If pumping is painful for you, the form of your breast shields is likely to be a part of the issue. One doable answer is Pumpin’ Friends, which have a singular design that many individuals discover to be extra snug.
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What are Pumpin’ Friends?
Pumpin’ Friends are breast shields with a barely totally different design (the Pumpin’ Pal is on the left and the Medela flange is on the correct):
Most flanges have a funnel, the place your breast goes, after which a tunnel in your nipple.
As an alternative of the laborious, round transition between these two elements that you simply see on most flanges, Pumpin’ Friends tapers between the funnel and the world in your nipple, which reduces discomfort and suits the breast extra naturally.
In line with Pumpin’ Pal, this additionally permits milk to stream extra freely.
What pumps do Pumpin’ Friends flanges work with?
Pumpin’ Friends work with most main breast pumps. They might not work with wearable breast pumps, just like the Willow or Elvie, or with hands-free pumping cups, like Freemie.
Pumps with a separate breast protect
With pumps which have the breast protect and connector as two separate items (like Medela breast pumps), utilizing them is fairly easy – you may simply exchange the prevailing flange with the Pumpin’ Friends flange:
Pumps with a mixed breast protect
To make use of Pumpin’ Friends with a Spectra or one other sort of pump with a mixed flange and connector, you want a particular adaptor that you may get right here.
Right here’s how the setup appears with Spectra pump elements and the adaptor:
Pumpin’ Friends Assessment
Once I in contrast the Pumpin Friends to Medela flanges, I favored the Pumpin Friends higher for a couple of causes.
1. Extra snug for the nipple
The nipple is steadily eased in to the Pumpin’ Pal due to the broader, rounder design, whereas it’s a bit extra “stuffed” into the Medela flange.
2. Means to lean again
Pumpin’ Friends have an angled design, making it doable so that you can lean again in a chair when you pump.
All you might want to do is lean ahead once more earlier than disconnecting your self.
3. Simpler to carry onto
As a result of the flanges embody extra of your breast, it’s a lot simpler to carry onto them should you’re not utilizing a hands-free bra.
Additionally, while you maintain onto them, the rounder backside implies that the sides don’t dig into your palms.
General, I actually favored these and would suggest them.
Are you able to do breast compressions with Pumpin Friends?
No, as a result of they cowl far more of your breast than conventional flanges.
Nevertheless, the web site says that that’s intentional, and also you shouldn’t must therapeutic massage whereas pumping as a result of the flange is doing that give you the results you want.
Who’re these flanges good for?
If the conventional flanges that got here together with your pump are working properly for you, then you definitely’re most likely tremendous to maintain utilizing them. Nevertheless, should you’re having any of the next points, they could be a great match for you.
1. Ache whereas pumping/elastic nipples
When you’re having ache while you pump and it doesn’t seem to be altering your flange measurement helps (particularly in case your nipples appear to be stretching far into the connector – that is known as elastic nipples), they’re undoubtedly value a strive.
When you suppose you might have elastic nipples, make sure to purchase the silicone Pumpin Friends as they “grip” the nipple in a different way.
2. Wish to lean again?
Moreover, should you’re feeling burned out with pumping and suppose it could assist to sit down extra comfortably, with the ability to lean again while you pump is a very nice characteristic.
Plus, being relaxed could aid you categorical extra milk.
3. Taking too lengthy to “empty”
Lastly, some folks take a very long time to “empty”. (Breasts can by no means be utterly empty as a result of they’re at all times making milk, so by “empty” I imply you’re expressed a lot of the milk in your breasts.)
Pumpin’ Friends are supposed to assist girls empty quicker – a lot in order that they state that it is best to name their customer support if it takes you longer than 25 minutes.
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How do these flanges work – which finish goes on prime?
The primary time I used these flanges, I used to be actually confused about whether or not the lengthy finish ought to go on prime or on the underside.
The reply is both approach is ok! There are “no guidelines” about what path they face, and you should use no matter is extra snug for you.
Silicone vs laborious plastic Pumpin Friends
Pumpin Friends are made utilizing two totally different supplies – silicone and laborious plastic. Silicone flanges are available XS and S sizes, whereas plastic flanges can be found in M, L, and XL.
Some folks discover silicone breast shields to be extra snug, and other people with elastic nipples have one of the best luck with them.
What measurement ought to I purchase?
Sizing generally is a little complicated. Pumpin’ Friends units are available two sizes – small and huge – and while you order a set, you get three pairs of flanges.
- A small set accommodates additional small, small, and medium flanges. The additional small and small sizes are silicone, and the medium measurement is plastic.
- A big set accommodates medium, massive, and further massive pairs. The big set is all plastic flanges.
Pumpin’ Pal has a quiz that you may take to find out was measurement it is best to use! You’ll be able to take it right here.
When you’ve used Pumpin’ Friends, tell us what you suppose within the feedback! (You should utilize the code EPUMP for five% off!)
References
- Pumpin Pal https://pumpinpal.com
- Philips USA. “The science of consolation; why feeling relaxed helps you categorical extra milk.” https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-mo/breast-pumps-care/the-science-of-comfort
