Elastic nipples (or stretched nipples) are an issue that many exclusive pumpers struggle with. Here are some things you can try to make pumping less painful and more efficient when you have elastic nipples.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I’ll be compensated at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love! More info here.
What are elastic nipples?
Some people have nipples that stretch while pumping so that they extend to the end (or almost to the end) of the flange tunnel.
When this happens, too much areola is pulled into the tunnel, which compresses the milk ducts and reduces milk flow.
Often, this happens regardless of what size breast shield is used. Those with elastic nipples will sometimes say that they can’t find a size that works for them.
What problems do elastic nipples cause?
The main issue is that this can be very painful.
Additionally, elastic nipples can cause inefficient pumping. Draining milk can become difficult because the breast shield is putting pressure on areola tissue that shouldn’t be pulled in, thus constricting the flow.
What can you do if you have elastic nipples?
There are a few things that you can try to make pumping less painful and more efficient when you have elastic nipples.
1. Silicone Pumpin Pals
Pumpin Pals are a breast shield that are shaped differently than most other flanges. Instead of the ring at the bottom of the funnel, the cone tapers into the tunnel.
The shape, along with the silicone material, seems to help hold the areola from getting pulled into the tunnel. Trying Pumpin Pals is the #1 recommendation from moms in our Facebook group that have elastic nipples.
(You can use EPUMP for 5% off Pumpin Pals.)
2. LacTeck Baby Motion Flanges
LacTeck BabyMotion Flanges are made of silicone and are designed to mimic a baby nursing.
As with Pumpin Pals, the silicone material can work better for those with elastic nipples because it “grips” the nipple differently than hard plastic flanges.
You can use the code EPUMP10 for 10% off LacTeck BabyMotion flanges.
3. Beaugen Breast Pump Cushions
Beaugen breast pump cushions are inserts that go inside breast shields. They are intended to provide a more comfortable pumping experience, and can also help if your optimal flange size falls between two sizes. (It reduces the flange size by about 2mm.)
Many people have found that Beaugen cushions helped with elastic nipples, both as a result of the smaller size and the material that they are made out of.
This option can be easiest for those who have pump parts have a combined breast shield and connector (like Spectra flanges).
This video shows how they work:
View this post on Instagram
Beaugen cushions are available on amazon or buying directly from BeauGen.
More on Beaugen cushions here.
4. Lubrication
Some exclusive pumpers have found that lubricating breast shields with coconut oil helps with the nipple stretching and makes pumping more efficient.
More info on using coconut oil while pumping here.
Have you struggled with elastic nipples? What has worked for you?
References- Beaugen. “Frequently Asked Questions.” https://www.beaugen.com/pages/faq
- Pumpin Pal. “Do you suffer from Lactiferous Duct Dysmorphia?” https://pumpinpal.com/milk-duct-dysmorphia/
Comments & Chitchat
I appreciate your article, after reading this article I realized I had Elastic nipples. It’s concerning that the LC at the hospital didn’t educate me. All she asked was did it hurt when she say my nipples being pulled into flange. Which I just shrugged. I was in pain from breastfeeding and I was engorged. I purchased pumpingpal yet I ordered 24mm which did help some. I now realize i should have gotten the silicone one and that I’m 19mm. So I order lacteck 21mm which are pretty wonderful. I’m pumping an ounce or two more than ever. Yet I do feel I should size down to 19mm. The suction is a little loose. In fact it’s loose on my right side not my left.
I’m glad the LacTeck ones are working better for you!
I’m 10 weeks pp, am pretty sure I have elastic nipples, and I am primarily using the Medela pump in style max flow (trying to work in Baby Buddha, but this issue is preventing that for the most part). Until recently the 27mm shield was working well for me, but now on one breast it seems to not be working well as I get further into the pump and my nipple expands. I tried sizing down to 24, but my nipples barely can move in those. Should I try sizing up to the 30mm?
Hi Amanda! I might try the LacTeck 27s and see how they work in this situation?
We are literally the same!!! I was using the 27mm for my medela max flo and I just got a 30mm flange today via amazon to help me through until my Pumping Pals order comes in. Im praying that the pumping pals flanges will work for me and will provide me with a permanent solution
I just brought a Medela Pump instyle I have the pumping pals from when I was using the spectra pump I know the ones I have are compatible with Medela but I can’t see
To figure out how to get the. Flanges to have that secure fit any suggestions
Hi Jazzmen! Do you have silicone or plastic flanges? You could definitely contact Pumpin Pal customer support and talk to them:
https://pumpinpal.com/contact-pumpin-pal-2/
Have you seen any research or information of the liquid kits from pumpables for elastic nipples? They remind me of Lacktec sort of.
Hi Monica! I haven’t but will check it out – thank you so much!
Hi Monica, I have both the liquid kits and lactek. I did not see a rise or drop in supply based on one or the other. I feel like the liquid kits are slightly more comfy on my sensitive skin. It always bugged me how top heavy the lactek flanges are with my other pump parts, I was always on high alert making extra certain I held them and they didn’t fall over. And they consistently detached while pumping. Liquid kits are a better pumping experience for me because they have none of those issues.
Thanks Katie! I’m interested in them but so many options can be overwhelming.
I find that liquid kits do the same thing when it comes to stretching and my nipples block flow so I end up in the same boat with 0 milk flow.
Hello! Thank you for this article. Do you know which accessories would be suitable for an in-bra pump such as a Fraupow?
Thanks!
I’m not familiar with that pump, but BeauGen cushions often work with in-bra pumps!
I have been pumping using the Pumping Pals for 6mo now. They were so helpful once I realize I had elastic nipples back at the beginning of my pumping journey. Recently I have been experiencing sore nipples again. After I finish pumping the tip of my nipples turns purple and sometimes it stays like that for a while. What do you recommend I do for that? I’ve been using my Ameda Mya at 3-5 (sometimes I even have to lower it to 1). I have not had a supply issue (I can pump 4-5x/d and make 25-32oz). The past month I have dealt with some clogged ducts and ever since that, at least, once a week I see blood in my milk, no clear cracks I can see but my nipples sting. I have tried to cut back in pumping and breastfeed more when I can to give my nipples a break.. do you have any recommendations? Should I seek a lactation consultant that specializes on exclusive pumping?
Hi Karina! I think that’s a good idea, but I would start with calling Pumpin Pals customer service – I believe they have an LC that might be able to help. It could be that your size has changed over your pumping journey (that can happen). Good luck and keep me posted!
Hi Karina – wondering what came of your situation because it sounds exactly like mine with the bloody, sore nipples that are turning purple after pumping.
I have been more comfortable pumping with the La Vie Warming Massagers. The vibration really helps overstimulate the area while I’m pumping, so I don’t feel the friction of the flanges so much.
Hi, when I begin pumping using a size 28 shield, my nipple in the beginning is only stretching to about halfway down so it seems like the right fit, but by about mid-way through my 30 min session it’s stretching all the way down, hitting the end of the tube. I’m still getting a decent output (I’m a few oz down a day in total but that may due to dropping from 7-6 sessions a day) and not much pain, but I wonder if this is something I need to troubleshoot? I tried the size 24 recently for one pump session and felt like I got less out of it so I went back to the 28.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Jenna! Are you having any pain at all? If so, I might try one of the breast shield options here, like Pumpin Pals or Beaugen cushions. If you’re not having any pain and are happy with your output, you could try that or you could just stick with what you’re doing. I hope that helps!
Help! Yesterday I noticed a significant decrease in my supply. Today I realized it was related to my areola being pulled far into the flange due to my elastic nipples. I tried sizing down and got nothing out. I’m getting maybe .5 ounces with the flange I’ve been using, and my areolas are red and bruised. My normal output is over 4 ounces a session. I ordered the pumpin pals and replacement pump parts, but I don’t know when they’ll arrive. I don’t want to develop mastitis! I’m trying to pump with a haakaa and hand express but it’s not really working. What can I do?
Hi Susan! Can you maybe try a manual pump? So sorry you are struggling with this!
My nipple sizes are 19 mm and 20 mm. For my medela PIS, I use the standard 24 mm flange and do see part of the the areola inside the flange. According to medela’s flange sizing instruction, 24 mm flange is appropriate for nipple size up to 20 mm though. Do I need an insert or cushion?
Hi! Are you having any pain while pumping? Do you feel like the pump is pretty effective with the flange that you have?
Hello! I use the willow and think I have elastic nipples. I thought I saw an article about this specific to willows but can’t find it. Do you have any tips on how to help?
Hi Lauren! HAve you tried using Beaugen cushions? Also, you might want to try the willow support group on Facebook – I bet there are others in the group who can help!
I have not! I thought that was the brand to try. Would you get the size flange you are in willow. I will for sure join that group, thank you!
Can’t seem to buy pumping pals in the uk – any ideas?
I found them! Libra Health sell in the UK
Ah thank you so much!! I was struggling to find them in the UK too. Just placed my order and really really hope they help!
Thanks again! X
Pumpin Pals have saved my breastfeeding journey. I HIGHLY recommend Pumpin Pals to anyone who has elastic nipples or who has had discomfort despite trying a few different flange sizes.
I didn’t want to spend the $60, but it was so worth it. My nipples were raw and painful and now I can pump many times a day without any discomfort.
Watch a video on how to use them before you start. It takes an extra step, but it is so worth it.
Thank you for this advice!
Oh my god! Something that I have been looking for! Tried few different funnel, it works alright for a couple of days and then the nipple will stretch and reduces the flow and also it’s quite painful! I have been taking 2-5 mins breaks and also I will start the pumping with double pumps and then switch to single pumping that way I can give a rest and can control the pain and stretching issue.
I’m going through this right now. I was using a 28mm shield but it was painful so I got a 30mm and it was comfortable for a few weeks and now it comes and goes. My poor nips are practically purple at the end of every session. My LO ped is an IBCLC and she said that as much aerola should go into the flange but your article states otherwise. I’m not sure what to do 😔
Get sized by Milky Mama! They offer virtual sizing for only $5. Since the nipple expands with elastic nipples you actually want to go smaller or more and more tissue will be pulled in. I went from 24 to 27 and started getting painful pulling. Sized down to 19 and way less of an issue and way more output faster
I’m so happy to have found this website and FB group. I had not heard of elastic nipples before but this is exactly what I’m going through. Very helpful article and information.
You are a life saver! I felt like my breast shields were a little uncomfortable and too small while pumping, so I went up a size. At first, I was good, then pumping became really uncomfortable and my supply started going down. Going back to the smaller size didn’t help at all. Turns out I have elastic nipples! I could not find info on this anywhere else without knowing the term first. Im now on my third pumping session with using coconut oil and it’s already less painful! I’ve also gone back down to my original breast shield size. Hoping my supply picks back up without much trouble.
I did order the pumpin pals shields, I’m hoping those will work better also especially for when I’m not home or don’t want to deal with the coconut oil.
I hope the Pumpin Pals help!!! 🙂