to the images shown below.
Disclaimer: There is always a risk to cutting flanges and using them as the edges are rarely clean, and there is a risk of tissue trauma. These options are not my favorite options for managing these concerns.
Freemie Purple Slim-Inserts
These inserts are relatively new on the market and are intended for use with the low profile Freemie cups. They differ from other inserts that are commonly used in that they have a wide brim with a relatively flat profile. They fit the 28 mm flanges for both Elvie pumps well, and they act as a wall of sorts to hold the areola back. They look shorter than many inserts but the difference in shape makes them the longest standard inserts for use with an original Elvie Pump. The taper of the inserts means no cutting should be necessary.
Legendairy Hack
This is actually my favorite hack for the Elvie Pump and the Elvie Stride! This hack works well because the silicone flanges help hold breast tissue back comfortably, conforms easily to the natural shape of the breast, and the use of full-length inserts makes this the optimal hack for elastic nipple tissue.
Elvie Pump (The OG)
The Legendairy Silicone Flanges have been perhaps the best thing to happen to users of the Elvie struggling with the short flange tubes or issues related to milk on the green membrane causing a loss of suction!
The hack entails carefully inserting a 24 mm Legendairy Silicone Cup Flange inside of the 28 mm Elvie flange. This is a snug fit and you will have to work it into place but it can be made smooth. The silicone flange does not sit flush, but is firm enough to be able to be used with the pump without a lot of issue for most people.
The benefit of this hack is that it allows us to use flange inserts without trimming them. This results in a longer flange length for the nipple to be better protected.
The silicone flanges also help those with extremely elastic breast tissue to more successfully use this pump comfortably, as the tacky texture of the silicone inhibits the excessive stretching of the breast tissue while pumping.
For the Legendairy Hack on the Elvie Pump and more specific information and pictures, click here.
Elvie Stride
While longer than the Elvie Pump OG flange tunnel, it’s still short compared to many pumps. Thankfully the Legendairy Cup Flanges are here to save the day again! Seating a Legendairy 24 mm Cup Flange in a 28 mm Elvie Stride allows for the use of longer inserts, and the silicone texture is great for holding excess breast tissue out of the flanges. This does result in the flanges not sitting 100% flush but it’s a stable set up that works well!
For the Legendairy Hack on the Elvie Stride and more specific information and pictures, click here.
