Medela pump breastsheild sizes?!

shelbywaldrob

Im using the medela pump in style to exclusively pump and I've had trouble from the start. I've been pumping for 5 weeks now and have just recently found out they make shields smaller than the 24mm. So I ordered the 19mm shields because I knew based on the picture guide the 24mms were too big. It pulled too much of my areola in and was very painful. It turned my nipples white even on a low setting and my nipples were hard like all day. The 19mms have been a huge improvement except I don't feel like there's enough suction to get the most milk out now. I feel like it's not emptying my breasts all the way. When I first turn it on the suction feels right but after a few minutes I barely feel any tugging and turn it all the way up and nothing changes. I know it's not the pump because I've used the 24mms after the 19mms and it had a lot more suction. Anyone else had this problem?!

J&D2007

I didn't realize that they even made different sizes until last week. I had a hard time pumping my right side. It felt painful and bruised. I bought a larger flange and its been much better. I don't have advice, but thought I'd share!

shelbywaldrob

I have the 21mms not 19mms! Sorry about that!

mrsb30

I has problem with pumping until I changed sizes. A lactation consultant fitted me and I actually have a different size with each breast. Maybe you can contact a lactation consultant and see if they can help.

tarheelgirl8

I had to order the small shields as well, but I haven't noticed any change in the suction compared to the mediums. Are you still getting milk when the suction seems to stop? I think some lactation consultants will help with pumping as well. It may be worth talking to one.

shelbywaldrob

Me neither! Lucky for you they sell the larger sizes in stores but not the small size!

shelbywaldrob

I will probably do that. I think maybe I'm just used to it being painful and now that it's not I feel like something is wrong. I'm still pumping around my usual amount. Just with the smaller ones I'm getting just a little bit less out.

shelbywaldrob

I think maybe I need to keep the medium on the right side and the small on the left. I have a pretty noticeable difference in breast size, the nipples also. Even before I started lactating.

shelbywaldrob

Yes milk does still flow when the suction seems to drop.

PixelPosy

I use 21 mm sometimes too and noticed they are much easier to "knock" loose from your breast tissue. I have to push them tighter to my breast to keep the suction solid. Your breasts could need different sizes, that is very common. You might also want to check out pumpin pals, they are more forgiving for a range of sizes. I get the most milk with my pumpin pal small. 

Lalala2326

I use 19mm with both my Medela and Spectra pumps and have not noticed a difference in suction from 24mm ones (I used those the entire time with my first daughter). You may definitely need different ones for each breast but I don't know why you would be experiencing less suction with the 19mm.

cosplaymom

I use the smaller ones too. Wish they had an even smaller size! But they work ok.

I do know that suction is not as good when you use batteries instead of plugging into a wall. Also, check all of your connections. Old tubes can get stretched and lose suction. Or you might need to replace the little circle flaps.