Tips for Choosing the Right Breast Pump Flange Size: The Key to Comfort for Breastfeeding Mothers

Many breastfeeding mothers often complain about discomfort, pain, or even chafing while pumping breast milk, even when using an advanced, high-quality breast pump. Surprisingly, the main cause is not always the pump itself, but rather the use of an ill-fitting breast pump flange.

A flange that is too large or too small can affect comfort, milk flow, and even long-term milk production. Interestingly, many mothers are unaware that each breast can have a different size, meaning that one flange size may not fit both sides perfectly.

To address this challenge, Hegen introduces an innovative solution with its full silicone breast pump flange, soft, flexible, and designed to adapt to every mother’s unique breast shape and size. It’s a smart innovation that combines comfort and efficiency in one elegant design.

In this article, discover how to determine the right flange size for your body, along with practical tips to support your breastfeeding journey and ensure the best experience for you and your little one.

Why the Right Breast Pump Flange Size Matters

Choosing the correct flange size is not merely a matter of preference, it’s a crucial factor that determines both comfort and efficiency during pumping. When pumping, the nipple and a small part of the areola are gently drawn into the tunnel of the flange to simulate a baby’s natural sucking motion.

If the flange size is incorrect, this process won’t function properly. A flange that’s too small can cause the nipple to rub against the sides of the tunnel, leading to excessive friction, soreness, or even injury. It can also block milk ducts due to uneven pressure, making milk flow sluggish.

On the other hand, a flange that’s too large can also cause issues. The suction may not be strong enough, the areola may be pulled too deeply into the tunnel, and the mother might experience pain or poor milk output despite the pump working well. 

Using the wrong flange size can also interfere with the let-down reflex, making pumping sessions longer and less effective, and potentially reducing milk supply. In contrast, the right flange size ensures comfort, promotes smooth milk flow, prevents breast injury, and optimizes milk expression, helping mothers stay calm, comfortable, and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Also read: The Best Baby Bottles for Newborns: Why Hegen Is the Right Choice

How to Determine the Right Breast Pump Flange Size

Determining the right breast pump flange size is essential for both comfort and optimal milk expression. Here are the steps you can follow to find your ideal fit.

• Step 1: Measure the Nipple Diameter

Measure your nipple diameter after breastfeeding or pumping, this is when the nipple is in its most natural size. Use a small ruler, digital caliper, or a printable nipple ruler for accuracy. Make sure to measure only the nipple, not the areola.

• Step 2: Add 4 mm of Extra Space (2 mm on Each Side)

Add a total of 4 mm to your nipple diameter to determine the most suitable flange size.

Example: If your nipple measures 12 mm, the ideal flange size would be 16 mm. 

This extra space allows your nipple to move freely within the tunnel without friction or pressure.

• Step 3: Evaluate Comfort During Pumping

A properly fitted flange should feel comfortable, with smooth nipple movement and efficient milk flow, without pain, redness, or swelling after the session.

Also read: 8 Natural and Medical Ways to Relieve Breast Engorgement

Signs You’re Using the Wrong Flange Size

Knowing whether your flange size fits correctly is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Below are some warning signs that your current flange may not be the right fit:

• Nipple pain or chafing after pumping. Excessive friction suggests the flange is too small or not anatomically suited.

• Poor milk flow or low milk output. This indicates suboptimal suction due to an improper fit, which prevents adequate compression of the milk ducts.

• Areola pulled too far into the tunnel. This often happens when the flange is too large, leading to pain and swelling.

• Breast pain or pressure during pumping. This could signal blocked milk ducts caused by uneven suction or compression.

• Red rings or marks around the nipple after pumping. Uneven pressure distribution indicates an incorrect flange size.

If you experience any of these symptoms, reassess your flange size to ensure each pumping session remains comfortable, safe, and efficient.

Also read: 5 Benefits of the Marmet Technique for Breastfeeding Mothers: Supporting a Steady Milk Flow

Maximum Comfort with Hegen’s Silicone Breast Pump Flange

The Hegen breast pump flange is designed with advanced technology and a deep understanding of mothers’ needs, placing comfort and safety at the forefront. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Fully Flexible Silicone Design

Unlike conventional plastic flanges, Hegen’s breast pump flange is made from 100% soft silicone that naturally adapts to the breast’s shape. This ensures a gentler, more comfortable, and natural suction experience.

2. Smooth, Skin-Friendly Design

Every edge of the flange is carefully crafted to be smooth and seamless, eliminating sharp angles that could cause friction or irritation on a mother’s sensitive skin.

3. Food-Grade, BPA-Free Materials

Safety is a top priority. Hegen’s flange is made from BPA-free, BPS, BPS-free, and toxin-free materials, ensuring it’s completely safe for both mother and baby.

4. Optimal Suction Seal

Equipped with suction seal technology, the Hegen flange creates a secure fit against the skin for consistent suction strength. This not only enhances pumping efficiency but also helps express more milk in less time, comfortably and effectively.

5. Express-Store-Feed System Integration

The Hegen breast pump flange seamlessly integrates with the Hegen Express-Store-Feed system, allowing mothers to pump, store, and feed directly from the same container. It’s practical, hygienic, and time-saving, perfect for modern mothers on the go.

Also read: 7 Reasons Why Hegen’s Practical Baby Milk Storage System Is Every Mother’s Choice

Hegen Breast Pump Flange Size Recommendations

Every mother’s breast shape and size are unique. Choosing the correct flange size is essential to ensure comfort and effective milk expression. Understanding this, Hegen offers six full silicone flange sizes, designed to flexibly adapt to each mother’s anatomy.

Always test comfort over several pumping sessions to find your best fit. If you experience pain, poor milk flow, or breast tightness, consider adjusting the size. For personalized guidance, it’s best to consult a lactation specialist who can help determine your ideal flange size.

Also read: Smooth Milk Flow, Smart Budget, The Best and Most Affordable Breast Pumps for Moms

Extra Tips for a More Comfortable Pumping Experience

Choosing the right breast pump flange size plays a crucial role in supporting a successful breastfeeding journey. Beyond the perfect fit, mothers can also apply these additional tips to make each pumping session more comfortable and efficient.

1. Gently Massage Your Breasts Before Pumping

A light breast massage helps stimulate milk flow and triggers the let-down reflex, allowing milk to be expressed more efficiently and comfortably.

2. Alternate Between Stimulation and Expression Modes

Adjust your pump settings to follow your body’s rhythm. Begin with stimulation mode (gentle vibration) to encourage let-down, then switch to expression mode (stronger suction) to maximize milk extraction.

3. Sit Upright and Stay Relaxed

Maintain an upright, comfortable posture while pumping. A relaxed body helps milk flow more smoothly and prevents tension or discomfort in the shoulders and back.

4. Ensure Your Pump Is Clean and Properly Assembled

Always check that every component of your breast pump is clean and securely fitted before use. Poor assembly can reduce suction efficiency and affect milk output.

5. Use the Hegen Electric Kneading Massager for Relaxation

For added comfort, Hegen offers a kneading massage device designed to improve blood circulation, ease muscle tension, and support milk release through gentle stimulation, making each session feel more relaxing and productive.

Also read: Wide-Neck Baby Bottles: Discover the Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers

The Right Breast Pump Flange Size = Comfort + Effectiveness

Finding the correct flange size is an essential step for every breastfeeding mother. A perfectly fitted flange promotes comfort, smooth milk flow, and protects breast tissue health.

Hegen’s full silicone breast pump flange was created precisely for this purpose, offering a soft, flexible, and adaptive design that conforms to every mother’s unique shape. The result is a natural, pain-free pumping experience that feels gentle and effortless.

At Hegen, a mother’s comfort always comes first. Discover your perfect flange size today at the Hegen Indonesia Official Website and experience a more comfortable, hygienic, and effective pumping routine, every single day.