Are you a pumping mom? If you answer YES to any of the following questions, please read on:
1) Do you suffer from nipple soreness, abrasions or edema?
2) Do you notice reduced milk ejection reflexes during pumping sessions?
3) Do you notice reduced milk supply?
Did you know that ill-fitting breast shields/flanges could possibly cause all the above problems? Unfortunately, many pumping moms do not realize that the breast shields they are currently using may not fit them properly. Very often we discover nipple trauma and complaints of discomfort while pumping among clients in our practice at Susuibu.com Breastfeeding Support Centre that is due to this very reason and also the misuse of breastpumps.
Let’s state the obvious — Every woman’s breasts are different — both internally and externally. The size of shield you use is not determined by your breast size but is influenced by the diameter of your nipples and also the location of your milk ducts (some women’s ducts will be closer to the nipple and for others a little further back).
While many women will benefit from larger shields, there are others who will do better with smaller than standard size ones. There are some general guidelines to help you determine if you may benefit from a different sized shield and whether you need larger or smaller ones. The nipple will stretch and change shape during pumping, so the best way to determine your best fit is to watch your nipple during pumping.
If your answer is YES to any of the below scenarios, you many need a larger sized shield:
- Pumping is painful, even at very low suction.
- You are having a difficult time removing milk with your breast pump.
- You experience pain or soreness on the nipple, particularly around the edges of the nipple.
- The nipple is squished into the breast shield tunnel and is not able to move freely.
- You do not feel your breasts emptying all over & experience recurrent plugged ducts
Although it is less common for women to switch from a standard size shield to a smaller one, the need to do so arises if you answer YES to these scenarios:
- You have pain or discomfort towards the base of the nipple or around the areola caused by too much areola being pulled into the breast shield tunnel
- the breastshield does not make a good seal.
- the tip of the nipple is sore due to being pulled too far into the tunnel
Angled Breast Shields with Anti-Plugged Duct Design
Today’s leading breast pump flanges force most women to sit straight up or lean forward when pumping, which may be very uncomfortable. Pumpin’ Pal tm has created an Angled Shield so moms can now sit back and pump in a more relaxed, and comfortable position. Furthermore, PP Super Shields were designed without the internal “ring” through which the nipple is pulled during a pump session – the hard “ring”, usually found at the base of the funnel is gone & this alleviates much of the “nipple trauma” so many women today experience when pumping. The design is also graduated and smooth (compare the inside of PP Super Shields with any traditional flange to see the difference)
PP Super Shields fit a range of nipple diameters:
Original/Medium – 23-29mm
Large – 29-35mm
and X-large – 35mm+.
So, in order to achieve correct sizing, it’s truly dependent on mom’s breast-shape and internal design (including elasticity). Therefore, mom’s bra/cup size may be a better starting point when determining which size of PP Super Shields to recommend:
34-38 B/C – Medium
36-40 C/D = Large
38-40 D+ = X-Large
As is typical with lactation issues, customized and personalised fits are the best methods. In our experience, many larger-breasted women whose nipples measure in the 23-29 mm range find they are more comfortable and produce more milk when using PP Large Super Shield. The same is true for X-Large sizes as well. Please feel free to consult our staff if you’re not sure.
Benefits
- Eliminates Constriction of milk ducts caused by traditional flanges
- Promotes better milk flow
- Reduces irritation to the nipple area
- Helps users to sit back in a more comfortable, natural position while pumping
- Considerably more comfortable than traditional flanges
- Can be used with hands-free systems for the ultimate in relaxed and productive pumping
- Especially effective for new moms and C-section moms
- Aids in the prevention of mastitis and other breast infections caused by plugged ducts
Pumpin’ Pal tm Super Shields +Plus Angled Breast Pumping Flanges tm will work with all leading manufacturers’ breast pumps. Please refer to the sizing chart attached to help determine which size to choose based on both current bra/cup size and approximate nipple diameter (Pencil Eraser, Dime/Nickel, Quarter):
NOTE:
For your reference:
- Nickel = 21.2 mm diameter
- Dime =17.9 mm diameter,
- Quarter = 24.3 mm diameter
Pumpin Pal can be purchased at ALL Susuibu.com/MLO outlets and online store www.momslittleones.com
