Spectra Breast Shield Flange Sizes 20MM 24MM 28MM 32MM

Not only is getting the right breast pump important, but so is getting the right breast shield flange size.  If you pump regularly, using the correct breast shield size aids in adequate milk production.  With the increasing popularity of Spectra breast pump, we want moms to have the information as to what sizes are available and how you can purchase them.

Spectra Standard Breast Shield - 24mm
The 24mm breast flange was included with your Spectra breast pump including the S1 and Spectra S2 breast pump.  If you are pumping comfortably with this flange and there is room on one side of the flange shaft for freedom of movement, the standard size works for you.  The Spectra 24MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 24MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 24MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 24MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 24MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Small Breast Shield -20mm
The 20mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is room on all side of the flange shaft.  You may experience too much of the areola being drawn into the shaft as not to receive adequate compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too large.  Another reason you may need the small Spectra flange is too much elasticity in the nipple causing the nipple to draw too far into a standard flange.  The Spectra 20MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 20MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 20MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 20MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Large Breast Shield -28mm
The 28mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is no room for freedom of movement in flange shaft.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  The Spectra 28MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 28MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 28MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 28MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 28MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra X-Large Breast Shield -32mm
The 32mm breast flange is a good choice if you have wider nipples.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your standard or large flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  Most women who use this size note that their nipples are wide such as the width of your thumb.  The Spectra 32MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways.

Spectra 32MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 32MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 32MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Remember, breast shield flange sizing is important for milk extraction and in turn milk production so one way to be sure to get the right size is to purchase more than one size in the single flange and then once you determine your needs, purchase more in the appropriate size.  

Best wishes for the perfect flange size!
Tanya

Troubleshooting your Spectra Breast Pump: When to Replace Spectra Breast Pump Parts

Today's consumer wants plug and play electronic equipment, but breast pumps require a little more preparation.

Getting Started

When you get your pump, remove the breast shield from the backflow protector.  Then remove the valve from the breast shield.  Sterilize only the following parts:  breast shield, valve, bottle, bottle ring, disc and cap.  Do not sterilize the filter aka backflow protector or tubing.  Sterilize using the top rack of the dishwasher, microwave steam sterilizer bag or boiling water.  If you use boiling water, bring the water to a boil and then leave in for no longer than 3-5 minutes or you will have cloudy or warped parts.  Do not use a bottle brush to clean breast pump parts.  Do not wash backflow protectors.  Keeping the filters dry, helps maintain their integrity longer.

Re-assemble as per instructions.  If you has misplaced your instructions, you can download these Spectra S2 breast pump instructions.  But remember, although these breast pumps have a closed system and when you purchase your own kit, you should not share these types of breast pumps with other mothers.  Although there is no cross contamination of yeast with a used breast pump, the motor is made to last for one baby and older pumps may compromise your milk supply.

Now that you have your breast pump re-assembled, set your pump to a fast speed and the highest suction level where you feel comfortable.  Too high of suction will not help the milk let-down if you feel discomfort.  Quick speed gives you the most cycles per minute which helps with milk production and double pumping increases prolactin levels which help with milk supply.  For a single baby pump for a full 10-15 minutes of double pumping even if milk stops flowing earlier.  This tells your body you want to produce more milk.  

Troubleshooting and Breast Pump Parts

The most common problem with low suction on your breast pump is the result of a part in your kit. To keep your pump functioning at optimum levels, replace the Spectra valves and backflow protectors every 100 pumping sessions.  For a mother who works 5 days a week and pumps 3 times per day, that is every 7 weeks.  The rule of thumb for the working mother is to replace these parts every 6-8 weeks. Other parts should be replaced as needed.  If you see pinholes in tubing, warped or scratched breast shields it is time to replace parts.  Other indicators are if you had a yeast infection as boiling will not kill yeast or if you see a tear in your valve.

It is important to keep replacement parts on hand so that a misfortune with a broken, melted or loss part does not interfere with your milk supply.  Having extra breast shields is also a good way to keep from spending as much time cleaning your parts.  Before you purchase extras however, make sure that the standard size is comfortable.  You should have space on at least one side of the pump shaft for your nipple to move freely while pumping.  If there is no space or you feel discomfort, consider purchasing the next size breast shield.  

Maintaining your breast pump is a proactive way to keep your milk supply, but don't forget to pump frequently and don't miss feeding sessions without pumping.  For moms with babies under 6 months, that is 8 times per day of feeding or pumping and over 6 months, you need stimulation 5 times per day.  Ensure an extra 3 pumping sessions during growth spurts which occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.  These extra sessions are a good reminder to replace your pump parts and step up your number of pumping sessions for the full 5-7 day growth spurt period.

Happy Pumping!

Tanya