Breast pumps for huge breasts/nipples

[HitTheRoadJack]

I am at the moment 36 weeks pregnant and a 36GG/H cup. I have flat nipples and want to be prepared with an expresser should I need one to pull my nipples out (last time I used nipple shields and I'm NOT going down that road again).

I used the manual Avent but my hand ached, so I bought the electric Tommee Tippee and just felt that my boobs were too big for a decent suction.

Any ideas what else I can try?

I've got a philips avent electric breast pump, i'm a 38FF and it works for me, its got a soft massage cushion and as long as I hold my boob in place it doesn't lose suction and its comfortable.

Do you have to sit there holding your boob in place the entire time?

Ardo do a personalised pump set that comes with a 36mm sized breastshell (28mm & 31mm too).

I've not used them myself (having the opposite problem of even the smallest shell by Medela being too large!) but they are closed pump units so are fine to sell on afterwards or you could hire.

Other pump brands available for sale and hire before anyone thinks I'm advertising!

I'm 40F and use the medela swing with the shell it came with and works well for me.

Can you hire from the hospital...and can you choose which brand you hire?

Probably not. You can hire Medela and Ameda from the NCT and I think Express Yourselves Mums. Ardo I think hire direct.

Hey, I'm exactly the same size as you and have used tommee tippee with no problem (well, I have masses of milk which it sometimes struggles with, but thats another problem). Remember that the pump only need cover your areola not actually 'cup' your boob like a bra.
However, flat nipples aren't necessarily a problem for BF and I'd definitely recommend you establish BF before worrying about expressing. Ensure you get enough support in the early days - if you aren't happy or in pain, keeping asking for help until things are better. Good luck.

Yeah-I managed to feed no problem last time but with bloody stupid nipple protectors, and I'm not being fooled by the "health professionals" this time. I don't want to express as I won't be giving my baby a teat but I want to "pull out" my nipple and the pumps are the best way to do it apparently.

I SHALL SUCCEED!!