How does Virtual Flange Sizing Work?
Flange sizing is 100% necessary to making your pumping experience comfortable and effective.
Trying to pump with a poorly fitted flange can be so painful and put your milk supply at risk. I don’t want that for anyone! My goal is to help all parents breastfeed successfully and that means making pumping a comfortable and viable option.
A lot of lactation consultants don’t offer this as a standalone service, but I want Genuine Lactation to be someplace where I can meet ALL of YOUR lactation care needs, quickly, affordably and easily, so I created a streamlined process that my clients have really enjoyed for flange sizing.
Here is the rundown of how simple I have made it for you (this is how Sizings with Chat Support work):
Step 1.) You book online for an appointment with me, which reserves your spot in my calendar so that I know I can give you the time and attention you deserve. All of this time is for you! This is the time you are saying you will have filled out and submitted your form and a few easy photographs. Worried about your little ones being noisy or only having a small window available during the day or evening - no problem! I help you via my secure text messaging program!
Step 2.) You print off the L-Shaped Nipple Ruler™ I created especially for virtual sizings. The best results come from the best tools, and this ruler makes getting an accurate size a breeze!
If you don’t have a printer, don’t worry! I am happy to mail the rulers to you for a small fee. I don’t want printer access hampering your ability to get properly sized.
Step 3.) You fill out your questionnaire with information about your pumping, your challenges, and what you are hoping to improve with sizing.
Step 4.) I take a look at everything you have submitted and let you know if everything is good to go or if we will need additional information or photos to get you the best results. This is all done by messaging so you don’t have to stress about trying to answer questions or take new photos while your baby is trying to nap on you, a toddler is trying to have a dance party, or you are trying to work.
Step 5.) Once I have everything, I can make a recommendation for what all of your options are, and then, I prepare a comprehensive report for you with everything you need to know in one simple location. Typically, the results are back to you within just a few hours, but at most, it takes 24 hours from your appointment time if everything is good to go! (If you are desperate for your results, just let me know. I try to put a rush on it if I know someone is anxiously awaiting answers for how to have a better pumping experience).
Note: If your nipples are damaged you need to book a pain and damage consultation. Damaged nipples take time to assess, require more monitoring to address, and it’s unlikely switching the size alone will help you meet your goals.
What I look at what making a recommendation for your flange sizing:
Accurate measurement of the nipple prior to pumping
Assessment of the shape of the nipple
Assess for signs of nipple damage, swelling, or infection
Consider the challenges you are having with pumping and how to best resolve them
Consider the pumps you are using currently and the pumps you desire to use
Consider all of the available flange options to recommend the best options for you
So, what if you have additional questions? Your sizing fee covers access to have your questions about flange sizing answered by secure messenger! I’m always happy to answer your questions!
What if you want a more personal touch with a video or phone session to get your questions answered? I have those available!
On your sizing form that comes after you book your initial sizing, there will be a link for an add-on video or phone session in your client portal. I’m happy to help you with sizing however works best for you! Breastfeeding help doesn’t work with a one-size fits all approach. I’m here to help you however you feel works best for you.
But how can sizing work over the phone?
Part of the reason my method works so successfully is that I eliminate any room for error and challenge I possibly can! Photos and videos collected beforehand give me all of the information I need to guide you to a better pumping experience, and are more reliable for accurate measurement than live video. The whole point of the phone/video session to have your questions answered in live time for those who don’t care for the back and forth method with a chat sizing.
Is one service better than the others?
Nope. I only offer services that are going to meet the goals they are intended to, and I won’t offer services that don’t work well. The difference is not the quality of care, its the level of live interaction you need with me to meet your goals and feel supported.
What will be in your flange sizing report?
Your results will include:
Information about your nipple measurement and shape
Notes about any clinical observations you should be aware of
Flange size and style recommendations for all available pumps: standard pumps, Freemie/Spectra Cups/Legendairy/Wearable Youha Pumps, the Willow pump and Elvie/Elvie Stride Pump complete with links to purchase directly from. It will all be there to make this process as painless and possible. No need to purchase a special package to get information about the wearable pump options that are right for you, it’s all included with your sizing fee.
My professional recommendations for any follow up care to consider
Lots of links to information you might find helpful when pumping. I want you to have a good experience, so I have compiled all of the information to make it easy for you to know everything you need to know!
This report will stay available in your client portal so that anytime you have any questions in the future you can find the report, but you can also message me again directly!
What if the help I need is more than just flange sizing?
The beauty of booking with Genuine Lactation for sizing is that I am a full service lactation practice set up for Virtual Breastfeeding Support. Flange sizing is important, but it’s only a tiny piece of what I can offer you to help you meet your goals. If you need more help we can figure out what you need and go from there, no need to hunt down someone else who can help you! When you work with me you have someone there for whatever you need. There is no need to try to piece together lactation care with several services or providers, I can help you with all of your needs.
Is it really safe to send pictures of your nipples online?
My practice has to abide by HIPAA laws and regulations, meaning I am obligated to protect your privacy every step of the way. I use a platform called Practice Better which is an electronic health record just like doctors offices use. When you submit your photos in that system, they are safe, and I treat them with the utmost discretion and respect. I take this very seriously as your right to privacy is a priority to me.
Is it awkward to send pictures of nipples like this?
I frequently get forms back from clients apologizing because they have “weird” or “wonky” breasts, or they have some rather gnarly nipple damage on such a sensitive and private body part. I assure you, I’ve seen it all, and nothing you have to show me is going to require apologizing for. You may feel a teensy bit awkward at first sending such private photos, but for me it’s all in days work supporting breastfeeding families. Some people have found they feel much more comfortable sending photos after having a video session or phone call so they can feel like they have at least met me before sending these kinds of pictures. Again, I’m here for helping you however you need to get you the best breastfeeding experience possible.
So, what if I try the new sizes, and I am not getting the results I expected?
80-90% of the time, the new sizes work perfectly with a little attention to helping your body switch between sizes. Sometimes, however, we only find out the problem is bigger than sizing by changing your sizes, and if that is the case, we will need to do some more work together to get you where you need to be.
If after reading all of this you still have questions, please just let me know! I’m always happy to chat to help you see if I am a good fit for your breastfeeding support needs.
