Elastic Nipples with the Willow Pump
Elastic nipples (nipples that seem to defy physics with their ability to stretch without limit) are a common concern with the Willow Pump. The unique constant suction pattern combined with many inserts being shorter than ideal poses a challenge for those who want to use this pump with elastic nipple tissue.
Can you use the Willow Pump if you have Elastic Nipples?
Typically yes, but it can be tricky.
A huge part of your success with elastic nipples and the Willow is going to be related to proper flange sizing. Flange sizing, in my experience, is a quick killer to the dreams of pumping portability, especially since so many people believe they are well sized when they aren’t. Elastic nipples can be tricky to size as they are prone to swelling that’s hard to detect, and the typical pain sensations seem to be minimized as the tissue is so stretchy it can tolerate a lot without obvious issues aside from pump failure to work. So, when we size suspected elastic tissue, we often need to measure several times as we manage sizing to make sure we land in that perfect size. There can be a period of 4-6 weeks where we are adjusting sizing as the swelling from the previous issue resolves.
Once we land on the right sizing, we need to evaluate just how long of a flange insert we need. Typically, Maymom Inserts are longest, but we don’t have them for every size. Freemie Inserts are not quite as long, but they can work to hold back areola tissue. Willow Inserts are shorter and often fail for more elastic tissue, but for some people, the texture can help as the nipple doesn’t grip the inserts which can reduce creep of the tissue. Sometimes, we opt for a hack that helps hold additional breast tissue back.
Sounds complicated right?? It really can be.
How do you Decide on a Solution?
This is where sizing for elastic nipples truly becomes an art!
When I’m managing a sizing for extremely elastic nipple tissue, I often start by watching how the tissue is moving in traditional pump flanges to visualize what we are working with. I’m looking if the elasticity is just in the nipple, the areola, or the breast tissue overall. Fun fact, it can be any combination of the above!
If it’s just the nipple, I focus on longer flanges, with a snug fit.
If the areola is elastic, I look for an option that has a longer flange, a snug fit, and aim to hold the areola back.
If the breast tissue overall is extremely elastic, things get really complicated, and we look for options that will press back against the breast tissue itself to minimize how much is impacted by the pumping.
I am seeing a lot of success with the Legendairy Hack for the most elastic of nipple and breast tissue overall - similar to the success of the Ameda Flexishield 21 mm, but with a wider range of options for size.
I really wish it was possible to break it down to a series of “look for this to indicate which option would be best for you” indicators to make handling this challenge a little less of a challenge, but it’s not possible.
Your best bet for success with the Willow and elastic nipples is to not even think about touching this pump until your sizing is optimized with a standard pump, which will often require skilled support from a lactation consultant with the right professional skill set. This allows for proper sizing management and monitoring to get you to the goal line with as few tears and frustrations as possible. Trying to DIY your way to success with the complication of elastic nipple tissue is more likely to ruin your experience with this pump and waste time and money.
