Pumping Pretty
I am a breastfeeding specialist, but I am also a breastfeeding mom. And personally, I have a love-hate relationship with my pump.
Even though I had been measured and was using appropriately sized inserts, pumping still wasn’t overly comfortable for me...and it took about twice as long as breastfeeding my baby.
Y’all, I was doing it all wrong.
Did you know pumping is not supposed to hurt? And actually, that is a very low standard. Pumping should feel like almost nothing or, at most, a gentle tug.
Did you hear that?
Pumping can feel like NOTHING!
Pumping should be gentle, efficient, and effective. And I am now convinced that proper flange fitting is ESSENTIAL to making pumping pretty instead of pumping misery.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a Fitting Flanges for Clinical Professionals training from Babies in Common here in Florida. Not only did I have a wonderful time and learn many new skills to put into practice, but I also volunteered to be fitted myself as an example during the training.
The experience forever changed my perspective on pumping, and the way I approach supporting pumping moms.
One of my goals is to complete a thorough pump and flange fitting with every mom I work with who is pumping.
Every mom deserves support that helps pumping feel as comfortable and effective as possible.
That is why I invested in a full set of flanges in four different shapes, with sizes ranging from 9 mm through 36 mm, all ready to help moms find a better pumping fit.
During a fitting, we complete a pumping session together and evaluate comfort, flange fit, nipple movement, and milk flow. Instead of simply measuring and choosing a size based on a number, we can actually see how different flange sizes and shapes perform while you pump.
I now see this as an essential piece of lactation support.
Already pumping?
There are several reasons you may want to schedule a pump flange fitting:
Do you have any discomfort while pumping?
Are you getting as much milk as you would like?
Are you using inserts inside the standard 24 mm flanges?
Are you still using the standard flanges that came with your pump?
Does pumping take longer than you expected?
Are you unsure whether the flange size you are using is actually the best fit?
Even if pumping doesn’t necessarily hurt, that doesn’t mean your current setup is working as well as it could.
Sometimes a seemingly small change in flange size, shape, positioning, or pump settings can make a significant difference in comfort and milk removal.
If pumping is part of your breastfeeding journey, you deserve more than simply tolerating it.
Let’s make pumping comfortable, effective—and maybe even a little prettier.
If you would like help finding the flange fit that works best for your body and your pump, you can schedule a flange fitting with me. We’ll pump together, try different options, and work toward a setup that feels comfortable and supports your individual pumping goals.
