Breast Pump Shields
This post is about the shield of your Breast Pump and if yours is the right size. When you buy the pump new most of them will come with a standard size but for 30 – 50% of women this is too small. Companies like Medela and Ameda are now supplying their pumps with customizable shields. This allows the mother to make the tunnel bigger so when the pump is activated the nipple will get pulled into the tunnel into it’s proper position.
The benefits of a well fitted breast pump shield;
• Optimal breast emptying
• Avoidance of nipple discomfort while pumping
• Prevention of tissue damage from pumping
What happens when you have the wrong size shield fitted;
The main thing you see first of all is that the flow of milk will be reduced when using a shield that is to small. This is because the nipple becomes pulled into a smaller space and the ducts that let out the milk are pushed together and effectively closed shut. If this happens then the mother can get a back up of milk in the ducts and she might start to feel lumps in here breast from where the backed up milk has gathered. This is called mastitis. If this is left then overtime the blocked ducts will lead to milk production decreasing because the breast will not be able to empty at feeding time.
What size is the right size.
To find out the correct size shield there is a few steps and guide lines to follow below.
1. Make sure the whole nipple area is pulled into the breast pump shield when it starts.
2. The nipple should be able to move freely in and out of the tunnel.
3. If the base of the nipple starts to turn white whilst the pump is in use then the shield fit is too small.
4. The nipple should be positioned in the center of the tunnel so the milk can flow at its best. If not then this can cause pain.
5. The best overall indicator is comfort. If you are in discomfort then there’s a good chance your breast pump shield is to small for you.
