Kerri Christie, IBCLC

01/09/2024

Yes! So much waste of all those 24/27-28 sized fl**ges, and so many people pumping with the wrong size which can lead to pain, nipple/areola damage, and inefficient pumping that contributes to low milk production and plugged ducts. Most of the people I see are in the 12-17mm range. Though of course ni***es come in all sizes, and I see ni***es outside that range, too; these are just the most common in our practice. All pumping people deserve a proper fit! More options and better guidance are needed with each pump!

If pump companies were ever to make a resolution for 2024, my hope is that it would be to
♻️ RECYCLE the 2️⃣4️⃣mm in 2024!!! 🌳🌱🌴
Given that 24mm (and larger fl**ges) are too large for 99% of the earth's population who pump their milk 🌎 (that's my estimate but hey, the research studies are coming)...that means that hundreds of thousands of plastic fl**ges are going in the trash 🗑️ (well, for those who had an effective fl**ge fitting anyway)...I know, I know, some people DO pump extremely comfortably (it should feel like nothing or a gentle tug) and get plenty of milk out in 15-20 minutes with a 24mm or larger (hey, rarely 21 and larger, honestly), but if 21mm+ works for them, then cool, they can keep 'em. We need a few 21mm+ fl**ges available. But all pumps should come with sizes 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17...at least that's what I think (and many of my colleagues agree).
Share this post and tag pump companies, please!!!
If you are convinced you are using the perfect size for you (based on my Fl**ge FITS™ Guide), what size are you using?
Or if you're a lactation professional who does fl**ge fittings, what are your top three most common sizes?
If you work for a pump company, what is your excuse? :)
Any tags below do not reflect endorsement of any pump or pump company, just for the record. Many pumps are of good quality, some aren't but hey...no one asked me...

~ Jeanette Mesite Frem, MHS, IBCLC, RLC, CCE
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Creator, Fl**ge FITS™ Guide and several courses for lactation professionals and for parents about pumping and feeding gear.

01/23/2023

We are carry mammals. Your baby doesn't know society tries to tell you otherwise ❤️

01/14/2023

This is key!

When latching your baby, one of the most important things you can do to help get a better latch, is to support your baby's NECK, and not put any pressure on the back of their head. When you push on the back of the head, baby will tuck their chin to the chest, and it is really difficult to open your mouth and to swallow in this position. Adding pressure instead to the neck and upper back, allows your baby to extend their neck a little, bring their chin up, and open their mouth wide. This also brings their nose away from the breast tissue, and opens the airway nicely.