If pumping makes up part, or all, of your feeding journey, let's ensure you're set up for success and get to know your breasts! 

The flange - the cone part that sits directly at the breast and where you nipple extends inside - of your pump plays a vital part in how effectively milk is removed from your breast! 

Too small or too big and you may experience discomfort or damage to your nipple as well as a lower supply than your baby needs! You want your nipple to glide in the tunnel part, lightly touching the sides and feeling comfortable, not squashed or with too much space within the tunnel! 

Most pumps come with a standard size of around 24mm (sometimes bigger) while most women measure much smaller - One study found the average nipple size was closer to 13-19mm (@mother.shaheda has a great post about this on her grid and links to a fab guide by @jeanettemf !) ! 

IMPORTANT: breasts are sisters not twins so measure both as they may need different flange sizes! If one works for a while and then something changes...get an updated measurement as breasts change through pregnancy and beyond! You may find there are silicon inserts available if not alternatively flanges to choose from beyond the larger one they sent with the pump.

So, before throwing out the pump with the bathwater (no babies being thrown here)...have a measure of your nipple, with a measuring tape or a nipple ruler tool, focusing on the tip of your nipple before feeding or pumping.