Pumping should never hurt.

It should feel like a gentle pull or possibly nothing at all. It should never be something you have to breathe through. Even if it feels “tolerable” or “fine,” pain is a sign that something in your setup isn’t quite right.

When the correct flange fit, pump, and settings are in place, pumping can be efficient, comfortable, and protective of your long-term milk supply. When pumping is uncomfortable, oxytocin release can be impaired. This can limit letdown and, over time, contribute to a gradual decrease in milk production.

How Do I Know If My Flange Fits?

Your flange needs to fit both your breast shape and your nipple size.

Look for a flange that:

Mimics the natural shape of your breast, without visible air pockets
Has good contact with the skin
Has a tunnel diameter close to the size of your nipple

Your nipple should glide comfortably in the tunnel. It is okay if it touches the sides at times, as long as it is comfortable and there is no breakdown, blanching, or pinching.

A well-fitting flange is one that is both comfortable and effective.

A helpful reference:

Before pumping, your breasts should feel firm like the tip of your nose
After pumping, they should feel soft like your cheek

If they still feel full or tender afterward, something may need adjusting.

What Shape of Flange Am I?

Flange shape matters just as much as size.

Classic flanges tend to fit a medium, more projected or “pointy” breast
Pano flanges are the most popular among my clients and tend to work well for fuller breasts, often C cup and up
Comfy flanges can be a great option for smaller, A-cup breasts
Crater flanges often suit a rounder breast shape and are a common runner-up to pano flanges
Pumping Pals and Lacteck are silicone flanges and are often preferred for elastic tissue

There is no universally “best” flange. The best flange is the one that works for your anatomy.

Where Can I Buy a Flange?

Maymom flanges are available on Amazon.ca. If you’re unsure of your size, Maymom offers a “Goldie Pack,” which includes three sizes of the same shape: your estimated size, one millimetre smaller, and one millimetre larger. This can be very helpful when dialing in fit.

Several Maymom products are also available through breastfeeding clinics in Calgary. I’ve listed local options in my blog post on where to find pumping parts in Calgary.

Pumping Pals flanges may be available at some clinics, though they often sell out and may need to be ordered online.

Lacteck flanges and BeauGen cushions can be ordered online from the States.

Can’t I Just Buy a Big Pack of Inserts From Amazon?

You can, but a full flange is generally preferable for both effectiveness and comfort.

I typically only recommend inserts if we can’t find a flange in the size you need. Inserts can be harder to size visually, so you have to rely more on comfort, milk output, and what your breast tissue looks like after pumping.

Some inserts are opaque, which makes it harder to centre the nipple properly. Compatibility also matters, as some flanges are much shorter than others.

A softer, cloudy plastic insert is usually more comfortable than the very firm, clear silicone inserts commonly sold in large multi-size packs. Inserts with stabilizing rings tend to stay in place better and can improve comfort.

I Have the Right Fitting Flange, But Pumping Still Hurts

Check your suction settings. You should only use the highest comfortable suction. More suction does not always mean more milk. Increase suction only to the point where you’re seeing good sprays and it still feels comfortable. That ideal level can change day to day. Hormonal shifts, your menstrual cycle, stress, fatigue, and even getting used to pumping can all affect sensitivity.

Make Sure Your Pump Is Right for You

A pump is a pump, right? Not quite.

Different pumps have very different suction patterns:

Medela tends to have a quicker, lighter suction
Spectra usually has a slower, stronger pull
BabyBuddha has one of the strongest pulls on the market and is absolutely not for everyone

If you’re unsure what pump might work best for you, starting with a hand pump can be surprisingly helpful. It allows you to feel what speed and depth of suction produce the best sprays and comfort before committing to an electric pump.

Can Pumping Pain Reduce Milk Supply?

The short answer is yes. Oxytocin plays many roles in our body. It helps the uterus contract after delivery, it’s often referred to as our “happy hormone,” and it is responsible for squeezing milk out of the milk-making cells. When we are stressed, upset, or in pain, oxytocin release may be inhibited, making it harder to achieve a letdown. Even if there is milk in the breasts, we may struggle to get it out. If milk is consistently left behind, supply can downregulate over time.

Remember, your breasts should feel soft like your cheek after pumping. If they don’t, there is likely milk being left behind.

Should I Keep Pumping If It Hurts?

We do need to regularly remove milk to maintain and build supply, but how we do that can be modified. If you have pain or damage in the first few days postpartum, focusing on hand expression until the cause of the pain is addressed can be a helpful strategy.

If pumping is making things worse and you have an open or bleeding nipple, apply a cold hydrogel between session, and seek support from an IBCLC.

Regular milk removal is crucial to preventing mastitis, as incomplete emptying can allow mastitis to progress. This is a catch 22 as open sores also increase your risk for mastitis. Keep pump parts extra clean if your nipples are cracked, and watch closely for signs of infection such as fever, body aches, and fatigue.

Pumping is deeply individual. What works beautifully for one person may be completely wrong for another, even if they’re using the same pump, the same flanges, and following the same advice.

Pain is not something you need to push through, normalize, or ignore. Your body is giving you information. With the right adjustments, pumping can become something that fits into your life without dread or discomfort.

If pumping hurts, support is one click away.

Why Does Pumping Hurt?