when is the best time to measure your flange size for the most accurate and comfortable pumping experience?

you have made the decision to pump from the get-go, or you already know for a fact that your breastfeeding journey needs a pump to be involved. P.S.remember — over here we refer to “breastfeeding” as an umbrella term, meaning nursing OR pumping, or any combination of the two!

but WHEN do you actually need to measure your nipples to figure out the most accurate flange size for your body? you want to be prepared, and don’t want to wait for the correct flange sizes to be sent to you. like SOS HELP 🚨

what you need to know about flange sizing —

• it is one of the most important parts of having a successful pumping journey!!! the flange is the tunnel diameter size of the funnel piece that fits on your breast. you’ll find that typically and historically, 24mm size is what you’ll get with a breast pump and all it’s equipment.
• an accurate flange size does 2 things👇🏼
  • gives you amore comfortable pump session that decreases nipple trauma and pain
  • allows for more milk to be expressed, leading to feeling more empty, and increasing supply

need more info on flange sizing and how to get the very best out of your pumping journey?

• grab my free flange measuring tool!
• schedule a flange fitting session with me for more assistance so you KNOW you’re using the best equipment for your individual body
• learn how to pump more effectively, more confidently, and know exactly what the hell you’re doing during your pump session to achieve your goals with the instant access “basics to successful pumping” course

but what we know now (and honestly what lactation counselors specifically focused on exclusive pumping have been trying to say for so freaking long) — one of the newest studies has shown that most lactating parents need a size SMALLER than 21mm be successful in their pumping journey. omg like finally this is in writing and showing us the proof we already know!!! READ THE STUDY HERE

so what this means is that we need to measure our nipple sizing, not just assume a size, because the standard 24mm is more than likely too large.

so when the heck do you measure to have the most accurate size to your body? when you find out you’re pregnant? at 30 weeks? when you go into labor? the second you need to start pumping?

the shortest and best answer — after birth. there are SO many hormone fluctuations that happen when your placenta is “birthed”, which impacts your milk supply and lactation processes to get underway. (wanna learn more about lactation as a whole and how to make this work best for your pumping journey? find all the details about the pumping course HERE)

• if you’re pregnant, you’ll measure your nipples after birth. and even better if you’re able to after the 1-2 hours you’ll spend skin to skin with babe (even if you don’t plan to nurse, this is HUGE when it comes to establishing your milk supply)
  • this is because your nipples may increase in size after birth (very normal when lactating)
  • and may also decrease in nipple sensitivity! pregnancy nipple pain and discomfort is WILD, and this typically improves drastically after birth
• if you’re later on in the postpartum period, you’ll measure before your pump session, and 10 minutes into your pump session. this is because your nipples can shift and change during pumping, and this accounts for any of those changes
• remember to measure both sides!!! did you know that your nipples can adjust in size further along in your breastfeeding journey, and each side can measure differently?!

snag the nipple measuring tool and directions on HOW to actually do this correctly HERE!!!

in general, you can probably expect your nipples to be between 15mm-21mm sizes (especially right after birth). these are the most common and popular sizes for REAL folks body anatomy (not what pump companies automatically provide you with). but i do have to shout out my friends over at Pumpables — they are one of the first ever companies that allows you to choose your flange size when ordering your pump!!! literally this is how all pumping equipment should be in 2024 — brb gonna go and be so vocal about this so you can have access to all sizes and equipment in your pumping journey 😘

what other flange sizing questions do you have? what will make this measuring process easier for you?

xoxo, Bethany

Certified Lactation Counselor

Your Overproducing Exclusively Pumping Mama