flange – Pump Momma Pump

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.*

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Why is there so much conflicting information when it comes to flange sizing?

➡️The traditional school of thought is to measure your nipples and add 3-4mm for your flange size. (Example, if you measure 15mm, select a 18-19mm flange)

➡️The newer school of thought that is being presented to lactation professionals through professional development right now is to size a momma much closer to her exact nipple size. (Example, if you measure 15mm, select a 15-16mm flange)

What do I believe?🤔 Personally and professionally, (After two exclusive pumping journeys and hundreds of flange sizing consultations) I hover somewhere right in the middle, and I usually suggest a range of anywhere from 1-2mm larger than the nipple width. I don’t feel comfortable suggesting a 15mm flange for a 15mm nipple. Nipples expand during pumping, and I feel that there should be room for that expansion.🤗
That’s why I give mommas all the information and let them do a bit if experimentation to see what works for their unique body. ❤️ Want a little TMI? My nipples are 15mm and I comfortably used a 18mm Lacteck but would also fit well in a 17mm flange.

⚠️HOWEVER, flange sizing is SO MUCH MORE than “here, go measure yourself.” Mommas don’t usually know where/what to measure, and there are other factors that play into successful flange sizing than measurement alone. What are those factors?

⭐️FIT- Flange stays centered and does not gap or slide around
⭐️FEEL- Pumping is comfortable without pain to the nipple or areola
⭐️SPRAYS- Strong sprays of milk are a good sign it fits well (and good suction/settings on your pump).
⭐️EMPTYING FULLY- Meaning that milk is not left in areas of the breast/frequent clogs
⭐️EFFICIENCY- Sessions that take 15-30min max.

😵‍💫Confused? This is why a flange sizing appointment can be helpful! You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, momma! Get sized by a knowledgeable lactation professional.

Where do I measure?

For some mommas, it is unclear where the areola ends and the nipple begins. For many, the nipple has a different texture or skin tone shade than the areola. (The nipple may have a more textured/wrinkly appearance than the area around it) Gently pinch your nipple before measuring. Nipples cn get squashed inside bras and additional stimulation can help elongate/define the nipple.

How do I go about measuring my nipple?

Grab a ruler or tape measure with centimeters. Hold the centimeter side toward your body. It helps to get a second opinion, since you can only see it from one vantage point. From the picture on the far left, you can see that the nipple is about one line short of 1.5cm (this would be 14mm) See how it might be easier for someone else to look head-on, rather than you looking down from above? A caliper might work best, if you have one! (LINKED HERE)
If you are using a circle ruler (LINKED HERE), you want the circle that fits best without room to wiggle around (too large) and without catching onto your nipple skin as you put it on (too small). The circle ruler should encircle your nipple only and sit against your breast. (That’s how you know you are measuring the base of your nipple.)
A nipple of this size would most likely fit best in anywhere from a 15-18 flange size, depending on comfort and efficient and full milk removal.

Not to sound like a broken record, but this is another reason it helps to get professionally sized. It can be difficult to do on your own!

How do I measure a flat nipple?

“Rolling out the nipple” can help a flat nipple evert/become erect for measurement. Check out this video for an example of rolling out the nipple: VIDEO HERE (Starts at :34 timestamp) Video from IABLE: Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education
Beginning to pump before measuring, or using a nipple everter like THIS one, can help make an inverted or flat nipple more evert and easy to measure.

Okay, but can we see a flange sizing video, please?

You got it, dude.

When do I measure myself?

I suggest waiting until AFTER birth to measure. Also, it’s a good idea to measure before pumping, not after. Nipples expand (or “puff up” during pumping and you may not get an accurate size after pumping.)

How do I select a type of flange when there are so many options out there?

Pumping is all about experimentation, momma! But where to begin? Let me introduce you to some of my favorite options:

Hard plastic flanges:
Many companies carry a limited range of sizes. Check AMAZON for a greaster variety of compatible flange sizes
Lacteck silicone baby-motion flanges:
Pump Momma Pump’s absolute favorite! Made of soft, flexible silicone, these can provide additional comfort and are a great option if hard plastic flanges don’t feel that comfortab;e, even when using your correct flange size. Save on lacteck by using code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10 and learn more over at lacteck.com
PumpinPal flanges:
These are angled, gradually tapered flanges which come in a variety pack so you can try out different sizes to see which works best. I usually suggest these for women struggling with elastic nipple tissue (more about this below) To save on PumpinPal flanges, use code PUMPMOMMA5 and click HERE to learn more!
BeauGen Flange Cushions:
Soft and sticky, these cushions can be added to your hard plastic flanges to provide a secure grip and soft feel. They are my go-to suggestion for mommas struggling with elastic nipples or leaking when using a wearable pump. Here’s your LINK for these cushions! (Note that they fit into flanges size 21-27 and reduce the flange size by about 2mm.)

What about Elastic Nipples?

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

Our skin is 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 go more in depth about this topic in my blog post on elastic nipples.)

Elastic nipple tissue has greater “stretchiness”/elasticity than other nipples. They can swell widthwise to fill any size flange tunnel and/or stretch down the flange tunnel and even hit the end of the flange tunnel. How do you know whether you have elastic nipples? Notice how the nipple in “Too big” image below doesn’t stretch, it sits atop a “nipple mountain” of too much areola being pulled into the tunnel. That nipple is not elastic. The nipple in “too small” is also not elastic, it’s being squeezed into a flange tunnel that is too small.

So what do you do if you have elastic nipple tissue? You cann’t turn elastic nipples INelastic (like you can’t make that go away) so you just have to work with it. 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. 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!

Additional Tips

Flange sizing can REALLY improve your breast pumping journey. A well-fitting flange can increase comfort, help you empty quicker, and ensure that you’re fully emptying each time you pump. However, there are other factors that can also help. Adding a lubricant like a food-grade coconut oil to your areola/nipple before pumping can greatly reduce friction and increase comfort (especially if you are sizing down in flange size from what you were using before.) Making sure you change your valves regularly (every month for exclusive pumpers and every three months for occasional pumpers) will ensure that your suctions stays strong. Keeping your flange centered on your nipple will help you fully empty without keeping milk in part of the breast due to uneven suction on your milk ducts.

Tag: flange

Do I Have Elastic Nipples?