Breast Pump Flange Fitting in Norfolk

Individualised breast-pump fitting with an IBCLC

Pumping should feel comfortable. It should not be something you have to tolerate.

The flange, also known as the breast shield, is the funnel-shaped part of your pump that fits over your breast and nipple. A flange that does not suit your nipple size or shape may contribute to discomfort, nipple swelling, excessive areola being pulled into the tunnel, longer pumping sessions or less effective milk removal.

I offer specialist breast pump flange fitting appointments at my private clinic in Poringland, near Norwich, for pumping parents across Norfolk and Suffolk.

During your appointment, you can trial the full range of Maymom flange sizes and shapes available within my fitting kit. Rather than relying on a measurement alone, we will observe you pumping and identify the option that offers the best combination of:

Comfort
Effective nipple movement
Milk flow and sprays
Efficient milk removal
Suitable pump settings
The right shape for your breast and nipple anatomy

Could your breast-pump flange be the wrong size?

A flange fitting may be helpful when:

Pumping feels painful, pinchy or uncomfortable
Your nipples rub against the flange tunnel
Your nipples become swollen during or after pumping
A large amount of areola is pulled into the flange
Your pumping sessions take a long time
You see mostly drips rather than periods of milk spraying
Your breasts still feel full after pumping
Your milk output has reduced or is lower than expected
One breast responds differently from the other
You have only ever used the standard flanges supplied with your pump
You are unsure whether your wearable or traditional pump fits correctly

The flange supplied with your pump is not necessarily the right size for your body.

A flange fitting is more than measuring your nipples

Measuring each nipple gives us a useful starting point, but it cannot tell us everything about how a flange will perform during pumping.

During your appointment, I will:

Discuss your pumping routine, milk output, comfort and feeding goals.
Look at your pump, current flanges and pumping setup.
Measure each nipple separately as a starting point.
Observe a pumping session using your own pump.
Trial several Maymom flange sizes and shapes where appropriate.
Compare comfort, nipple movement, milk sprays and milk removal.
Help you adjust your pump settings where needed.
Recommend the best setup for each breast.

Your left and right nipples may need different sizes. Your ideal flange may also change over time, particularly during the postnatal months.

You will leave with a clear recommendation rather than having to continue buying and trying different inserts or flanges at home.

What is a breast-pump flange?

The flange or breast shield is the funnel-shaped part of the pump that sits against your breast. Your nipple moves backwards and forwards within its tunnel while the pump creates vacuum.

Is flange fitting simply measuring my nipple?

No. Measurement gives us a starting point, but the best fit is identified by observing comfort, nipple movement and milk flow while you pump. This is why being able to trial several sizes during a session is so valuable.

Is a smaller flange always better?

No. Although recent research suggests that many people may benefit from a closer fit than traditional guidance recommended, the correct flange must be determined individually. A flange that is too small can also restrict movement or milk flow.

Can I need a different size for each breast?

Not always, but each nipple is assessed separately. It is quite common for the two sides to need different sizes or respond differently during pumping

Will the correct flange increase my milk supply?

An appropriate flange may make pumping more comfortable and improve milk removal. However, it cannot guarantee an increase in overall supply. Milk production is also affected by pumping frequency, pump effectiveness, breast stimulation, health factors and how well milk is removed.

Can flange fitting be completed online?

My flange-fitting service is clinic and home visit based because this allows you to trial the full fitting kit while I observe your pump in use.

No Milk Like Mama’s Breastfeeding Support is provided worldwide online and via in-home consultation and at our Poringland Clinic by a small team of Specialist Practitioners based in Norfolk, UK.

With our extensive range of specialist qualifications and experience, we work collaboratively within our support options to ensure the best outcome we can for the families we support.

We support our clients with compassion and expertise, with the the latest evidence based information to provide you the gold standard in Breastfeeding Support.

We pride ourselves on delivering a professional, yet approachable service. Providing you with the highest quality of care, with consistent positive feedback and outcomes for our clients.

An IBCLC Lactation Consultant is the highest international qualification and gold standard in Breastfeeding Support and it takes many years of training and experience to qualify to this level. IBCLCs have regular training and supervision to continuously update their knowledge and skills and this is also a requirement of registration as an IBCLC. When you employ an IBCLC Lactation Consultant you can be assured that you are receiving the highest standard of Breastfeeding Support.

Providing both emotional and practical breastfeeding support, we are passionate about supporting all families throughout their breastfeeding experience.

One to one breastfeeding support is available at short notice through Home Visits in and around Norwich, Norfolk and Suffolk and Online Consultation worldwide.

‘Sian has been very understanding and caring in such a difficult time. Our baby is now breastfeeding well and we hope to see this continue and improve.’ Chantella & Daisy

Breast Pump Flange Fitting Norfolk | Poringland