Expressing: Breast shells on pumps

[TeaAndSlanket]

Pardon my ignorance here. A couple of questions: what kind of fit on shields should you be looking for, for pain-free expressing? Lots Larger than nipple or a snugger fit?

Also, am finding my nipples and areolas swell quite a lot, even at low suction. is this a problem? Using a larger shield they get ridiculously big.

I'm not finding it very productive and hand-expressing is a disaster.

Mine is quite bigger than my nipples and areola.

If they swell it usually means you haven't got a perfect seal so air is getting in. I had to experiment a few times with placement of the pump and suction. It shouldn't hurt.

This gives you a good idea of what to look for in a well fitting breast shield.

Medela, Ameda, Lansinoh and Ardo do different sized shields (there may be other brands that do too - these are the ones I am aware of!) so depending on your brand of pump you may be able to get a better fitting shield.

Using the wrong sized shield can cause pain/discomfort, lower milk yield and even damage the nipple depending on how long the wrong sized shield is used for so do be aware if your shields don't fit properly.

Definitely agree with Iggly - pumping shouldn't hurt!