flange help.

Hunterloren

Yah, remember me? Latch issue girl got flange problems too. 

Weeeeell, I broke my pump and had to go buy a new one STAT. I was looking at getting a new flange because I thought mine was too small. Now I think it is too big. I use a 24 inch- standard, but it hurts to pump, hence the thought that I need something different.

The illustrations I was looking at showed that if your nipple has space on either side in the flange it is too big. Well, I'm having a hard time seeing if that is the case because my nipple is little and short, but it sure looks like that is the case. One I can finally establish suction, it kindof draws in my breast too. Ouch. Pinchy pain.

So, can anyone give me some hints about this- maybe make it easier for me to tell if I really do need something smaller before I spend the money.  

Hunterloren

Oh, I just read this:

You may also see a little ring of skin flecks in the tunnel of the breastshield after you pump.  While a little circle of milk in the tunnel is normal, a ring of skin flecks probably indicates that the tunnel is too small, and that you would be more comfortable with a larger breastshield.  When your nipple moves freely in the tunnel of the breastshield, you will also note a gentle pulling movement in the areola each time the pump cycles.  If you do not see any movement in the areola with the pump vacuum, the breastshield is probably too small. 

I have the skin flecks big time. Looks like my shield is too small. Who knew. 

Hunterloren

Starbuck128:

Were you looking at the photo on the medela site? I was having problems and looked at their page for some help. I saw that photo and immediately thought I needed a smaller flange. I ordered one, but it was even worse than the 24 one. There was still space around the nipple, and now it hurt! That photo lies. 

I also read that some women need to move up a size once their supply is established. I ordered the large size, and just got it this evening. I'll try it in the morning and let you know how it goes if you are interested.  

Absolutely, but I read that if you have a ring of skin flakes after pumping then it is too small. I have that and the soreness all the way around my nipple. That all means it is too small. So, I will be heading to BRU as soon as it opens tomorrow. Let me know anyway. 

kristin172429

Just an FYI - you can apply olive oil or anything that doesn't have to be wiped away before nursing before you pump.  It helps reduce any friction and makes it a little easier on the ladies.  

mintea

If only Ryan Gosling were here! 

But no, in all seriousness I actually don't know much about flange size. But, the other day I had to pump somewhere near a mirror and I could see better from the side how much I was filling the flange or not. Maybe try that?

And skin flecks sounds so gross lol!!

Hunterloren

mintea:

If only Ryan Gosling were here! 

But no, in all seriousness I actually don't know much about flange size. But, the other day I had to pump somewhere near a mirror and I could see better from the side how much I was filling the flange or not. Maybe try that?

And skin flecks sounds so gross lol!!

Mintea, your siggy is what first got me thinking something was wrong! LOL! And the first time I realized they were actually skin flecks, I was totally grossed out and shocked. 

mintea

lolol!!! So someone mentioned medela has images that show proper fit, could you link those? I couldn't find them and I don't know if I am in a good fit.

I started with the standard ones and moved up a size after pumping for a few weeks. But now I feel like even this is too small, but I might just be capturing too much areola, I don't have a clue. I always thought I had pretty small nipples, though, so maybe I am just confused about how it's supposed to fit.  

Hunterloren

https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/assets/file/PF chart.pdf

Not sure how to make it a clicky link.

But, remember what PP said- the drawings may be misleading. my nipples don't look like those in the pics. It was the skin flake ring that told me what was wrong. 

kristin172429

Starbuck128:

The 27mm flange worked better for me. There was no pinching, and I got 4 oz of milk easily. What a relief, because I had been struggling to get 1oz, and I have over supply problems!

It still looks nothing like that photo, and I have a Medela pump.  

I use the 27, too.  24 was too small.  Mine does look like the photo when pumping.

Hunterloren

kristin172429:

Starbuck128:

The 27mm flange worked better for me. There was no pinching, and I got 4 oz of milk easily. What a relief, because I had been struggling to get 1oz, and I have over supply problems!

It still looks nothing like that photo, and I have a Medela pump.  

I use the 27, too.  24 was too small.  Mine does look like the photo when pumping.

Got it and love it! That was so much nicer to use! Now I wonder what other things I've been missing out on O_o