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.
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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:
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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/