If pumping is painful for you, the shape of your breast shields might be part of the problem. One possible solution is Pumpin’ Pals, which have a unique design that many people find to be more comfortable.
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What are Pumpin’ Pals?
Pumpin’ Pals are breast shields with a slightly different design (the Pumpin’ Pal is on the left and the Medela flange is on the right):
Most flanges have a funnel, where your breast goes, and then a tunnel for your nipple.
Instead of the hard, circular transition between these two parts that you see on most flanges, Pumpin’ Pals tapers between the funnel and the area for your nipple, which reduces discomfort and fits the breast more naturally.
According to Pumpin’ Pal, this also allows milk to flow more freely.
What pumps do Pumpin’ Pals flanges work with?
Pumpin’ Pals work with most major breast pumps. They may not work with wearable breast pumps, like the Willow or Elvie, or with hands-free pumping cups, like Freemie.
Pumps with a separate breast shield
With pumps that have the breast shield and connector as two separate pieces (like Medela breast pumps), using them is pretty straightforward – you can just replace the existing flange with the Pumpin’ Pals flange:
Pumps with a combined breast shield
To use Pumpin’ Pals with a Spectra or another type of pump with a combined flange and connector, you need a special adaptor that you can get here.
Here’s how the setup looks with Spectra pump parts and the adaptor:
Pumpin’ Pals Review
When I compared the Pumpin Pals to Medela flanges, I liked the Pumpin Pals better for a few reasons.
1. More comfortable for the nipple
The nipple is gradually eased in to the Pumpin’ Pal thanks to the wider, rounder design, whereas it’s a bit more “stuffed” into the Medela flange.
2. Ability to lean back
Pumpin’ Pals have an angled design, making it possible for you to lean back in a chair while you pump.
All you need to do is lean forward again before disconnecting yourself.
3. Easier to hold onto
Because the flanges encompass more of your breast, it’s much easier to hold onto them if you’re not using a hands-free bra.
Also, when you hold onto them, the rounder bottom means that the edges don’t dig into your hands.
Overall, I really liked these and would recommend them.
Can you do breast compressions with Pumpin Pals?
No, because they cover much more of your breast than traditional flanges.
However, the website says that that is intentional, and you shouldn’t need to massage while pumping because the flange is doing that work for you.
Who are these flanges good for?
If the normal flanges that came with your pump are working well for you, then you’re probably fine to keep using them. However, if you’re having any of the following issues, they may be a good fit for you.
1. Pain while pumping/elastic nipples
If you’re having pain when you pump and it doesn’t seem like changing your flange size helps (especially if your nipples seem to be stretching far into the connector – this is called elastic nipples), they are definitely worth a try.
If you think you may have elastic nipples, be sure to buy the silicone Pumpin Pals as they “grip” the nipple differently.
2. Want to lean back?
Additionally, if you’re feeling burned out with pumping and think it would help to sit more comfortably, being able to lean back when you pump is a really nice feature.
Plus, being relaxed may help you express more milk.
3. Taking too long to “empty”
Finally, some people take a long time to “empty”. (Breasts can never be completely empty because they are always making milk, so by “empty” I mean you’re expressed most of the milk in your breasts.)
Pumpin’ Pals are supposed to help women empty faster – so much so that they state that you should call their customer service if it takes you longer than 25 minutes.
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How do these flanges work – which end goes on top?
The first time I used these flanges, I was really confused about whether the long end should go on top or on the bottom.
The answer is either way is fine! There are “no rules” about what direction they face, and you can use whatever is more comfortable for you.
Silicone vs hard plastic Pumpin Pals
Pumpin Pals are made using two different materials – silicone and hard plastic. Silicone flanges come in XS and S sizes, while plastic flanges are available in M, L, and XL.
Some people find silicone breast shields to be more comfortable, and people with elastic nipples have the best luck with them.
What size should I buy?
Sizing can be a little confusing. Pumpin’ Pals sets come in two sizes – small and large – and when you order a set, you get three pairs of flanges.
- A small set contains extra small, small, and medium flanges. The extra small and small sizes are silicone, and the medium size is plastic.
- A large set contains medium, large, and extra large pairs. The large set is all plastic flanges.
Pumpin’ Pal has a quiz that you can take to determine was size you should use! You can take it here.
If you’ve used Pumpin’ Pals, let us know what you think in the comments! (You can use the code EPUMP for 5% off!)
References
- Pumpin Pal https://pumpinpal.com
- Philips USA. “The science of comfort; why feeling relaxed helps you express more milk.” https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-mo/breast-pumps-care/the-science-of-comfort