Advice with flange sizing -elastic nipples
Hello!
I am on what seems to be my second exclusively pumping journey and am looking for some input. I have elastic nipples and started using a LacTek flange and was getting decent output. While trying to work on nursing with my son one weekend, poor latching led to my left side nipple becoming swollen, red, and irritated. It was at this point that the LacTek stopped being as effective. I was able to play around with other pump parts I’ve acquired over the years and the hard medium flange from Pumping Pals was so helpful in emptying me quickly. While it was helpful at emptying me, I can tell it’s too large (feels uncomfortable during pumping, areola is sore, and isn’t emptying me as quickly anymore, etc). I’ve tried the smaller size but I hate the silicone pumpin pals and it doesn’t work for me.
I believe the Pumping Pals medium flange worked well initially because it allowed more space for one of my milk ducts on the top side of my nipple to drain after it becoming swollen/irritated from my son. I obviously don’t want to be in pain or irritated/injure my left breast (it’s my main producer) and so I’m looking for input on what anyone thinks I should do for long term success. Go back to my LacTek? Keep using the Pumping Pal? slowly try to decrease the flange size of another flange until the swelling/irritation goes away? Something else?
Thank you for any insight/help!