All the breastshields are too big

RD'sgirl

I'm a working mom and pumping (I have a PISA) at work.  My freezer stash is quickly diminishing as I can't pump enough milk in one day to keep up with what dd eats.  My nipples are small and none of the shields fit properly.  My milk begins flowing quickly but as the suction continues it eventually ends up pulling too much of my areola and then the flow stops.  I tried repositioning the shield, stopping and massaging etc but nothing is helping and I know there is more milk in there.  Is there anything I can do to make the shields fit better?

Mystery2B

Have you ordered the smaller size shields? Not the ones it comes with, but the "custom" sized ones?

I'd talk to a lactation consultant because you can't be the only person with this problem.

jayhawk2003

Dumb question, but how do you know if the shield doesn't fit correctly..I'm just assuming mine does..but then again I'm just starting..

RD'sgirl

jayhawk2003:

Dumb question, but how do you know if the shield doesn't fit correctly..I'm just assuming mine does..but then again I'm just starting..

When it pulls your areola in the tunnel it's too big.  If you go on medela's website it will explain exactly how to tell if your shield fits correctly.  And yes, I did order the small 21mm shield.

e_b_r

i'd talk to an LC. also, maybe talk to the customer support people at pumpin pal. i haven't used the product (yet), but they were really helpful in assessing size, considering elasticity, and other issues.

deltagirl79

Have you called Medela? I swear I saw an insert somewhere to make them smaller. Their customer service could tell you if there is any such thing or if I was just sleep deprived.