If you have the wrong breast flange size, it can greatly reduce your output when your are pumping and decreasing the amount of milk extracted signals your body to produce less milk!
There are a lot of things you can save money on when you are breastfeeding, but getting the right size flanges and replacing essentials like valve and filters is not the place to scrimp as both those things can greatly reduce your milk supply. I have created an image to help you determine your nipple size. Use this as a guide to buying the correct breast flange size no matter what brand you have. Some brands don't have a full range of sizes, which is why Pumpin' Pal is perfect! Not only do their Super Shields help you lean back and save your back while you are pumping, their breast flanges now come in sizes from x-small 15mm to x-large that fit up to 40mm nipple diameter. Remember the nipple diameter does not include the areola, just the nipple itself and it is easy to see when you have just finished nursing or pumping.
There are a lot of things you can save money on when you are breastfeeding, but getting the right size flanges and replacing essentials like valve and filters is not the place to scrimp as both those things can greatly reduce your milk supply. I have created an image to help you determine your nipple size. Use this as a guide to buying the correct breast flange size no matter what brand you have. Some brands don't have a full range of sizes, which is why Pumpin' Pal is perfect! Not only do their Super Shields help you lean back and save your back while you are pumping, their breast flanges now come in sizes from x-small 15mm to x-large that fit up to 40mm nipple diameter. Remember the nipple diameter does not include the areola, just the nipple itself and it is easy to see when you have just finished nursing or pumping.
To find larger or smaller breast shields from Ameda, Spectra, Hygeia and ARDO, shop http://www.lactationconnection.com
Here's is to happy pumping and more milk!
Tanya
Normal anatomical differences. All women have one breast that has more working ducts and alveoli than the other (usually the left side, though either is normal). Some women also have differences between the two areola/nipples (inverted, flat, different shape/size) which make it easier for baby to latch on to one side than the other.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I think that could be the reason my wife’s milk is dwindling?
ReplyDeleteA definite possibility. Stimulation of the breast and extraction of the milk are the best ways to keep milk supply optimal. If the flange is not the correct size, lack of adequate extraction could be a factor.
ReplyDelete