The Biggest Pumping Mistake You Don’t Know You’re Making

Maintaining and increasing milk supply is one of the biggest questions women have in their lactation journey. We asked our community of experienced surrogates what they wished they knew about pumping before starting their lactation journey.

More than half of the women surveyed said they were unaware of how crucial it is to use the right pump and properly sized flanges. According to lactation experts, these are two of the biggest mistakes women make when pumping.

Read on to learn more about flange sizing and other helpful tips from experienced moms and lactation experts.

What is one product you wish you knew about before pumping?

“Nipple Rulers 100%. I made the mistake of not realizing how important it is to be using the right size flange. Amazon has a million different flanges & inserts that fit pretty much any pump with different conversion kits.” — Jordan P

“Making sure you have the right flange. You can get a flange sizing kit on Amazon for super cheap.” — Sasha V

“Get sized for flanges either using a ruler or working withi a professional experienced in sizing. Not all Lactation Consultants are experienced in sizing flanges.” — Lisa L

What is Flange Sizing?

Flange sizing is something that not all lactating women are properly educated on and many wish they knew more about. We consulted with Nikki Bredeson, who helped provide further insight to what flange sizing is, and why it is so important:

“The flange is the cup or the shield that you attach to the breast when you pump. It is essentially the piece that attaches to the body that pulls the milk and allows it to drop into the bottle. The standard size is much larger than what the majority of women need. I believe right now the average size is 17 millimeters and yet most pumps come with a 24 or a 25 millimeter flange.”

Why is flange sizing so important?

“For all of us pumping women, it is important to have flange sizing checked by a specialist” expert Nikki Bredeson says. “A lot of women get a size at the hospital that actually is not her correct size and then they go home. They assume their supply is low, but it isn’t. It’s just the incorrect size that is not allowing them to remove milk efficiently.”

Also, when women do not have the correct size flange, it can often lead to a painful pumping experience and to your body producing less milk. With properly sized flanges, you can optimize your breast milk supply.

Find your correct flange size today:

Amazon Silicon Nipple Ruler

Free Printable Ruler

Choosing the Right Breast Pump

“Hands free pumping bras are super helpful.” — Jordan P

“Order pumps through Aeroflow. They will handle everything, including your insurance benefits and all available options. GAME CHANGER! They also sent me monthly reminders of my insurance benefits regarding replacing pump parts (for me it was at no cost).” — Michelle E

“Rent a Medela Symphony pump to establish initiation before delivery. Breast programming is key in establishing supply. This pump is the only pump that can initiate the breast like a baby. Ask for the colostrum collector that connects to the Symphony (or Harmony manual pump) if possible.” — Cristiny B

Maintain & Boost Your Milk Supply

Optimize your pumping journey by selecting the best pump and the right flange size to help maintain and boost your milk supply. Doing so not only reduces discomfort but also maximizes your ability to provide liquid gold for your baby.

And if you choose to donate, your milk can make a difference for infants in need. Join the #MilkDonationChallenge and help nourish babies in need. Whether you’re pumping for your own child or considering donating, your milk can make a life-changing impact.