Why You Must Not Buy Breast Shield that is Too Large or Too Small?

Choosing the right breast shield is important for not only maximum comfort but to ensure adequate amount of milk is pumped for best breastfeeding experience.

It is interesting to note that not all nipples are the same; even the size of your left nipple and right nipple may not be same. Studies have been conducted to measure nipple sizes of lactating women and the end-result shows that most women’s nipples fall in the 12 -23 mm range at the base of the nipple excluding the areola.

Buying a small breast shield will force your nipple to rub along the side of the tunnel. So, it is better to avoid using a small one. Moreover, if your breast shield is large then also your nipple along with excessive areola will be pulled into the tunnel. Hence, you must purchase the breast shield that fits perfectly and doesn’t cause any problem whatsoever.

For moms who are confused as to when to try a different size of breast shield, have a look below at the mentioned points to clear all worries.

Does your nipple rub the sides of the tunnel causing discomfort?

Do you see excessive areola pulled into the tunnel?

Are you noticing redness on or at the base of the nipple during or after pumping?

Is your nipple or areola turning white during or after pumping?

Do your breasts still feel full even after pumping?

Using too large or too small breast shields can considerably reduce the amount of milk flow other than causing discomfort. That’s why, it is very important to choose the right size of breast shield.

Even though you feel your breast shield size is perfect, your breast shield size could change over the duration of your breastfeeding journey! So even if you have been pumping for several months, it is possible that you may require buying a different size of breast shield.

Breast shields come in various standard and non-standard sizes, and measuring a nipple can be a tricky attempt. A nipple at rest is not the same size as one at work. You should put a nipple in a breast shield and just see it grow. Studies have found that nipples can increase in size by up to 3-4mm during pumping! With all these size variations and fluctuations, how do you begin to determine the proper fit?

There is no justification of using a too-small shield, as it can scratch the nipple and even lead to some infection. Moreover, a too tight flange can interfere with proper milk flow. The number of ducts in the nipple ranges from 19-28. These tubes are the pathways through which milk travel through to reach the nipple pores before getting out from your body. So, compression of these tubes limits the flow and drainage.

Furthermore, if you opt for a large flange, it won’t be any good. A large shield sucks excess breast tissue and it also gets compressed by the walls of the shield. The ducts strangulated lowering the flow and drainage of milk.

Thus, to buy the right size of breast shield, you should watch your nipple movement during pumping. When your breast shields fit correctly, your nipple will be centered in the breast shield tunnel and move freely during pumping.

Author Bio: Lucina Care brings to you a wide range of high quality breast pumps along with Hygeia Enjoye Breast Pump for mom online at reasonable prices.

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