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Breastfeeding
Wrong sized phalanges???
So with my 1st LO I used the medela freestyle with 24mm softshields. Both nipples (more so the right) would turn purple during pumping and I remember them "rubbing" on the inside.
So with LO #2 I mentioned this to the LC and they suggested I go up a size. I am currently using 27mm hard shields with the same medela freestyle pump and now I think they may be too big - definitely for the left nipple. I think too much of my nipple is being pulled into the phalange. I have been back to work for a little bit over a month and I am already pumping on average 2 ounces less a day then I was when I started (this is even with an added pumping session). Most of this is due to my left (lazy lucy) only expressing 0.5 oz/pumping session. This breast also never feels to fill up or become heavy (even on the weekends when I EBF and maybe pump once/day).
Today I noticed that if I try compressions (pressing my finger at the base of my nippling while pumping) I can get some decent expression. I haven't done this long enough to see if I can up my out-put/session doing this since it is not the easiest thing to do and can be messy. Given this, do you think I can benefit from a smaller phalange (trying out the 24mm again?)
Any experience/advice will greatly be appreciated.
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Re: Wrong sized phalanges???
Compressions will help. You might try doing compressions on other spots so it doesn't get so messy. I have luck pressing on the area closest to my side, by my armpit.
You could try the 24mm ones again if you aren't having any luck with the larger size, and they aren't too uncomfortable. I use the Pumpin Pals flanges because I find them to be much more comfortable, and they are very forgiving in terms of size (my nipples are so small that even the 21mm flanges are too big, and I use the Medium pumpin pals ones and they are SO much more comfortable).
No advice on the uneven production. I get 2x the output of the left on my right side. The left only feels full after LO STTN.
And (I don't mean this to sound snarky in any way, honest!) they are flanges or breast shields. Phalanges are the bones in your fingers and toes
Sad thing is I know this... damn work fogging up my brain resulting in me typing "pha" vs "f".
I was using the standard sizes and I too was rubbing against the edges and causing purple spots on my nipples. My LC suggest to go up a size. I bought the AMEDA flanges M/L. I didn't think I'd need the Large 30.5 but turns out they fit so much better and there is space around my nipples. There is no rubbing and I get more milk.