The perfect and best size is the one you respond to; the one that you are comfortable using, that allows you to empty and typically pump for 30 minutes or less. If you purchased the Nipple Queen Ruler™ you are likely experiencing difficulties pumping. Perhaps your nipples are bleeding, cracked, sore, blistering or you don’t feel empty after pumping for 30 minutes or more. These are all good reasons to size yourself. But if you find you are still having issues 48 hours or longer after sizing down, you will likely benefit by using the Pumping Pretty System, to which you will have immediate access.

The best time to measure will be just prior to your next pumping or nursing session when your nipples are the most natural.  If you pump every 2 hours, then you can measure before your next scheduled pump. By allowing time to pass before you measure, you allow swelling to reduce and you should get the most accurate readings for your new flange size with the Nipple Queen Ruler.

Stimulate your nipples by massaging or pumping for two minutes until the ridges of your nipples appear. Then measure at the base of your nipple as shown in the illustration above. If you are still unclear about where the base of your nipple is you can typically see a change in color between your areola and nipple. The areola tends to be darker and as the nipple appears the nipple will be lighter.  At times you will see indentations of where your nipple and areola meet, that would be the location to measure from. Please see (here) for examples. You may benefit from using Pumping Pretty Inserts as they are designed to reduce air gaps when pumping. If you need more assistance with identifying your nipple type and what products would likely work best with them, the Pumping Pretty System may be your immediate solution.

It is quite normal to see a dip in supply after sizing down. In fact, it is the number one complaint I have heard from the moms I have sized over the years.  For this reason, I created The Switch Method.  This method is only needed if you are in fact experiencing a dip in supply, otherwise, just keep pumping with your new size.

The Switch Method:

Start a pumping session in your new size flanges.  Midway through your session, switch to your old size flanges.  This will adequately drain your breasts and train them to get used to the new size.  Continue this process for approximately 24-48 hours until the transition to the new size is complete. Typically after sleeping through the night and on your first-morning pump, you will find your supply is back to normal or better, only using the new size.

If you continue having a dip in supply you likely will need more assistance with sizing and determining why this is occurring. I recommend getting immediate access to Pumping Pretty System. 

You have the option to interchange flanges.  Maymom & Medela 2-piece flanges are compatible with other 2-piece pumps that have narrow bottle-neck tops. For pumps like Bellababy, BabyBuddha & Motif Luna, you can use Maymom Spectra flanges as they are both wide-mouth bottle tops.  For BabyBuddha and BellaBaby you will just need to purchase Spectra backflow protectors in addition to the Maymom Spectra flanges.

You can also use inserts with flanges. I have listed the common brands here 

The perfect size flange for you will allow you to place your nipple perfectly centered in the flange, leaving a very small amount of room between your nipple and flange (approximately 2 mm of space).  Once you start to pump your nipple WILL rub the sides of the flange but this part is normal because if you look closely you will see your nipple is being pulled down the tube. If you find that transitioning to the new size is uncomfortable for the first few pumps, use lube, like lanolin to help you transition. Lower the suction a little until you get used to the size, typically 24 to 48 hours.

Many women start out with a flange that is too large with lots of room around the nipple.  If your nipple AND areola are being sucked into the flange, it is too big.  Your nipples may not get sucked down into the flange right away but after a few minutes, your nipple and areola will swell and double in size and may even touch the ends of the flanges.  

Farting and gulping sounds at first pumping can indicate your flange is too big.

Leaking from the bottom of the flange can indicate the flange is too big.

For a perfect fit, there should be approximately 2 mm between your nipple and the sides of the flange. Of course everyone’s fit will be different and if you find that you are more comfortable in a larger size, it is completely OK to use larger flanges.

Typically, I have found that most moms are in a size too big.  In the perfect sized flange, there should be approximately 2 mm of space between your nipple and the flange all the way around.  If you center your nipple in the flange and it barely fits or is rubbing the sides of the flange BEFORE you even begin pumping, you may be in a size too small. 

It is quite common for your nipples to shrink after sizing down.  Prior to sizing down, It is likely that your nipples were sore and swollen from using the wrong size flanges.  Now that you’re pumping in the proper size, the swelling should go down, and therefore, you may notice your nipples shrinking.  You may also start to feel that old familiar pinching, rubbing, and discomfort.  If you notice this happening, we recommend using the Nipple Queen Ruler™ to resize yourself as there is a good possibility that you will need to size down once more.

I recommend upgrading to the Pumping Pretty System so you can get immediate access to answers to all of the common issues you may be facing. You will also be invited to our exclusive Pumping Pretty Facebook group where I will offer support, and you can connect with moms just like you.

You can visit my Amazon shop to purchase your flanges, inserts, and other related products  (paid link).