Flange Sizing 101 | What is flange sizing and does it really matter?

Does having the right flange size matter? How do you know if you have the right flange size? What is FLANGE SIZING?!? Let's tackle why having the right flange size matters for increasing your milk supply and pumping comfortably.
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Flanges in different sizes
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0:00 Timestamps
0:30 What is flange sizing?
1:33 Breast size VS Nipple size
2:43 Why is flange sizing important?
3:58 The 24mm work for me?
5:01 Elastic Nipples
6:42 Do you have the right flange size?
8:15 Need help?
#flangesizing #workingmom #breastpumps
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www.newlittlelife.com/2022/09...
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[@marisaalonzo2895]

I am a Momcozy Customer Support and this is very helpful, we can help educate our customers more, thank you so much. Love it..

[@GingeRenee]

That’s awesome your so proactive in educating yourself to provide better support to moms out there. Thank you for caring so much!

[@Murburns]

I’ve met with two LCs at the hospital, and each one gave me a totally different recommendation for flange size. Very frustrating. Thanks for the video!

[@NewLittleLife]

LCs get no training on pumping so this is not surprising. It’s best to find an LC who has a lot of experience working with pumping parents!

[@FAAnjum]

This is the exact video I was looking for. Thanks!

[@NewLittleLife]

Perfect!!!! 🥰

[@sw33tnycandy]

Learned this is the hard way lol. Seriously no one talks about this when you begin your pumping journey. With my eldest, I absolutely was in the wrong flange size. I switched out to a larger size only to note still not my size but a lot better than the standard 24mm. I finally got around to size 27-28.5mm flanges and was like "HOLY GRAIL." Prior I hadn't actually measured my nipple size before pumping/feeding so I really was clueless but same time I knew my size was on the bigger side. With the right size, I can express far more comfortably and in a shorter time span. Although I could get the same volume expressed with the incorrect size, it wasn't the most comfortable of journeys. I did recently come across a popular pump company saying they were going to discontinue larger flange sizes much to my dismay. I argued that there is a legitimate need for flanges 24mm and larger. This company claimed that most clients do not need 24mm and larger as they were receiving high request for smaller flanges. Ultimately I would hope pump companies continue to offer size 24mm to 36mm and a drop of those sizes would cut out plenty moms like myself from being about to use a pump effectively..

[@ntmn8444]

That’s ridiculous. Which brand is it? We need to know!

[@laurameehl4300]

This was SO helpful thank you!!

[@stovin]

Thank you so much for the info!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 it helps me so much!!!

[@i_luv_hecklefish]

Thank you this was extremely helpful! ❤

[@KassandraChandler]

The biggest pet peeve of mine is that brands have all the small sizes but only one or two large sizes that are either 30 to 32mm and for some those two options are too small and the other too big. Companies need to make EVERY size seriously

[@NewLittleLife]

AGREED! It’s not an easy, quick, or cheap process to design and manufacture different sizes, most companies are working on it but it’s such a slow and expensive process for them. We NEED it though!

[@eviannne]

Not super true… us girls with way small nipples are on the same boat

[@Ry_ooK]

Thank you! I just started pumping 2 weeks ago and I thought the whole areola and nipple had to be suctioned 🤣. I got that Montgomery glands ,and I leak milk from there too!! Not sure what to do 🤔

[@bertramstudio]

This is the most useful video I have seen on this topic thank you!!

[@NewLittleLife]

Glad to hear it!

[@boglarkareti856]

Hey, this is so helpful! I had no idea why pumping was hurting me! My flange was too big for me, I’m getting a smaller one ASAP. In the meantime do you have any suggestions for the pain? What can I do to ease it? Should I stop pumping while the small flange arrives? Thank you! ❤

[@darlenevalbuena7722]

This was my first week back to work after staying home for 6 months. Baby wouldn't take a bottle then all my pumped milk (48oz+) has hi lipase and he wouldn't take it :( then after not pumping for 2.5 months my breast weren't used to the pump and I was struggling to get 3-4 oz/session. Finally today I thought let me change my flange sizes bc you know 2 different nipple sizes and I got 7 oz this morning when I usually get 4.5. 2nd pumping session today and usually I only get 3-3.5 oz and i got 4!

[@paigemagee7288]

Can you do a video on the haakaa vs Elvie curve?

[@hannahpayg]

I’m going to apologize in advance for my stupid question - I guess I need it to be explained to me as if I were a 4 year old 😂 .. The flange should fit around just the nipple prior to pumping, correct? I’m pretty sure I’ve been using the wrong size as my nipples swell up super big by the time I’m done pumping and are super sore 24/7. Plus my milk output isn’t great now, it has recently decreased. (I’m 3wks pp) When I center my nipples in my current sized flange, I can obviously see a decent amount of space on either side of the nipple before turning on my pump. BUT they do swell up to fill the whole flange while pumping. Do I need to go down to a size where just the nipple sits in the flange when I first place it on my breasts?

[@crunchygranolagirl]

I have the same question!!

[@laurenblake1719]

I am currently using the 24MM flange in the legendary milk collection cups. I am constantly frustrated because I feel like unless I have them lined up exactly right they don’t work. So many times I’ve pumped for 10 min to find no milk out put. Is this an indicator of incorrect flange size?

[@britmw1478]

What if your a in between size

[@daniellenelson5300]

I did not do my research at all before giving birth guess ill know what to ask the lactation nurses next time

[@Lexbrownphotography]

For flange size if I stimulate my nipple without pumping (first time mom) is that the size I need when I measure? Or do I still need to add a few mm to it?

[@sw33tnycandy]

Flange size should be 1-3mm larger than your nipple diameter as nipples swell when pumping/feeding. When pumping your nipple be able to freely move in the flange tunnel. Plus if you look closely there is a small line on the flanges. Your nipple shouldn't go past that line if they are fitting correctly. Too small will cause pain and the nipple to rub against the sides of the tunnel. Too big will have plenty areola in the tunnel and also cause pain.

[@nicholethomas4675]

Where are you located and how do we go about setting up an appointment and how much are you charging? What would you call your job how would I find someone like you locally?

[@NewLittleLife]

I do all my work online, so you can learn more about working with me here! www.newlittlelifelessons.com/working-moms-program It’s hard to find a lactation on consultant with breast pump experience, but you could ask the local lactation consultants in your area if they are experienced with pumping. We don’t get trained in pumping though so you’ve got to learn it on your own! That’s why I started my program, it has everything you need to successfully combine breastfeeding and pumping with confidence. Let me know if you have more questions!

[@angelenaj0Li3]

Ugh so frustrating dealing with this. I was using 21mm and it’s way too big not realizing how the areola shouldn’t go in that much. Wondering why my supply is crap and I’ve gone to 19, 17, and 15 and they’re still too big sucking in the areola. I’m trying 14 next.

[@angelenaj0Li3]

And yes I was following the whole add 2-3mm advice I saw online which is totally not true for me

[@NewLittleLife]

We’re all still learning too! Healthcare and science continue to evolve and forever will.. keep experimenting! Reach out for help if you need it 💙 www.newlittlelife.com

[@lanenadrz]

Question I have flat nipples when stimulated my right does come out to the normal looking nipple but it’s small if I use a 24 size cup my nipple gets swollen and it starts to hurt, the smaller one works 21 but I haven’t found one that has good suction. Now my left boob pretty much stays flat even after being stimulated so finding the correct size for that boob was a struggle with my first. I am 38 weeks along and definitely doing my research bc I don’t wanna struggle as much as I did with my first child, it made me quit breastfeeding at 7 months old bc I couldn’t pump enough while I was at work and was just too stressful bc I could feel my breast were full but I couldn’t get it out no matter what I tried.

[@NewLittleLife]

I would love to help you through this! You can work with me personally by joining my Pumping for Working Moms Program here: calendly.com/d/d3c-8c2-jvj

[@danieladowell5025]

My problem is no flange seems to be the right size. Even with using a sizer. Its frustrating to only get 1 or maybe 1.5 ounces of milk every 4-6 hours. And thats 2 pumping sessions

[@user-zs4pp1lz7c]

When trying to buy a pump, do we measure prebirth and hope for the best, do people typically get larger nipples post partum?

[@NewLittleLife]

Yes nipples to typically get larger postpartum. A measurement per birth is a good place to start! You likely won’t be any smaller so that’s something!

[@cute-and-anonymous5825]

How do we measure?

[@chole5031]

Hi I am a 16mm and I’m told by willow to use 17mm but I have a Elvie and they say to use 21mm can you please tell me what to use

[@NewLittleLife]

You might have to experiment and see what works best. There really isn’t a good formula that just works for everyone.

[@naruto04]

My left measures 16mm and I use a 17mm. My right is 17mm and I used a 19mm, but that was before they had 18mm flanges. 21mm is way too big for both nipples.

[@KGraceC1112]

I got a long flange on accident. Will this affect results or comfort or can I just use this and it won’t change anything?

[@NewLittleLife]

If it fits in the shield, go for it!

[@theblackwidow2758]

I have tried 4 different pumps and all sizes from 13mm to 30mm and can't seem to get the right size or get any milk and it's very frustrating

[@ThePassionperfect]

Same here!!!

[@Lexleo44]

The spectra smallest flange is 20mm what can I do if I’m a 16mm

[@NewLittleLife]

There are alot of options on Amazon! It doesn’t have to be a spectra part

[@TaylorTatorbugHansen]

Where can you get these flanges?

[@NewLittleLife]

Which flanges?

[@aminathifa4462]

Hello After sizing where can we get flang

[@mac.bxby0]

my nipples measured 21 but no matter the size i try, it either to big or small. it’ll suck too much into the tube or rub against the sides…. idk what to do

[@mightybaby2583]

It sounds like you have elastic nipples! As long as your milk production is well and you aren’t hurting everything should be fine

[@naruto04]

Rubbing the sides is not an issue. Just lubricate to avoid friction.

[@user-zc7fv9ff8n]

Ok but nobody ever talks about how to fix the elastic nipple issue. 😭😭 I’m on the verge of giving up. I have every flange size you can think of and my nipples always reach the end of the flange eventually. The pain and frustration is unreal. In all reality I’m a 21 mm but the funnel is too short my nipple reaches the end a minute into pumping. The bigger I go the more my areola gets sucked in and the more my nipple stretches. The shorter I go the more my nipples swells into a tator tot and kills me. I have a milk bleb from hell, cracked bleeding nipples and what looks like a blister burn on one nipple. Trial and error has been my hell and nothing is working. Can’t get the milk out successfully and the clogged ducts and mastitis is destroying me. 😔😔😢😢 I have taken hot showers, soaked in epsom salt, heating pads, vibrating tools. Hand expression is my final option and that is beyond difficult trying to figure out and getting one drop at a time is insanity. Can’t get the stream not to mention my nipples hate me so it’s very painful right now. Ok rant over…. Any advice? 😅😅😅

[@FAAnjum]

Do we measure the nipple before or after pumping?

[@NewLittleLife]

Before :)

[@HeyItsKayJayBae]

I have a bigger ish areola and super small nips (13 mm) I just realized this on baby number 3 that the standard 24mm and 21mm flanges are entirely too big 😑🤣

[@NewLittleLife]

Sounds like your right! I’d love to her your experience with sizing down and what you find works best for you.

[@b.tazeem]

My flange size is not the right fit because i am getting measly 5-10 ml in first 2 minutes of suction but then my nipple swells and start rubbing against tunnel walls also a lot of areola getting sucked into tunnel i am confused do i need bigger or smaller size

[@NewLittleLife]

If areola is going into the tunnel, try a smaller size.

[@mirandadavis62]

It's because even if the flange is too big, while pumping, your nipple will swell inside a flange that's too big... So yes, you would need a smaller size.

[@b.tazeem]

@@BaByGuUrL221 5-10 ml

[@lee4094]

Can my obgyn measure my flange size?

[@NewLittleLife]

They likely don’t know how! Even most lactation consultants can’t do it well 😴

[@naruto04]

⁠@@NewLittleLifeI had one lactation consultant say I needed a 28mm while another said I needed a 24mm. Learned how to correctly size myself and I needed 17mm flanges. 🙄

[@XXLaLa8623]

I have a very hard time figuring out my size. I have oval nipples that are more volcanic I'm shape, so it's hard to tell where th end it. 😭😂

[@kristenmae6761]

I have the same issue. Were you able to figure it out?

[@XXLaLa8623]

@@kristenmae6761 I waited a bit bc I haven't delivered new babe yet. I am in a group that does sizing. Feel free to look me up on Facebook and I can point you in the right directions!

[@teewaconda]

Okay I need help 😫 I need to know what flange I need!!

[@NewLittleLife]

Genuine Lactation does excellent flange sizing! I highly recommend Jessica for more complex cases facebook.com/genuinelactation

[@kristinaingerson7501]

me year 5 of breastfeeding , decided I need to pump again cos my 18mo won't drink regular or soy milk and watching this only to find out I probably pumped the first 3 years incorrectly 🫣 . ordering new flanges only cos I threw out my old ones and thankfully I'm able ti find these videos

[@NewLittleLife]

You’re in good company, I hear this often!! The more we learn the more we know 💙