Do I Have Elastic Nipples?

How do you know if you have “Elastic Nipples?” (and what does that even mean???)

Our skin is naturally elastic (I mean, just think about how much our skin stretches in pregnancy, doesn’t it!) and all nipples swell during pumping. However, some mommas have more elastic tissue in their nipples that can be problematic when pumping. I’ve previously posted about flange sizing, but this post is all about elastic nipple tissue.

So how can you tell?
An elastic nipple may stretch lengthwise and even reach the end of the flange tunnel.
An elastic nipple may swell widthwise to fill the flange tunnel no matter what size flange you use. THAT’S the kicker- If you don’t have elastic nipple tissue and your flange is too large, you’ll experience what I call the “nipple mountain”, pulling in a lot of areola with a little nipple pulsing on top with each suck of the pump. The nipple itself wouldn’t swell or stretch like an elastic nipple would. Check the video below for a visual:

The Nipple Mountain!

(I really should copyright this term! 😜)
When I do flange sizing consultations, this is the easiest way to know whether your flanges are too large or whether you have elastic nipple tissue (as you saw in the video above.) When a flange is too large, part or all of the areola gets sucked inside the flange tunnel while pumping, and the nipple pulses on top like a little nipple mountain. That signals to me that the flange is too large. When a momma has elastic nipple tissue, the nipple itself would swell either sideways to fit the whole flange tunnel and/or extend down the length of the flange tunnel toward the end. Notice in the drawing above how the nipple itself is not swelling. This momma would want to consider selecting a flange that is smaller in diameter.
Why does this matter? When a flange is too large it could hurt- rubbing the areola resulting in friction blisters, peely skin, or a red raw feeling. A flange that is too large might also not remove milk efficiently. The mother might take a long time to empty or experience ‘clogs’ or reduced milk supply. A flange that is too large can easily become off centered which could result in some milk ducts being stimulated more than others, which could cause a ‘clog’ (inadequately emptied breast, in this case) as well.

What can you do about elastic nipples?

So you decided that you DO have elastic nipples, and you are finding it to be problematic. What can you do about it?
You can’t turn elastic nipples INelastic (like, you can’t make that go away) so you have to work with it instead of against it! I highly suggest that you get sized professionally for the correct size flange, and you find the size and style flange that is both the most comfortable and fully empties the breast most efficiently. (Book a consult or flange sizing here.)
What do I mean by “style” flange? This can mean selecting a flange cushion, a silicone flange, an angled flange, and/or adding or eliminating lubrication while pumping. Confused? That’s why it’s best to work with a lactation professional 1:1 to figure this out! Check out my go-to flange style options below.

BeauGen Breast Pump Cushions

My go-to solution for elastic nipples that extend down the entire flange tunnel: BeauGen cushions! (They fit into flanges sized 21-27 and bring the size down by 2mm so are ideal for mommas who need a flange size of 19-24) They gently hold back the stretchy nipple tissue so that the nipple can’t stretch all the way down the flange tunnel. SAVE on BeauGen cushions with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP.

Lacteck Silicone Flanges

⭐️ MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ⭐️
I wouldn’t even say I’m “team silicone” over here because I’m just straight “team Lacteck!“ They are SO COMFORTABLE… great for elastic nipples, YES, but I do not have elastic nips and my nips also love ‘em! Use code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10 to save on Lacteck flanges.
(Spectra/Motif users will need this additional connector to use Lacteck flanges)

PumpinPal Flanges

PumpinPal flanges are angled, silicone or plastic flanges. While they aren’t for everyone, I’ve had many a momma tell me that they “saved their pumping journey.” They can be good for elastic nips because the silicone variety (smaller sizes) help hold the areola back from the tunnel and all styles provide a different, more ergonomic way of pumping. They also come in a variety pack as opposed to being individually measured in mm. Save on PumpinPal flanges with code PUMPMOMMA5.

What about coconut oil as lubrication?

I always suggest using a food-grade coconut oil as lubrication when pumping. However, for mommas experiencing problematic elastic nipple tissue, I caution against coconut oil. While it can relieve friction, it can also make elastic tissue stretch even more! Mommas who are experiencing width-wise expansion, definitely try coconut oil. Mommas who are experiencing length-wise expansion, you might benefit from NOT using coconut oil. Try it and see! Pumping is all about experimentation and finding what works for you.

*I make sure to get discount codes for you on all product links, and for select products, I receive a small commission on those purchases at no additional cost to you.*