Why I recommend multiple flange sizes

Some people will size you for breast pump flanges and they will tell you “you are a 21 mm” or “you are a 15 mm.” In my professional opinion this disregards the unique nature of each person’s breast tissue responding differently to breast pump flanges. I’ve spent years studying breast anatomy, and I can tell you with complete certainty the way each breast will respond to the individual breast flange is unique to that person. I want you to have a positive pumping experience, and the best way I can assist you is to give you the options for you to try, which means more than one size and more than one style of flange. I want you to find the perfect balance where your flange size allows some swelling and extension of the nipple with good movement, without excess swelling and movement.

When I size you my results are more along the lines of your nipples measured 15 x 17 mm, which makes the largest measurement 17 mm. I recommend considering flanges between 19 mm to 21 mm.

I let you know what your sizing would be with Pumpin Pals, Pumpables Liquid Flanges and Lacteck Flanges. These are all specialty styles of flanges that you may be interested in.

I tell you what size inserts you would need for Freemie and Spectra Cups.

I tell you what size options are available for the Elvie Pump that might work for you.

I tell you what size options are available for the Willow Pump that might work for you.

I want you to have all the options to find the right flange fit for you because it’s an individual choice what works right for you. Pumping works best when you find your flanges to be very comfortable, and sometimes that takes some trialing to determine. You may love Pumpin Pals and despise Lacteck, or you may find Pumpin Pals to be awful and think Pumpables Liquid Flanges are the best thing since sliced bread. We just have no way to know unless you try them.

I typically recommend starting with the smallest of the sizes, and only sizing up if there are problems with the first size (and we have remeasured you to confirm your nipples did not shrink, it’s a thing that can happen). Some people will need a tiny bit of extra room for comfort so I give you that size range to play with. If there is something about your unique breast anatomy that may be a consideration I let you know what I see.

If you are having a hard time you can always reach back out and we can remeasure and go over why the options haven’t worked to find a better solution.

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