Choosing the right breast shield size is crucial for comfortable and effective milk expression. An ill-fitting breast shield can lead to pain, poor breast emptying, and reduced milk production. Here are some steps and tips for finding the ideal breast shield size.
What is a breast shield?
The breast shield is the funnel-shaped part of the breast pump that is placed on the breast. It guides the nipple into the conduit during expression. A suitable breast shield should allow the nipple to move freely without rubbing against the walls of the conduit, while maintaining a sufficient seal to create an effective vacuum for milk extraction. Basically, it replaces the baby’s mouth.
Measure your nipple size
To determine the correct breast shield size, measure the width of your nipple immediately after a feeding or while resting, not including the areola. Add 2 mm to this measurement to find the correct diameter of the breast shield. This step is essential to avoid pain and ensure good milk expression. We recommend doing this with a midwife or ibclc. They’re there for that kind of thing, too.
Signs of an ill-fitting breast shield
- Breast shield too small: The nipple rubs against the walls of the duct, causing pain, cracking, and ineffective expression.
- Breast shield too large: A large part of the areola is sucked into the conduit, which can cause pain and reduce the effectiveness of expression.
Check and adjust regularly
The ideal breast shield size may change over time due to variations in the size and shape of the breasts and nipples. It is recommended to check the fit of your breast shields as soon as you feel discomfort or a reduction in the effectiveness of expression.
Using a compatible breast shield
Make sure the breast shield is compatible with your model of breast pump, whether manual or electric. Using an incompatible breast shield can make pumping less effective and cause leaks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size of your breast shield is a crucial step for any mother using a breast pump. A well-fitted breast shield not only improves comfort, but it also optimizes milk production. Don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant for help choosing the breast shield size that’s best for you.
