Pumping & Small Nipples

GoldenPeaches

I was pumping with a manual for half of his feeds for about a week using the standard flange. It wasn't until I got my Lansinoh double electric in the mail and tried it out did I realize that I was damaging my breasts because too much areola tissue was being pulled into the flange. Even on the slowest cycle & lowest suction it HURT.

I bought these Ameda flexishields that bring the standard 24mm flange down to a 21mm flange, but too much areola is still being pulled in. It's a little more comfortable, but I can still tell it is causing damage to my tissues. I lube my areola/nipple up with olive oil which also helps (insensitivity to Lanolin).

My nipples are about the size of a pencil eraser. With puberty they just never grew

Anybody else have this issue? Is there anything I can do? 21mm is the smallest flange on the market and it is still too big. I feel so defeated. 

AmyRI

*raises hand* 21mm is still way too big for me, too.

Get the Pumpin Pals Medium flanges. They are still too big, but the different shape keeps it from rubbing in one spot and keeps the areola from becoming too enflamed. It makes pumping 3-4 times a day (because I work full time) possible. Seriously love those things. I used to use lanolin religiously with the other flanges, but I haven't needed it at all with the Pumpin Pals ones (once my nips healed).

It takes going through a few menus on their website, but you don't have to buy the set of them, just buy the medium ones on their own since you know you won't need any bigger ones.

GoldenPeaches

Thank you!! I just wish they kept all sizes in mind when making products.

AmyRI

Me, too! I actually wrote to Pumpin' Pals and told them to make a smaller size, but never heard anything back. Medela I feel is a lost cause - they make 18mm nipple shields, but nothing smaller than 21mm flanges! I guess not enough people need the smaller sizes so they don't bother.